ALEXANDRE DUMAS

CAVALERUL REGINEI
LE CHEVALIER DE MAISON-ROUGE
Capitolul I
NROLAII VOLUNTARI
Era n seara zilei de 10 martie 1793. Aia s!naser" #eas!rile ze#e
la N$tre-%ame &i "t"ile' des(rinz)nd!-se !na d!(" alta #a ni&te
("s"ri n$#t!rne dintr-un #!i de r$nz' &i l!a! z$r!l' trist' m$n$t$n'
(ateti#.
N$a(tea #e se l"sase as!(ra *aris!l!i n! era (lin" de z+$m$t'
,!rt!n$as" &i ntret"iat" de ,!l+ere' #i re#e &i nne+!rat".
*aris!l ns!&i n! era ni#i (e de(arte *aris!l #!n$s#!t' str"l!#ind
seara de mii de focui ce !e o"linde!c #n m$%"a-i ($leit"' *aris!l
tre#"t$ril$r +r"i-i' *aris!l &$a(tel$r .esele &i-al s!!riil$r a/i#e'
(e(inier" a #ert!ril$r a(ri+e &i-a #rimel$r temerare' #!(t$r din s)n!l
#"r!ia se nal-" mii de !rlete. *aris!l n! mai era de#)t !n $ra& #$(le&it
de r!&ine' s,i$s' nelini&tit' ai #"r!i rari l$#!it$ri aler+a! #a s" str"at"
dintr-$ strad" n alta &i se n"(!stea! (e alei sa! (e s! ($rtal!ri #a
ni&te ,iare s"lati#e' /"it!ite de .)n"t$ri' (ierind #a n+/i-ite de
.iz!inile l$r.
Era' n s,)r&it' a&a #!m am s(!s' *aris!l zilei de 10 martie 1793.
0)te.a #!.inte des(re m(re1!r"rile #riti#e #are ad!seser" ase2
menea s#/imare n as(e#t!l 0a(italei &i a($i .$m tre#e la e.e2
nimentele #are ,$rmeaz" $ie#t!l ($.estirii de ,a-".
3ran-a' $dat" #! m$artea l!i L!d$.i# al 4VI-lea' $ r!(sese #! t$at"
E!r$(a. 0el$r trei d!&mani #! #are se r"z$ise mai nainte' #! alte
#!.inte *r!siei' Im(eri!l!i A!striei &i *iem$nt!l!i' li se ad"!+aser"
An+lia' Olanda &i 5(ania. N!mai 5!edia &i %anemar#a &i ("stra!
.e#/ea l$r ne!tralitate' (re$#!(ate dealt,el' #!m era &i ,ires#' s" stea
#! $#/ii a-inti-i la E#aterina a II-a' #are destr"ma *$l$nia.
5it!a-ia era ns("im)nt"t$are. 3ran-a' nedis(re-!it" #a (!tere
real"' dar dest!l de (!-in (re-!it" #a ,$r-" m$ral"' de #)nd #!
masa#rele din se(temrie &i e6e#!-ia din 71 ian!arie' era literalmente
l$#at"' #a !n sim(l! $ra&' de ntrea+a E!r$(". An+lia se a,la (e
#$astele n$astre' 5(ania n *irinei' *iem$nt!l &i A!stria n Al(i' Olanda
&i *r!sia n n$rd!l "ril$r de 8$s' &i' dintr-!n sin+!r l$#' #!(rins ntre
Rin!l de 5!s &i ,l!.i!l Es#a!t' d$!" s!te #in#ize#i de mii de $sta&i
.enea! n mar& m($tri.a Re(!li#ii.
*este t$t +eneralii n$&tri era! res(in&i9 :a#zins;i ,!sese silit s"
("r"seas#" Ai6-la-0/a(elle &i s" se retra+" s(re Lie+e< 5tein+el &i
Ne!ill= ,!seser" m(in&i s(re Lim!r+< :iranda' #are asediase
:aestri#/t' se retr"sese n T$n+res< Valen#e &i %am(ierre' sili-i s" at"
n retra+ere' (ierd!ser" $ (arte din materiale. *este ze#e mii de
dezert$ri ,!+iser" din !nit"-ile militare &i se r"s()ndiser" n interi$r' n
s,)r&it' 0$n.en-ia nemain"d"1d!ind de#)t n %!m$!riez i trimisese
&ta,et" d!(" &ta,et"' ($r!n#ind!-i s" ("r"seas#" mal!rile #!rs!l!i de
a(" >ies$$s' !nde se (re+"tea (entr! $ dear#are n Olanda' #a s"
.in" s" ia #$manda armatei de (e :e!se.
0! inima ,rem"t)nd' #a !n tr!( ns!,le-it' 3ran-a s!,erea n *aris'
#! alte #!.inte #/iar n mi1l$#!l ei' t$ate l$.it!rile (e #are in.azia'
r"s#$ala sa! tr"darea i le d"dea! n (!n#tele #ele mai nde("rtate.
Ori#e .i#t$rie era $ iz!#nire de !#!rie' dar ,ie#are n,r)n+ere
nsemna $ nte-ire a ter$arei. A&adar' se ($ate lesne n-ele+e #e t!m!lt
is#aser" .e&tile e&e#!ril$r s!##esi.e (e #are t$#mai le n#er#aser"m.
n a1!n' n zi!a de 9 martie' la 0$n.en-ie a.!sese l$# $ &edin-"
dintre #ele mai ,!rt!n$ase' t$-i $,i-erii (rimiser" $rdin s" se (rezinte
n!maide#)t la re+imentele l$r' iar %ant$n' #are' (lin de #!tezan-"'
(r$(!nea l!#r!ri im($siile #e se nde(linea! t$t!&i' %ant$n' !r#)nd la
tri!n"' stri+ase9
? @i#e-i #" ." li(ses# s$lda-iiA Baide-i s" d"m *aris!l!i (rile1!l
de-a sal.a 3ran-a' s"-i #erem treize#i de mii de $ameni' s"-i trimitem
l!i %!m$!riez' &i n! n!mai #" 3ran-a e sal.at"' dar ne asi+!r"m >el+ia'
iar Olanda e #a &i #!#erit".
*r$(!nerea ,!sese (rimit" #! stri+"te ent!ziaste' n t$ate se#-iile
($,tite s" se ntr!neas#" n #!rs!l serii' se des#/iseser" re+istre (entr!
.$l!ntari. 5(e#ta#$lele ,!seser" interzise (entr! a m(iedi#a $ri#e ,el
de distra#-ie' iar la *alat!l (rim"riei ,!sese ar$rat !n dra(el ne+r! n
semn de dezn"de1de.
nainte de miez!l n$(-ii' treize#i &i #in#i de mii de n!me ,i+!ra!
ns#rise n re+istrele #! (ri#ina.
N!mai #" se nt)m(lase n seara a#eea #e se nt)m(lase &i n
#!rs!l zilel$r l!i se(temrie. La ,ie#are se#-ie' nr$la-ii .$luntai&
#n!ciindu-se' #er!ser" #a' naintea (le#"rii l$r' tr"d"t$rii s" ,ie (e2
de(si-i.
Tr"d"t$rii n! era! de ,a(t al-ii de#)t #$ntrare.$l!-i$narii' #$n2
s(irat$rii de+/iza-i #are amenin-a! din"!ntr! Re.$l!-ia amenin-at"
dina,ar". %ar' d!(" #!m e lesne de n-eles' #!.)nt!l #"("ta t$at"
am(l$area (e #are .$ia! s" i-$ dea (artidele e6tremiste #are s,)&ia!
3ran-a la e($#a a#eea. Tr"d"t$rii era! #ei mai slai. Or' mai slai de#)t
t$-i era! +ir$ndinii. :$nta+narzii /$t"r)r" #a ei' +ir$ndinii' s" ,ie
tr"d"t$rii.
A d$!a zi ? 10 martie ? t$-i de(!ta-ii m$nta+narzi era! (rezen-i
la &edin-". Ia#$inii' narma-i' !m(l!ser" tri!nele' d!(" #e iz+$niser"
,emeile' #)nd iat" #" a(are (rimar!l' ns$-it de 0$nsili!l 0$m!nei'
#$n,irm" ra($rt!l #$misaril$r 0$n.en-iei #! (ri.ire la de.$tament!l
#et"-enil$r &i re(et" #ererea' !nanim emis" n a1!n' (entr! n!mirea
!n!i tri!nal e6tra$rdinar' menit s"-i 1!de#e (e tr"d"t$ri.
N!maide#)t ,! #er!t #! stri+"te (!terni#e !n ra($rt al #$mitet!l!i.
0$mitet!l se ntr!ne&te (e dat" &i' d!(" ze#e min!te' R$ert Lindet
s(!ne #" se .a n!mi !n tri!nal' al#"t!it din n$!" 1!de#"t$ri
inde(enden-i ,a-" de $ri#e ,$rme (r$#ed!rale' m("r-i-i n d$!"
se#-i!ni' de asemenea (ermanente' #are &i .$r asi+!ra (r$ele
d$.edit$are (rin t$ate mi1l$a#ele &i i .$r !rm"ri la #ererea 0$n.en-iei
sa! din ini-iati." (r$(rie (e t$-i #ei #e ar n#er#a s" #reeze $ stare de
der!t" n r)nd!rile ($($r!l!i.
%!(" #!m se .e#ie< n#$rdarea era mare. Cir$ndinii n-eleser" #"
asta nsemna nl"t!rarea l$r. 5e ridi#ar" n mas" &i r"#nir"9
? :ai ine m$artea de#)t s" #$nsim-im la insta!rarea !nei
in#/izi-ii .ene-ieneD
%re(t r"s(!ns la a($str$,area l$r' m$nta+narzii #er!r" .$t!l (rin
.i! +rai.
? %a' stri+" 3Era!d' da' s" .$t"m #a s"-i d"m n .ilea+ (e
$amenii #are .$r s" !#id" ne.in$."-ia n n!mele le+ii.
5e .$teaz" ntr-ade."r &i' m($tri.a t!t!r$r a&te(t"ril$r' ma2
1$ritatea de#lar"9 1F #" .$r ,i 1!ra-i' 7F #" 1!ra-ii .$r ,i re#r!ta-i n n!m"r
e+al din de(artamente' 3F #" .$r ,i n!mi-i de 0$n.en-ie.
'n clipa #n cae cele tei p$(!neri ,!r" admise' se a!zir" stri+"te
(!terni#e. Ad!narea 0$n.en-iei era $i&n!it" #! .izitele (leei. 0er! s"
a,le #e d$rea. I se r"s(!nse #" $ de(!t"-ie a nr$la-il$r .$l!ntari #are
#inase la /ala de +r)! r!+a s" i se n+"d!ie s" de,ileze n ,a-a ad!n"rii.
N!maide#)t se des#/iser" !&ile &i &ase s!te de "ra-i' narma-i
#! s"ii' (ist$ale &i s!li-e' se ar"tar" (e 1!m"tate e-i &i de,ilar" n
mi1l$#!l a(la!zel$r' #er)nd s!s &i tare m$artea tr"d"t$ril$r.
? %a' le r"s(!nse 0$ll$t dGBer$is' da' (rieteni' n #i!da intri+il$r'
." .$m sal.a &i (e .$i &i liertateaD
0!.intele de mai s!s ,!r" !rmate de $ (ri.ire ar!n#at" +ir$n2
dinil$r' (ri.ire #e-i ,"#! s" n-elea+" #" n! era! ni#ide#!m n a,ara
(rime1diei.
'nt-ade."r' d!(" n#/eierea &edin-ei 0$n.en-iei' m$nta+narzii se
m(r"&tiar" (rin #elelalte #l!!ri' alear+ar" la #$rdelieri &i la ia#$ini'
(r$(!n)nd!-le s"-i s#$at" de s! s#!t!l le+ii (e tr"d"t$ri (entr! a-i
m"#el"ri #/iar n n$a(tea a#eea.
5$-ia l!i L$!.et l$#!ia n strada 5aint-B$n$rE' #/iar l)n+" ia#$ini.
A!zind .$#i,er"ri' #$$ar"' intr" n #l!' a!de (r$(!nerea &i !r#" n
mare +ra" s"-&i (re.in" s$-!l. L$!.et se narmeaz"' alear+" din !&" n
!&" s"-&i .esteas#" (rietenii' a,l" #" t$-i (le#aser"' sl!1it$r!l !n!ia
dintre ei i s(!ne #" s!nt #! t$-ii la *Eti$n' se d!#e nent)rziat a#$l$ &i-i
+"se&te dez"t)nd lini&tit !n de#ret (e #are !rma! s"-l (rezinte a d$!a
zi' ,"#)nd!-&i il!zii as!(ra !nei ma1$rit"-i del$# si+!re' a #/iar
,"lind!-se la +)nd!l #" .$r $-ine a(r$area. Le ($.este&te #eea #e se
(etre#e' le m("rt"&e&te temerile sale' le s(!ne #e an!me (!n la #ale
m($tri.a l$r ia#$inii &i #$rdelierii &i n#/eie ($,tind!-i s" ia m"s!ri
ener+i#e n #eea #e-i (ri.e&te.
At!n#i *Eti$n se ridi#"' #alm &i im(asiil #a de $i#ei' se d!#e la
,ereastr"' $ des#/ide' (ri.e&te #er!l' ntinde ra-ele a,ar" &i'
tr"+)nd!-&i nd"r"t m)inile &ir$ind de a("' zi#e9
? *l$!"' n n$a(tea asta n! .a ,i nimi#.
*rin ,ereastra a#!m ntredes#/is" ("tr!nser" #ele din !rm" .ira-ii
ale $r$l$+i!l!i #are "tea $ra ze#e.
Iat"' a&adar' #e se (etre#!se la *aris n a1!n &i #/iar n zi!a a#eea<
iat" #e se (etre#ea n seara zilei de 10 martie &i de #e' n ezna !med"
&i n t"#erea amenin-"t$are' #asele /"r"zite s"-i ad"($steas#" (e #ei
.ii' nt!ne#ate &i ($s$m$r)te' ("rea! s"la&!ri ale !n$r m$r-i.
'nt-ade."r' nes,)r&ite (atr!le ale +"rzil$r na-i$nale' (re#edate de
#er#eta&i #! ai$neta nainte' #ete de #et"-eni din se#-iile narmate la
nt)m(lare' ("&ind n r)nd!ri str)nse' 1andarmii #er#et)nd ,ie#e #$l-i&$r
de !&" &i ,ie#e +an+' iat" sin+!rii l$#!it$ri ai $ra&!l!i #are #!teza! s"
se a.ent!reze (e str"zi' ()n" ntr-at)t l!mea n-elesese din instin#t #"
se (!nea la #ale #e.a ne#!n$s#!t &i ns("im)nt"t$r.
O (l$aie m"r!nt" &i re#e #a +/ea-a' (l$aia a#eea #are l lini&tise
(e *Eti$n' se ($rnise (ar#" an!me (entr! a s($ri indis($zi-ia &i
nelini&tea +ardienil$r ale #"r$r nt)lniri sem"na! #! ni&te (re+"tiri de
l!(t" &i #are' d!(" #e se re#!n$&tea! #! nen#redere' s#/ima! (ar$la
n#et &i n sil". *e !rm"' ."z)nd!-i #!m &i nt$r#ea! #a(etele (entr! a
se !ita !nii la #eilal-i d!(" #e se des("r-ea!' ai ,i zis #" &i !nii &i al-ii se
temea! re#i(r$# s" n! ,ie ata#a-i (e la s(ate.
Or' t$#mai n seara a#eea' #)nd *aris!l ("rea #!(rins de-$ s(aim"
at)t de des re(etat" n#)t ,ires# ar ,i ,$st s" se ,i de(rins ntr!#)t.a #!
ea' n seara a#eea #)nd se (l"n!ia (e t"#!te m"#el"rirea
re.$l!-i$naril$r li(si-i de elan #are' d!(" #e .$taser"' #! m!lte a-ineri
m$artea re+el!i' se #$dea! a#!m n ,a-a m$r-ii re+inei' #a(ti." n
n#/is$area Tem(le' #! #$(iii &i #!mnata ei' n seara a#eea $ ,emeie
n."l!it" ntr-$ mantie de indian lilia#/i!' #! ("r!l ne+r!' #! #a(!l
a#$(erit sa! mai #!r)nd #!,!ndat n +l!+a mantiei' se stre#!ra de-a
lun"ul ca!elo de pe !tada Saint-Hono(& a!cun%$ndu-!e )a #n int$nd!l
.re!nei ($r-i' a n .re!n !n+/er dintre zid!ri' $ri de #)te $ri se i.ea $
(atr!l"' &i r"m)n)nd ne#lintit" #a $ stat!ie' -in)nd!-&i r"s!,larea ()n"
#e (atr!la tre#ea' #a a($i s" ren#ea(" ,!+a' !rm)nd!-&i #!rsa ra(id"'
nelini&tit"' ()n" #)nd alt" (rime1die' de a#ela&i s$i' $ silea din n$! s"
ta#" &i s" n#remeneas#".
5tr""t!se ast,el ne$ser.at"' +ra-ie (re#a!-iil$r (e #are &i le l!a'
$ (arte din strada 5aint-B$n$rE' #)nd la #$l-!l str"zii Crenelle d"d! n!
(este $ (atr!l"' #i (este $ #eat" de .ite1i' nr$la-i .$l!ntari' #are
#inaser" &i ei n /ala de +r)! &i al #"r$r (atri$tism de.enise n#" &i mai
n,l"#"rat dat$rit" n!mer$asel$r t$ast!ri (e #are le n#/inaser"
.i#t$riil$r .iit$are.
5"rmana ,emeie s#$ase !n stri+"t &i n#er#" s" ,!+" (e strada
0$H.
* Ei' t!' #et"-ean"' stri+" &e,!l #etei de nr$la-i' #"#i demnii n$&tri
(atri$-i &i &i aleseser" &e,ii' ()n" ntr-at)t ne.$ia de a ,i #$mandat e
,ireas#" $m!l!i. EiD t!' n#$tr$A
3!+ara ni#i +)nd s" r"s(!nd"< aler+a ntr!na.
? Arma la $#/iD ,"#! &e,!l' e !n "rat tra.estit' .re!n arist$#rat
#are ,!+eD
Ii z+$m$t!l a d$!"-trei ,linte' ,$l$site ,"r" (re#izie de m)ini (rea
&$."it$are #a s" ($at" s" ,ie si+!re' i ad!se la #!n$&tin-" ietei ,emei
mi&#area ,atal" n #!rs de e6e#!tare.
? N!' n!D stri+" ea $(rind!-se r!s# &i nt$r#)nd!-se nd"r"t' n!'
#et"-ene' te n&eli' n! s!nt "rat.
? At!n#i nainteaz" la $rdin' zise &e,!l' &i s(!ne dre(t9 n#$tr$ te
d!#i t! a&a' #a $ (as"re de n$a(te (lin" de ,arme#eA
? %ar n! m" d!# ni#"ieri' #et"-ene... m" nt$r# a#as".
* Hm+ ,e-nt$r#i a#as"A
* Da-
? *entr! $ ,emeie #instit" te-nt$r#i #am t)rzi! a#as"' #et"-ean".
? Vin de la $ r!d" #are e $lna.".
? *isi#!-" mi#"' zise &e,!l ,"#)nd !n an!me +est #! m)na' la #are
,emeia' s(eriat"' se trase re(ede nd"r"t' ,erind!-se' &i !nde ni-e
canetul.
? 0arnet!l me!A 0!m a&a' #et"-eneA 0e .rei s" s(!i &i s"-mi cei.
* Ce& n-ai citit decetul Comunei.
* Nu-
* L-ai au%it atunci poclamat #n "ua mae.
? >a n!. Ii #e s(!ne de#ret!l a#ela' %$amne-Dumne%eule.
? :ai nt)i #" n! se mai s(!ne %$amne-%!mneze!le< a#!m se
s(!ne 3iin-" 5!(rem".
? Iertare' am +re&it. Oi#ei .e#/i.
* /o!t o)icei- O)icei de ai!tocat-
? Am s" n#er# s" m" ndre(t' #et"-ene. %ar s(!neai...A
? 5(!neam #" de#ret!l 0$m!nei interzi#e s" ie&i d!(" $rele ze#e
seara ,"r" #arnet de #et"-ean. Ai #arnet!l de #et"-eanA
* O& nu+
* L-ai uitat la uda ta.
* N-am &ti!t #" tre!ia s" ies #! #arnet!l a#ela.
? At!n#i' /ai la (rim!l ($st. A#$l$ ai s" te 1!sti,i#i ,r!m!&el ,a-"
de #"(itan &i' da#"-i m!l-!mit de tine' te trimite la d$mi#ili!' ns$-it"
de d$i $ameni' de n! ? te -ine ()n" #e #a("t" in,$rma-ii mai
am"n!n-ite. La st)n+a .-alinia-i' +r"i-i (as!l' nainte mar&D
La stri+"t!l de +r$az" (e #are-l s#$ase arestata' &e,!l nr$la-il$r
.$l!ntari n-elese #" iata ,emeie se temea +r$za. de asemenea
m"s!r".
* A-/aD ,"#! el. A#!m s!nt si+!r #-am pu! m$na pe-un 0$nat de
!oi- Hai& 1ai& ia-$ la (i#i$r' mi#!-e' (e-aci-nainte-
Ii &e,!l a(!#" ra-!l arestatei' l tre#! (e s! al s"!' &i-$ t)r d!("
el #"tre ($st!l de la *alais-E"alit(& cu toate !tri+"tele &i la#rimile ei.
A1!nseser" n dre(t!l arierei 5er+en-il$r #)nd !n t)n"r nalt'
n."l!it ntr-$ mantie' #$tea (e d!(" #$l-!l str"zii
0r$i6-de!-/etit!-0/am(s' t$#mai n #li(a n #are #a(ti.a n#er#a (rin
r!+"min-ile ei s"-&i re#a(ete liertatea. %ar' ,"r" s-$ as#!lte' &e,!l
.$l!ntaril$r $ t)ra d!(" el #! s"l"ti#ie. T)n"ra n$astr" s#$ase !n
-i("t' (e 1!m"tate de s(aim"' (e 1!m"tate de d!rere.
T)n"r!l ."z! l!(ta' a!zi -i("t!l &i' s"rind dintr-!n #a("t al str"zii n
#el"lalt' se +"si ,a-" n ,a-" #! #eata #ea mi#" de $ameni.
? 0e e &i #e ,a#e-i #! ,emeia astaA ntre" el (e #el #e ("rea a ,i
&e,!l.
? %e#)t s" m" ntrei' mai ine n!--i .)r nas!l !nde n!--i ,iere
$ala.
* Cine-i ,emeia asta' #et"-eni' &i #e-a.e-i #! eaA re(et" t)n"r!l'
de data asta #! !n t$n mai ($r!n#it$r de#)t nt)ia $ar".
? %ar' m" r$+' #ine e&ti t! #a s" ne (!i ntre"riA
T)n"r!l &i d"d! la $ (arte mantia' &i-!n e($let se z"ri str"l!#ind
(e -in!ta-i militar".
? 5!nt $,i-er' r"s(!nse el' d!(" #!m (!te-i .edea.
? O,i-er... !ndeA
* n +arda #i.i#".
? Ei &iA 0e ne (as" n$!" de astaA .$ri !n "rat din #eat". 0e
&tim n$i de a&a #e.aA BmD O,i-er din +arda #i.i#"D
* Ce-ndr!+" "staA ntre" !n alt!l' #! !n +las t"r"+"nat &i ir$ni#'
s(e#i,i# $amenil$r din ($($r' sa! mai #!r)nd (leei (ari%iene c$nd e
"ata-+ata s" se n,!rie.
* Ce-ndr!+"A ntre" t)n"r!l. 5(!ne #" da#" e($let!l n! e n
stare s" im(!n" res(e#t!l #!.enit $,i-er!l!i' at!n#i saia .a ,a#e #a
e($let!l s" ,ie res(e#tat.
Ii n a#ela&i tim(' tr"+)nd!-se !n (as na($i' a("r"t$r!l ne2
#!n$s#!t al tinerei ,emei s#$ase de s! ,ald!rile mantiei $ saie de
in,anterie' mare &i s$lid"' ,"#)nd-$ s" s#li(eas#" la l!mina !n!i ,elinar.
A($i' #! $ mi&#are i!te' semn si+!r #" era de(rins s" l!(te #! arma'
a(!#)nd (e &e,!l nr$la-il$r .$l!ntari de "uleul camaniolei
2
&i
(!n)nd!-i 0$ful !a)iei dept #n "$tle3& #i !pu!e4
? A#!m s" st"m de .$r" #a d$i !ni ami#i.
? %ar' #et"-ene...' ,"#! &e,!l nr$la-il$r' n#er#)nd s" se eliereze.
? -i (!n n .edere #" la #ea mai mi#" mi&#are (e #are $ ,a#i' la
#ea mai mi#" mi&#are (e #are $ ,a# $amenii t"i' -i str"(!n+ tr!(!l #!
saia.
ntre tim(' d$i $ameni din #eat" #$ntin!a! s" -in" ,emeia.
2 Bain" s#!rt" #e se (!rta n tim(!l Re.$l!-iei 3ran#eze
? :2ai ntreat #ine s!nt' !rm" t)n"r!l' &i n2a.eai dre(t!l' (entr!
#" n! #$manzi $ (atr!l" le+al". 0! t$ate astea am s"2-i s(!n9 m"
n!mes# :a!ri#e Linde=< la 10 a!+!st am a.!t s! #$mand" $ aterie
de t!nari. 5!nt l$#$tenent n Carda na-i$nal" &i se#retar!l se#-iei 3ra-i
&i Ami#i. i2e de2a1!nsA
? Vai' #et"-ene l$#$tenent' r"s(!nse &e,!l amenin-at n#" de
t"i&!l s"iei #"reia i sim-ea .)r,!l a("s)nd din #e n #e mai tare' asta2i
#! t$t!l alt#e.a. %a#" e&ti ntr2ade."r #eea #e s(!i' adi#" !n ade."rat
(atri$t...
? Ei' .eziA Itiam e! ine #2a.em s" ne n-ele+em d!(" !n s#/im
de #)te.a #!.inte' s(!se $,i-er!l. A#!m e r)nd!l t"! s"2mi r"s(!nzi9 de
#e -i(a ,emeia asta' #e2i ,"#ea-iA
? O d!#eam la #$r(!l de +ard".
? Ii de #e2$ d!#ea-i la #$r(!l de +ard"A
? *entr! #" n2are #arnet de #et"-ean &i (entr! #" !ltim!l de#ret al
0$m!nei $rd$n" s" ,ie arestat $ri#ine ndr"zne&te s" !mle (e str"zile
*aris!l!i d!(" $rele ze#e seara ,"r" #arnet de #et"-ean. Ui-i #" (atria
e2n (rime1die &i #" ,lam!ra nd$liat" ,)l,)ie (e a#$(eri&!l (rim"rieiA
? 3lam!ra nd$liat" ,)l,)ie (e a#$(eri&!l (rim"riei &i (atria e2n
(rime1die (entr! #" d$!" s!te de mii de r$i m"r&"l!ies# m($tri.a
3ran-ei' s(!se n #$ntin!are $,i-er!l' &i n! (entr! #" $ ,emeie !ml" (e
str"zile *aris!l!i d!(" $ra ze#e seara. %ar' n2are a ,a#e #et"-eni' e6ist"
!n de#ret al 0$m!nei' s!nte-i n dre(t!l .$str!' &i da#" mi2a-i ,i
r"s(!ns t$ate a#estea n!maide#)t' e6(li#a-ia dintre n$i ar ,i ,$st mai
s#!rt" &i mai (a&ni#". E ine s" ,ii (atri$t' dar n!2i r"! s" ,ii ($liti#$s' &i
(rim!l $,i-er (e #are #et"-enii tre!ie s"2l res(e#te e' d!(" #)te2mi
(are' #el (e #are l2a! n!mit #/iar ei. A#!m' da#" .re-i' n2a.e-i de#)t s2$
d!#e-i (e ,emeia asta' s!nte-i lieri.
? VaiD #et"-ene' stri+" la r)nd!l ei ,emeia' #are !rm"rise ntrea+a
dezatere #! ad)n#" n+ri1$rare' &i2l (rinse (e :a!ri#e de ra-< .aiD
#et"-ene' n! m" l"sa-i (e m)na a#est$r $ameni ne#i$(li-i' (e 1!m"tate
e-i.
? 3ie' zise :a!ri#e' l!a-i2m" de ra- &i ." .$i #$nd!#e' m(re!n"
#! ei' ()n" la ($st.
? La ($stD re(et" ns("im)ntat" ,emeia' la ($stD Ii de #e s" ,i!
#$nd!s" la ($st de .reme #e n2am ,"#!t r"! nim"n!iA
? 5!nte-i #$nd!s" la ($st' zise :a!ri#e' n! ,iind#" a-i ,"#!t .re!n
r"! #!i.a sa! ,iind#" s2ar (res!(!ne #2a-i ,i n stare s"2l ,a#e-i' #i
(entr! #" !n de#ret al 0$m!nei interzi#e s" se !mle n$a(tea ,"r"
#arnet &i (entr! #" d!mnea.$astr" n!2l a.e-i.
* Da& domnule& nu &tiam.
? 0et"-ean"' la ($st .e-i +"si $ameni de trea" #are .$r #/iz!i
as!(ra m$ti.el$r d!mnea.$astr" &i de #are n! a.e-i a ." teme.
? %$mn!le' s(!se t)n"ra' str)n+)nd!2l (e $,i-er de ra-' n! de
ins!lt" m" tem' #i de m$arte. %a#" s!nt d!s" la ($st' s!nt (ierd!t".
Capitolul II
NECUNOSCU,A
%in +las!l a#ela se des(rindea !n a##ent at)t de (!terni# de
temere &i de distin#-ie t$t$dat"' n#)t :a!ri#e tres"ri. 0a !n &$#
ele#tri#' .$#ea .irant" i ("tr!nse ()n" n inim".
5e nt$arse #"tre nr$la-ii .$l!ntari' #are -inea! s,at. Umili-i #"
,!seser" -in!-i n &a/ de !n sin+!r $m' se s,"t!ia! a#!ma #! inten-ia
.iziil" de2a re#)&ti+a teren!l (ierd!t9 era! $(t #$ntra !n!. Trei dintre
ei a.ea! (!&ti' #eilal-i (ist$ale &i s!li-e. :a!ri#e n2a.ea de#)t saia.
L!(ta n! (!tea ,i e+al".
0/iar &i ,emeia n-elesese #!m sta! l!#r!rile' #"#i l"s" #a(!l n 1$s'
s!s(in)nd.
0)t des(re :a!ri#e' #! s(r)n#eana2n#r!ntat"' #! #$l-!rile !zel$r
ridi#ate n semn de dis(re-' #! saia s#$as" din tea#"' &$."ia ntre
sentimentele !mane #are2i ($r!n#ea! s" a(ere ,emeia &i dat$ria
#et"-eneas#" #e2l ndemna s2$ (redea.
%e$dat"' dins(re #$l-!l str"zii >$ns2En,ants se ."z! s#)nteind
l!#i!l mai m!lt$r -e.i de (!&#" &i se a!zi (as!l #aden-at al !nei (atr!le
#are' z"rind $ +l$at" de $ameni' se $(ri din mers #am la ze#e (a&i de
+r!(!l n$str! &i (rin +!ra #a($ral!l!i stri+"' s$m)nd9
* Stai+ Cine-i.
? *rieten' stri+" :a!ri#e' (rietenD Vin$ ai#i' L$rin.
0el #"r!ia i ,!sese adresat" #/emarea de mai s!s ($rni n mar& n
,r!ntea a $(t $ameni &i se a(r$(ie (lin de .$i$&ie.
? O/D T! e&ti' :a!ri#e' e6#lam" #a($ral!l. 0e #a!-i' des,r)nat!le'
#!treier)nd str"zile la asemenea #easA
? %$ar .ezi' am ie&it a#!ma de la se#-ia 3ra-i &i Ami#i.
? A' daD #a s" te d!#i la se#-ia 5!r$ri &i Ami#e. 0!n$a&tem n$i
($.e&tile a!tea4
A,l" a mea ,r!m$as"
C$nd noaptea )ate-n mie%
02$ m)n" #redin#i$as"
O m)n" de2am$rez
5e2ndrea(t" ,!ri&at
Al!ne#)nd (rin !mr"'
5" tra+" d$ar z".$are
0e2n n$a(tea tare s!mr"
Te a("r" de2a l!i ard$are.
Ei+ nu cum0a de a!ta-i 0o)a.
* Nu& ami#e' te n&eli' m" d!#eam ntins a#as"' #)nd am dat
(este #et"-eana de ,a-" #are se z"tea n m)inile #et"-enil$r .$l!ntari.
Am aler+at n!maide#)t &i2am ntreat de #e .$ia! s2$ aresteze.
? 0e ine te +/i#es#' ,"#! L$rin.
0a.aleril$r ,ran#ezi a&a le este ,iea+
A($i' nt$r#)nd!2se s(re nr$la-i9
? Ii de #e2a-i arestat ,emeiaA ntre" liri#!l #a($ral.
? Am s(!s2$ de la2n#e(!t l$#$tenent!l!i' r"s(!nse &e,!l #etei
mi#i' (entr! #" n2are #arnet!l de #et"-ean.
? D D ,"#! L$rin' #e #rim" +r$za."D
? A&adar' n! #!n$a&te-i /$t"r)rea 0$m!neiA ntre" &e,!l .$2
l!ntaril$r.
* 5a da& )a da+ da mai e!te o deci%ie cae-a anulat-o-
* Cae.
* Iat-o4
n *arnas &i2n *aradis
Amoul a dat uca%4
3r!m!se-ea' Tinere-ea' Cin+"&ia
T$at" zi!a2n $ri#e #az
*$t !mla ,"r" (ermis-
EiD #e mai ai de s(!s de2asemenea de#izie' #et"-eneA E #am
+alant"' (are2mi2se.
? %a' $ ,iD %ar n! se ($tri.e&te' d!(" #!m se .ede. :ai nt)i n!2i
(!li#at" n :$nit$r' a($i n! s!ntem ni#i n *arnas' ni#i n *aradis &i' (e
deas!(ra' a#!m n!2i zi!"< n s,)r&it' #et"-eana ($ate #" n!2i ni#i
t)n"r"' ni#i ,r!m$as" &i ni#i +in+a&".
? :" (rind #$ntra' ,"#! L$rin .5" .edem' #et"-ean"' d$.ede&te #"
am dre(tate' d"2-i +l!+a (e s(ate #a s" .ad" t$at" l!mea da#"
nde(line&ti (re.ederile de#ret!l!i.
* O1+ domnule& e6#lam" t)n"ra li(ind!2se de :a!ri#e' d!(" #e
m2a-i a("rat de d!&mani' a("ra-i2m" a#!ma de (rieteni' ." im(l$r.
? Vede-i' .ede-i' se re(ezi &e,!l nr$la-il$r' se as#!nde. E! s!nt de
("rere #"2i .re$ s(i$an" de2a arist$#ra-il$r' .re$ a.ent!rier"' .re$
des,r)nat" n$#t!rn".
? O/D d$mn!le' e6#lam" ,emeia' silind!2l (e :a!ri#e s" ,a#" !n
(as #"tre ea &i des#$(erind!2&i ,a-a n#)nt"t$r de t)n"r"' de ,r!m$as"
&i de distins"' (e #are $ l!min" ,elinar!l a(rins. Uita-i2." la mine< (ar
s" ,i! #eea #e s(!n eiA
Mauice n#remeni. Ni#i$dat" n! .isase !n #/i( asem"n"t$r #el!i
(e #are2l ."z!se. Am s(!s (e #are2l ."z!se' ,iind#" ne#!n$s#!ta &i
a#$(eri #/i(!l #! a(r$a(e a#eea&i i!-eal" #! #are &i2l des#$(erise.
? L$rin' s(!se :a!ri#e n &$a(t"' #ere s" d!#i (riz$niera la ($st la
tine. 0a &e, de (atr!l"' ai dre(t!l.
? 3ie' zise #a($ral!l' e! din d$!" .$re n-ele+ #!m sta! l!#r!rile.
A($i' nt$r#)nd!2se s(re ne#!n$s#!t"' !rm"9
? Bai' /ai' ,r!m$as2$' de .reme #e n! .rei s" ne ,a#i d$.ada #"
nde(line&ti #$ndi-iile de#ret!l!i' tre!ie s" ne !rmezi.
? 0!m s" ." !rmezeA se re(ezi &e,!l nr$la-il$r .$l!ntari.
? Uite a&a' a.em s2$ d!#em (e #et"-eana la ($st!l de la (rim"rie'
!nde s!ntem de +ard"' &i a#$l$ a.em s" l!"m in,$rma-ii des(re ea.
? Ni#ide#!m' ni#ide#!m' ,"#! &e,!l (rimei #ete. Ea e a n$astr" &i
r"m)ne la n$i.
? BmD #et"-ene' zise L$rin' $ s" ne s!("r"m.
? N2a.e-i de#)t s" ." s!("ra-i sa! s" n! ." s!("ra-i' ei' dr"#ia
dra#!l!iD *!-in ne (as". N$i s!ntem ade."ra-ii s$lda-i ai Re(!li#ii &i n
tim( #e .$i (atr!la-i "t)nd str"zile' n$i a.em s" ne ."rs"m s)n+ele la
+rani-".
? >"+a-i de seam" s" n!2l ."rsa-i (e dr!m ()n" a#$l$' #et"-eni'
#"#i .i s2ar (!tea nt)m(la !na #a asta da#" n! s!nte-i #e.a mai
($liti#$&i de#)t ar"ta-i a ,i.
? *$lite-ea e $ .irt!te de arist$#rat &i n$i s!ntem re.$l!-i$nari'
re(li#ar" nr$la-ii.
? Ia ." r$+' zise L$rin' n! mai .$ri-i des(re asemenea l!#r!ri n
,a-a d$amnei. *$ate #"2i en+lez$ai#". N! te s!("ra de2a&a (re2
s!(!nere' ,r!m$asa mea (as"re de n$a(te' ad"!+" el' nt$r#)nd!2se
+alant s(re ne#!n$s#!t".
*$et!l s(!s2a ast,el &i d!(" el ne l!"m
Ii2n#et #a (a(a+alii nt$#mai re(et"m9
An"lia-i doa un cui) de le)ede cu 1a%
0e st"2m(ietrit n #entr!l !n!i (rea mare iaz.
? A/aD Te2ai tr"dat' ,"#! &e,!l nr$la-il$r. BaiD m"rt!rise&te #" e&ti
$ #reat!r" de2a l!i *itt' n s$lda An+liei' n!...
? Ta#iD se r"sti L$rin' /aar n2ai de ($ezie' ami#e' de a#eea am
s"2-i .$res# n (r$z". As#!lt"' s!ntem n$i +"rzi na-i$nale' (lini de
l)nde-e &i (lini de r"dare' dar s" n! !i-i #" s!ntem #$(iii *aris!l!i' #!
alte cu0inte& c$nd ni !e !uie !$n"ele la cap& lo0im din plin-
? %$amn"' s(!se :a!ri#e' .ede-i #e se (etre#e &i +/i#i-i desi+!r
#e2are s" se (etrea#"9 n #in#i min!te' ze#e sa! !ns(reze#e $ameni a!
s" se m"#el"reas#" (entr! d!mnea.$astr". 0a!za mr"-i&at" de #ei
#e .$r s" ." a(ere merit" $are s)n+ele (e #are2l .a ,a#e s" #!r+"A
? %$mn!le' r"s(!nse ne#!n$s#!ta' m(re!n)nd!2&i m)inile' n!
." ($t s(!ne de#)t !n sin+!r l!#r!' !n!l sin+!r9 da#" l"sa-i s" ,i!
arestat" se .$r i.i (entr! mine &i (entr! al-ii nen$r$#iri at)t de mari'
n#)t .2a& im(l$ra s"2mi str"(!n+e-i mai #!r)nd inima #! arma (e #are
$ -ine-i n m)n" &i s"2mi ar!n#a-i #ada.r!l n 5ena' de#)t s" m" l"sa-i
(e m)na l$r.
? >ine' d$amn"' ,ieD Ia! t$t!l as!(ra mea.
Ii l"s)nd s" #ad" m)inile ,r!m$asei ne#!n$s#!te' (e #are le -inea
ntr2ale l!i' s(!se +"rzil$r na-i$nale9
? 0et"-eni' n #alitate de $,i-er al .$str!' de (atri$t &i de ,ran#ez'
." $rd$n s" a("ra-i (e ,emeia ai#i de ,a-". Ii t!' L$rin' da#" mi&eii
"&tia s#$t !n #!.)nt' (!ne m)na (e arm".
* /e+"ti-i... armeleD $rd$n" L$rin.
? O/' %$amne2%!mneze!leD e6#lam" ne#!n$s#!ta' a#$(erind!2&i
,a-a #! +l!+a &i s(ri1inind!2se de !n st)l(. O/' %$amne' a("r"2lD
nr$la-ii .$l!ntari n#er#ar" s" se a&eze n ($zi-ie de a("rare. Un!l
dintre ei trase #/iar !n ,$# de (ist$l &i +l$ntele str"(!nse ("l"ria l!i
:a!ri#e.
? n#r!#i&a-i ai$netele' $rd$n" L$rin. Ram' (lan' (lan' (lan' (lan'
(lan.
At!n#i se is#"' (e nt!neri#' $ s#!rt" n#"ierare &i $ n."lm"&eal"'
tim( n #are se a!zir" #/iar !n ,$#' d$!"' de (!&#"' (e !rm" $#"ri'
!rlete &i lesteme' dar nimeni din a,ar" n! a("r!' ,iind#"' a&a #!m
.2am s(!s' se .$rea (e &$(tite de !n masa#r!' &i se #redea #" a &i
n#e(!t. %$ar d$!"' trei ,erestre se ntredes#/iser"' #a s" se ren#/id"
n!maide#)t.
:ai (!-ini la n!m"r &i mai (r$st narma-i' nr$la-ii .$l!ntari ,!r"
ntr2$ #li(" s#$&i din l!(t". %$i ,!seser" +ra. r"ni-i' al-i (atr! ,!seser"
(!&i la zid' ,ie#are #! #)te $ ai$net" n (ie(t.
? NaD e6#lam" L$rin' a#!m s(er #2a.e-i s" ,i-i l)nzi #a mieii. 0)t
des(re tine' #et"-ene :a!ri#e' te m(!terni#es# s2$ d!#i (e ,emeia
asta la ($st!l de la (rim"rie. Ia seama #" r"s(!nzi de ea.
? %a' n#!.iin-" :a!ri#e &i a($i ad"!+" n &$a(t"9 Ii (ar$laA
? %ra#e' ,"#! L$rin s#"r(in)nd!2se d!(" !re#/e' (ar$la... *"i...
* Nu cum0a te temi #2am s" m" ser.es# de ea n s#$(!ri
s!.ersi.eA
? 5l!1e&te2te de ea #!m .ei ($,ti' te (ri.e&te.
? A&adar' #e zi#iA ntre" din n$! :a!ri#e.
? @i# #2am s" -i2$ da! a#!&i' dar mai nt)i s" s#"("m de #/e,liii
"&tia. A($i' nainte de2a ne des("r-i' n2ar stri#a s"2-i da! ni&te s,at!ri
!ne.
? 3ie' a&te(t.
Ii L$rin se nt$arse s(re +"rzile na-i$nale' #are #$ntin!a! s"2i -in"
s! amenin-area armel$r (e nr$la-ii .$l!ntari.
? Ei' a#!m ." e dest!lA ntre" el.
? %a' #)ine de +ir$ndin' r"s(!nse &e,!l.
? Te n&eli' ami#e' s(!se L$rin (a&ni#' s" &tii #" s!ntem mai !ni
re.$l!-i$nari #a tine' mai ales #" n$i ,a#em (arte din #l!!l Term$(ile'
al #"r!i (atri$tism n! ($ate ,i t"+"d!it' s(er. L"sa-i #et"-enii s" (le#e'
!rm" L$rin' ."d #" n! t"+"d!ies#.
? N!2i mai (!-in ade."rat #" da#" ,emeia asta e $ s!s(e#t"...
? %a#" era s!s(e#t" ar ,i ,!+it n tim(!l n#"ier"rii' n l$#
s2a&te(te s" se termine "taia' (re#!m .ezi.
? BmD ,"#! !n!l dintre nr$la-i' e dest!l de2ade."rat #e s(!ne
#et"-ean!l term$(il.
* Dealtfel 0om afla& de$are#e ami#!l me! are s2$ d!#" la ($st' n
tim( #e n$i mer+em s" em !n (a/ar n s"n"tatea na-i!nii n$i.
? :er+em s" tra+em $ d!&#"A ntre" &e,!l.
? >inen-elesD :i2e tare sete &i &ti! $ #)r#i!m" (e #inste' n #$l-!l
str"zii T/$mas2d!2L$!.reD
* De ce nu ne2ai s(!s mai de.reme' #et"-eneA Ne (are tare r"!
de (atri$tism!l t"!' &i #a d$.ad"' n n!mele na-i!nii &i2al le+ii' /ai s"
ne2mr"-i&"m.
? 5" ne mr"-i&"m' s(!se &i L$rin.
Ii' (lini de ent!ziasm' nr$la-ii &i #ei din +arda na-i$nal"
se2mr"-i&ar". *e .remea a#eea mr"-i&area &i de#a(itarea era! la ,el
de $i&n!ite.
? Baide-i' ami#i' stri+ar" at!n#i #ele d$!" #ete re!nite' n #$l-!l
str"zii T/$mas2d!2L$!.re...
? Ii n$iA ntrear" r"ni-ii mil$+ind!2se' (e n$i ne ("r"si-i ai#iA
? 0!m s" ." ("r"simA ,"#! L$rin. 5" ("r"sim ni&te ra.i #et"-eni'
#are2a! #"z!t l!(t)nd (entr! (atrie' #e2i dre(t m($tri.a !n$r (atri$-i'
dar din +re&eal"' &i asta e dre(t. Vi se .$r trimite ni&te ran#arde. n
a&te(tarea l$r' #)nta-i :arsilieza' #a s" ." distra-i9
Baide-i' #$(ii ai patiei&
6iua i%)$n%ii a !o!it-
*e !rm"' a(r$(iind!2se de :a!ri#e' #are &edea #! ne#!n$s#!ta l!i
n #$l-!l str"zii 0$H' n tim( #e +"rzile na-i$nale &i .$l!ntarii !r#a! la
ra- s(re (ia-a *alais2E+alitE' i s(!se9
? :a!ri#e' -i2am ,"+"d!it !n s,at. Iat"2l9 e mai ine s" .ii #! n$i
de#)t s" te #$m(r$mi-i a("r)nd2$ (e #et"-eana a#easta #are' #e2i
dre(t' (are n#)nt"t$are' dar #! at)t mai s!s(e#t"' #"#i ,emeile
n#)nt"t$are #are at str"zile *aris!l!i n (!terea n$(-ii...
? %$mn!le' se ameste#" ,emeia' n! m" 1!de#a-i d!(" a(aren-e'
." im(l$r.
? :ai nt)i' d!mnea.$astr" mi s(!ne-i d$mn!le' #eea #e e $
mare +re&eal"' (ri#e(i t!' #et"-ean"A Ia#"' &i e! -i2am s(!s d!m2
nea.$astr".
? %a' #et"-ene' ai dre(tate' dar las"2-i (rieten!l s"2&i s".)r&eas#"
,a(ta #ea !n".
? 0!m adi#"A
? 5" m" ns$-eas#" ()n" la mine a#as" &i s" m" a(ere n tim(!l
dr!m!l!i.
? :a!ri#eD :a!ri#eD e6#lam" L$rin' +)nde&te2te la #eea #e ,a#i< te
#$m(r$mi-i n+r$zit$r.
? O &ti! (rea ine' r"s(!nse t)n"r!l' dar #e .rei s" ,a#DA %a#" $
las n mi1l$#!l dr!m!l!i' iata ,emeie ($ate ,i arestat" la ,ie#e (as de
(atr!le.
? OD da' a&a2i' (e #)t" .reme #! d!mnea.$astr"' d$mn!le... (e
#)t" .reme #! tine' .rea! s" s(!n' #et"-ene' s!nt sal.at".
? Ai a!zit2$A 5al.at"D s"ri L$rin. A&adar' $ (a&te $ mare
(ime3die.
? Ia as#!lt"' dra+" L$rin' i re(li#" :a!ri#e' s" ,im dre(-i. 5a! e
(atri$t" sin#er"' sa! e arist$#rat"D %a#" e arist$#rat"' am +re&it
a("r)nd2$< da#" e (atri$t" sin#er"' e de dat$ria n$astr" s2$ $#r$tim.
? 52a.em iertare' ami#e' mi (are r"! (entr! Arist$tel' dar l$+i#a
ta e de2a dre(t!l st!(id". *ar#2ai ,i #el #e zi#e9
Iris m2a ("+!it de ra-i!ne
Ii2a#!m m"2ntrea" de2n-ele(#i!ne.
? As#!lt"' L$rin' s(!se :a!ri#e' dest!l #! %$rat
7
& cu /an8
9
& cu
Gentil-5enad
:
' te im(l$r' s#!te&te2m". Bai s" .$rim seri$s9 .rei sa!
n! .rei s"2mi dai (ar$laA
? 0! alte #!.inte' :a!ri#e' m" sile&ti s" ale+ dat$ria sa#ri,i#)nd
(rieten!l' sa! s" ale+ (rieten!l sa#ri,i#)nd dat$ria. Or' .ezi t!' tare m"
tem #" dat$ria .a ,i #ea sa#ri,i#at".
? At!n#i /$t"r"&te2te (entr! !na sa! alta' (rietene. %ar' (entr!
n!mele l!i %!mneze!' /$t"r"&te2te n!maide#)t.
? %ar s" n2a!zezi de eaD
? -i ,"+"d!ies#.
? N!2i dest!l. 8!r"2miD
* /e ce.
Loin #&i s#$ase ("l"ria' i2$ (rezent" l!i :a!ri#e #! #$#arda n ,a-"'
&i :a!ri#e' +"sind l!#r!l ,$arte ,ires#' ,"r" s" r)d"' (r$#ed" la
e6e#!tarea 1!r"m)nt!l!i #er!t (e altar!l im(r$.izat.
? Ii a#!m' zise L$rin' iat" (ar$la9 JCalia &i L!te-iaK
;
:
. *$ate #" !nii
$ s"2-i s(!n" #!m mi2a! s(!s &i mie' JCalia &i L!#re-iaK. Ei &iD Las"2i s"
trea#" t$t!&i' #"2i t$t n!me r$man.
? 0et"-ean"' se +r"i s" s(!n" :a!ri#e' a#!m s!nt la $rdinele
d!mnea.$astr". :!l-!mes#' L$rin.
? %r!m !n' i r"s(!nse a#esta' (!n)nd!2&i din n$! (e cap altaul
patiei-
Ii' #redin#i$s +!st!ril$r sale' asem"n"t$are #el$r ale l!i Ana#re$n'
se de("rta m!rm!r)nd9
VaiD 5#!m(a mea Ele$n$r"'
*"#at!l #el de ,arme# (lin' (e #are t! l2ai #!n$s#!t'
De #are2at)ta te2ai tem!t' dar ()nG la !rm" t! l2ai .r!t'
7 0la!de28$se(/ %$rat L173M217N0F' ($et ,a#il #are n! a re!&it s" se
im(!n" ($sterit"-ii' de&i a a$rdat a(r$a(e t$ate +en!rile literare.
9 E0ai!te De!ie& 0iconte de /an8 <l=;9-l>l:?& epe%entant al ($eziei
ele+ia#e &i er$ti#e din .remea sa.
: *ierre28$se(/ >ernard' zis Centil2>ernard Ll70N2l7OOF' ($et &i
dramat!r+.
; L!te-ia' .e#/i!l n!me al *aris!l!i
5(!ne2i #el!i #e2at)t te2ad$r"'
A#!m #" &tii &i l2ai +!stat' #e are2ntr2ns!l de tem!tA
@

Capitolul III
S,RADA AOSSES-SAIN,-VIC,OR
R"mas sin+!r #! t)n"ra a#eea' :a!ri#e se sim-i (entr! $ #li("
st)n1enit. Temerea de2a ,i ("#"lit' ,arme#!l !nei asemenea ,r!m!se-i
n#)nt"t$are' $ !&$ar" &i nel"m!rit" rem!&#are #e2i z+)nd"rea
#$n&tiin-a de re(!li#an e6altat' t$ate a#estea l re-in!r" n #li(a n
#are !rma s"2i $,ere ra-!l tinerei ,emei.
? n #e (arte mer+e-i' #et"-ean"A $ ntre" el.
? VaiD d$mn!le' de(arte tare...' i r"s(!nse ea.
* Da oicum---
? 0"tre 8ardin des *lantes
=
-
? >ine' s" mer+em.
? O/' %$amne2%!mneze!le' s(!se ne#!n$s#!ta' mi da! (rea
ine seama #" ." stin+/eres#. %e n2ar ,i nen$r$#irea #e mi s2a
nt)m(lat &i de2a& &ti #" s!nt e6(!s" d$ar !nei (rime1dii $are#are'
#rede-i2m" #" n2a& a!za ntr2at)t de +ener$zitatea d!mnea.$astr".
? %ar $ri#!m' d$amn"' i re(li#" :a!ri#e' #are' ntre (atr! $#/i'
!ita lima1!l im(!s de .$#a!lar!l Re(!li#ii &i se2nt$r#ea la lima1!l
s"! de $m #i.ilizat' sin#er .$rind' #!m se ,a#e #" ." a,la-i la $
asemenea $r" (e str"zile *aris!l!iA Vede-i d$ar #" a,ar" de n$i n! mai
e -i(enie de $m.
? V2am s(!s' d$mn!le' m" d!sesem s" ,a# $ .izit" n #artier!l
R$!le. *le#at" la amiaz"' ,"r" s" &ti! #e se (etre#e' m" nt$r#eam t$t
,"r" s" &ti! nimi#a. :i2am (etre#!t t$t tim(!l ntr2$ #as" l"t!ralni#".
? %a' &$(ti :a!ri#e' n .re$ #as" dintr2a#elea' n .re$ .iz!in" de
arist$#ra-i. 0et"-ean"' re#!n$a&te-i #" r!+)nd!2m" n +!ra mare s" ."
da! s(ri1in' r)de-i (e n,!ndate #" .i2l da!D
? E!D e6#lam" ea' #!m adi#"A
* 3"r" nd$ial"' a.e-i de2a ,a#e #! !n re(!li#an #e ." sl!1e&te
dre(t #"l"!z". Ei ine' re(!li#an!l &i tr"deaz" #a!za' asta2i.
? %ar' #et"-ene' ." n&ela-i' &i mie #a &i d!mnea.$astr" mi2e
dra+" Re(!li#a.
? At!n#i' #et"-ean"' da#" s!nte-i (atri$t" #instit"' n! a.e-i nimi#
de as#!ns. %e !nde .eni-iA
? O/D d$mn!le' nd!ra-i2."D e6#lam" ne#!n$s#!ta.
A#el d$mn!le #!(rindea n r$stirea l!i e6(resia !nei (!d$ri at)t de
ad)n#i &i2at)t de +in+a&e' n#)t :a!ri#e #rez! #" e (e de(lin l"m!rit n
@ *arn= #)nt" ima+inea #re$lei Est/er LeliB0e pe cae o cele)ea%" s!
n!mele de ElE$n$re.
= Cr"dina $tani#"
(ri.in-a sentiment!l!i (e #are2l t"in!ia.
J0! si+!ran-"' &i zise el' #" ,emeia se nt$ar#e de la $ nt)lnire de
dra+$ste.K
Ii' ,"r" s" ,i n-eles de #e' la a#est +)nd sim-i #!m i se str)n+e
inima.
%in #li(a a#eea se /$t"r s" ("streze t"#ere.
'nte timp& cei doi pietoni noct!rni a1!nseser" n strada Verrerie'
d!(" #e ,!seser" nt)lni-i de trei sa! (atr! (atr!le #are' dealt,el'
dat$rit" (ar$lei' i l"saser" s" #ir#!le n .$ie' ()n" #)nd $,i-er!l #elei
din !rm" ("r! s" ,a#" $are#ari di,i#!lt"-i.
:a!ri#e #rez! at!n#i #" tre!ie s" ada!+e (ar$lei n!mele s"! &i
d$mi#ili!l.
? >ine' n $rdine #! tine' dar #et"-eana...
? 0!m' #et"-eanaA
* Da& cine e.
? E... s$ra s$-iei mele.
O,i-er!l i l"s" s" trea#".
? A&adar' s!nte-i #"s"t$rit' d$mn!leA &$(ti ne#!n$s#!ta.
? N!' d$amn". %e #eA
* *entr! #" altminteri' r"s(!nse ea r)z)nd' ar ,i ,$st mai s#!rt
s"2i s(!ne-i #" ." s!nt s$-ie.
? %$amn"' #!.)nt!l s$-ie re(rezint" $ #alitate sa#r" #e n! se
#!.ine a#$rdat" #! !&!r"tate. N! am ni#i m"#ar #instea de2a ."
#!n$a&te.
De data a!ta fu $ndul necun$s#!tei s"2&i simt" inima
str)n+)nd!2i2se &i s" ("streze t"#ere.
'n clipa aceea ta0e!au /odul Maie-
T)n"ra n$astr" mer+ea din #e n #e mai re(ede' (e m"s!r" #e se
a(r$(ia! de #a("t!l dr!m!l!i.
5tr""t!r" &i ($d!l T$!rnelle.
? Iat"2ne' #red' n #artier!l d!mnea.$astr"' s(!se :a!ri#e' #)nd
(!se (i#i$r!l (e #/ei!l 5aint2>ernard.
? %a' #et"-ene' r"s(!nse ne#!n$s#!ta' dar t$#mai a#!m &i ai#i
am mai m!lt ne.$ie de a1!t$r!l d!mnea.$astr".
? ntr2ade."r' d$amn"' n!2mi n+"d!i-i s" ,i! indis#ret' dar n
a#ela&i tim( ,a#e-i t$t #e (!te-i #a s"2mi a-)-a-i #!ri$zitatea. N! e del$#
n$il ,el!l n #are (r$#eda-i. Baide-i' (!-in" n#redere' mi se #!.ine din
(lin' #red. N!2mi .e-i ,a#e $are #instea s"2mi s(!ne-i #! #ine sta! de
.$r"A
? 5ta-i de .$r"' d$mn!le' i re(li#" ne#!n$s#!ta' s!r)z)nd!2i' #!
$ ,emeie (e #are a-i sal.at2$ din #ea mai mare (rime1die la #are a ,$st
e6(!s" n .ia-a ei &i #are ." .a (!rta re#!n$&tin-" #)t .a tr"i.
? N! ." #er #/iar at)t' d$amn". 3i-i mai (!-in re#!n$s#"t$are &i'
n se#!nda de ,a-"' s(!ne-i2mi #are ." e n!mele.
? 0! ne(!tin-"D
? %ar l2a-i ,i s(!s (rim!l!i ,!n#-i$nar de la se#-ie #are .2ar ,i ie&it
n #ale' da#" a-i ,i ,$st d!s" la ($st.
? N!' ni#i$dat"' e6#lam" ne#!n$s#!ta.
? >ine' dar at!n#i a-i ,i intrat la n#/is$are.
? Eram /$t"r)t" s" n,r!nt $ri#e.
? T$t!&i n#/is$area n zi!a de azi...
? nseamn" e&a,$d!l' $ &ti!.
? Ii a-i ,i (re,erat e&a,$d!lA
? Tr"d"rii' daD... 5(!n)nd!2mi n!mele nsemna s" tr"dezD
? V2am s(!s e! #" m" ,a#e-i s" 1$# !n r$l #i!dat (entr! !n
re(!li#anD
? 8!#a-i r$l!l !n!i $m +ener$s. A-i dat (este $ iat" ,emeie
ins!ltat"' n2a-i dis(re-!it2$' #! t$ate #" e din ($($r &i' dat ,iind #2ar
(!tea ,i ins!ltat" iar"&i' (entr! a $ sal.a de la (ieire' d!mnea.$astr" $
ns$-i-i ()n" n ma/ala!a mizerail" n #are l$#!ie&te< iat" t$at"
($.estea.
? %a' a.e-i dre(tate' a&a e n a(aren-". Iat" #e2a& ,i (!t!t #rede
da#" n! .2a& ,i ."z!t &i da#" n2a-i ,i stat de .$r" #!' mine< dar
,r!m!se-ea &i lima1!l d!mnea.$astr" s!nt ale !nei d$amne de s(i-"
n$il". Or' t$#mai a#east" #alitate n #$ntrast #! mr"#"mintea (e
#are $ (!rta-i &i #! ma/ala!a asta mizer" mi d$.ede&te #" (rezen-a
d!mnea.$astr" (e str"zi la $ asemenea $r" as#!nde $ tain". V"d #"
n! s(!ne-i nimi#... Bai at!n#i s" n! mai .$rim. Ne a,l"m n#" de(arte
de !nde l$#!i-i' d$amn"A
,ocmai #n clipa aceea intau pe !tada Ao!!(!-Saint-Victo-
? Vede-i #l"direa a#eea mi#" &i nea+r"A i r"s(!nse ne#!n$s#!ta'
ar"t)nd #! m)na $ #as" a&ezat" din#$l$ de zid!rile Cr"dinii $tani#e.
0)nd .$m ,i a#$l$' m" ("r"si-i.
* /ea )ine& doamn". *$r!n#i-i' m" a,l! ai#i (entr! a ." da
as#!ltare.
? V" s!("ra-iA
? E!A Ni#ide#!m. %ealt,el #e ." (ri.e&teA
? :" (ri.e&te ,$arte m!lt (entr! #" mai am a ." #ere $ ,a.$are.
* Ce fa0oae.
? O des("r-ire #)t mai a,e#t!$as" &i #)t mai #instit"... $ des2
("r-ire ntre (rieteni.
? %es("r-ire ntre (rieteniA O/D d$amn"' mi ,a#e-i $ (rea mare
$n$are. 0i!dat #a !n (rieten s" n! &tie n!mele (rietenei sale &i #a
(rietena s"2i as#!nd" !nde l$#!ie&te' de team" inen-eles s" n! ai"
#!m.a ne(l"#erea de a2l re.edea.
3emeia &i l"s" #a(!l n 1$s &i n! r"s(!nse.
? %ealt,el' d$amn"' #$ntin!" :a!ri#e' da#" am s!r(rins #!m.a
.re$ tain"' n! tre!ie s"2mi (!rta-i (i#"9 n2am #"!tat a&a #e.a.
? Iat"2m" a1!ns"' d$mn!le' s(!se ne#!n$s#!ta.
5e a,la! n ,a-a .e#/ii str"zi 5aint28a#H!es' m"r+init" de #ase
nalte &i ne+re' str""t!t" de alei nt!ne#$ase' de str"d!-e destinate
!n$r sta-i!ni de ($m(are &i !n$r t""#"rii' #"#i la d$i (a&i de2a#$l$
#!r+e r)!le-!l >ie.re.
? Ai#iA ,"#! :a!ri#e. 0!m a&aA Ai#i l$#!i-iA
* Da-
? 0! ne(!tin-".
? T$t!&i a&a e. Adi$D adi$' de#i' .iteaz!l me! #a.aler' adi$'
+ener$s!l me! (r$te#t$rD
? Adi$' d$amn"' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e #! $ n!an-" de ir$nie n +las.
%ar #a s" ($t (le#a lini&tit' n#redin-a-i2m" #" n! ." mai ()nde&te ni#i
$ (rime1die.
* Nici una-
* 'n caz!l a#esta m" retra+.
Ii :a!ri#e e6e#!t" !n sal!t re#e' tr"+)nd!2se d$i (a&i nd"r"t.
Ne#!n$s#!ta r"mase $ #li(" nemi&#at"' -int!it" l$#!l!i.
? N2a& .rea t$t!&i s" m" des(art de d!mnea.$astr" a&a' s(!se
ea. Baide-i' d$mn!le :a!ri#e' da-i2mi m)na.
Mauice se a(r$(ie de ne#!n$s#!t" &i2i ntinse m)na.
5im-i at!n#i #" t)n"ra i stre#$ar" !n inel ntr2!n!l din de+ete.
? OD #et"-ean"' #e ,a#e-iA N! ." da-i seama #" ." (ierde-i !n
inelA
? VaiD d$mn!le' e6#lam" ea' n! ." (!rta-i #!m se #!.ine.
* Nu mai lip!ea dec$t s" m" n.in!i-i de in+ratit!dine...
? Baide-i' ." im(l$r' d$m!le... (rietene. N! m" l"sa-i a&a' s(!ne-i
#e #ere-i' de #e a.e-i ne.$ieA
? 0a s" m" (l"ti-i' n!2i a&aA ,"#! t)n"r!l n$str! #! am"r"#i!ne.
? N!' i r"s(!nse ne#!n$s#!ta' #! $ e6(resie ,erme#"t$are' #a
s"2mi ierta-i taina (e #are s!nt silit" s2$ ("strez ,a-" de d!m2
nea.$astr".
:a!ri#e' ."z)nd #!m str"l!#es# n nt!ne#ime $#/ii a#eia ,r!m$&i'
a(r$a(e n."l!i-i n la#rimi' sim-ind #!m trem!r" m)na a#eea #"ld!-"
ntr2ale sale' a!zind .$#ea a#eea #are #$$r)se a(r$a(e ()n" la
in,le6i!nea !nei r!+i' tre#! r!s# de la m)nie la e6altare sentimental".
? %e #e am ne.$ieA &$(ti el. Tre!ie s" ." re."d.
? 0! ne(!tin-".
? :"#ar $ dat"' !n #eas' !n min!t' $ se#!nd".
? 0! ne(!tin-"' ." s(!n.
? 0!m a&aA ntre" :a!ri#e' e ade."rat #eea #e2mi s(!ne-i' #"
n2am s" ." mai re."d ni#i$dat"A
? Ni#i$dat"D r"s(!nse ne#!n$s#!ta' #! !n d!rer$s e#$!.
? OD d$amn"' e6#lam" :a!ri#e. B$t"r)t l!#r!' ." 1!#a-i #! s$arta
mea.
Ii2&i ridi#a m)ndr! #a(!l' s#!t!r)nd!2&i (letele l!n+i #a !n!l #e
.rea s" se le(ede de2$ (!tere #are2l n#"t!&eaz" ,"r" .$ia l!i.
Ne#!n$s#!ta l (ri.ea #! $ e6(resie de nede,init. 5e .edea #" ni#i
ea n! s#"(ase #! des".)r&ire de sentiment!l (e #are l ins(irase.
? Iti-i #eA zise ea d!(" $ #li(" de t"#ere #e n! ,!sese t!l!rat"
de#)t de !n s!s(in (e #are :a!ri#e n#er#ase zadarni# s" &i2l n"!&e.
As#!lta-iD mi da-i #!.)nt!l de $n$are #" .e-i -ine $#/ii n#/i&i din #li(a
n #are ." s(!n ()n" .e-i is(r".i de n!m"rat &aize#i de se#!ndeA %ar
&ti-i... (e #!.)nt de onoae-
? Ii da#" ." da! #!.)nt!l #e2are s" se2nt)m(leA
? Are s" se2nt)m(le #" ." .$i d$.edi re#!n$&tiin-a mea' #!m ."
(r$mit s" n2$ mai d$.edes# ni#i$dat" nim"n!i' #/iar da#" ar ,a#e
(entr! mine mai m!lt de#)t a-i ,"#!t d!mnea.$astr"' #eea #e' dealt,el&
a fi tae "eu-
? %ar' m" r$+' a& (!tea &tiA...
? N!< a.e-i n#redere n mine &i .e-i .edea...
? ntr2ade."r' d$amn"' n! &ti! da#" s!nte-i n+er sa! dem$n.
? mi da-i #!.)nt!lA
* Ei )ine& da& 0i-l dau-
? 0" $ri#e s2ar nt)m(la n! .e-i des#/ide $#/iiA... Ori#e s2ar
nt)m(la' n-ele+e-i ine' #/iar da#" .2a-i sim-i str"(!ns de $ l$.it!r"
de (!mnalA
? :" z"("#i-i' (e #!.)nt!l me!' #! asemenea (reten-ii.
? BaiD da-i2." #!.)nt!l< #red #" n! ris#a-i mare l!#r!.
* Ei )ine& fie+ #mi dau cu0$ntul& oice mi !-a #nt$mpla& %i!e
Mauice& #nc1i%$nd oc1ii-
Da !e opi-
? L"sa-i2m" s" ." mai ."d $ dat"' $ sin+!r" dat"' &$(ti el' ."
im(l$rD
T)n"ra &i d"d! +l!+a (e s(ate #! !n s!r)s #e n! era li(sit de
#$#/et"rie' &i la l!mina l!nii' #are t$#mai n #li(a a#eea se stre#!ra
(rintre d$i n$ri' :a!ri#e (!t! s" .ad" (entr! a d$!a $ar" ("r!l a#ela
l!n+ #e at)rna n !#le de aan$s' ar#!l des".)r&it al #el$r d$!"
s(r)n#ene (ar#" desenate #! t!&' d$i $#/i t"ia-i n mi+dal"' #ati,ela-i &i
+ale&i' nas!l de2$ ,$rm" des".)r&it"' ni&te !ze tinere &i r$&ii #a
m"r+ean!l.
? VaiD ,r!m$as" s!nte-i' +r$za. de ,r!m$as"' (rea ,r!m$as"D
e6#lam" :a!ri#e.
? n#/ide-i $#/ii' &$(ti ne#!n$s#!ta.
Mauice !e !upu!e-
3emeia i #!(rinse am)nd$!" m)inile ntr2ale sale &i2l nt$arse
d!(" .$ia ei. %e$dat" $ #"ld!r" nmiresmat" ("r! #" i se a(r$(ie de
$raz &i $ +!r" se li(i !&$r de +!ra l!i' l"s)nd!2i ntre !ze inel!l (e
#are l re,!zase.
O senza-ie i!te #a +)nd!l l str""t!' ,ierinte #a $ ,la#"r".
:a!ri#e sim-i !n &$# (!terni# #a $ d!rere' at)t era de nea&te(tat &i de
ad)n#' at)t de tare ("tr!nsese ()n" n ,!nd!l inimii' n,i$r)nd!2i #ele
mai taini#e ,ire.
3"#! $ mi&#are r!s#"' ntinz)nd m)inile n ,a-a l!i.
? 0!.)nt!l de $n$are' d$mn!leD stri+" $ .$#e din de("rtare.
:a!ri#e &i a("s" m)inile n#le&tate (e $#/i #a s" ($at" rezista
is(itei de a2&i #"l#a #!.)nt!l. N! mai n!m"r"' ni#i n! mai +)ndi'
r"mase m!t' -int!it l$#!l!i' #l"tin)nd!2se (e (i#i$are.
%!(" $ #li(" a!zi !n z+$m$t #a de !&" n#/is" la #in#ize#i sa!
&aize#i de (a&i de d)ns!l. A($i t$t!l se #!,!nd" n t"#ere.
At!n#i &i l!" m)inile de la $#/i' i des#/ise' (ri.i n 1!r #a !n $m #e
se de&tea(t"' &i ($ate ar ,i #rez!t #!2ade."rat #" se de&tea(t" &i #"
t$ate #ele #e i se nt)m(laser" n! ,!seser" de#)t !n .is' da#" n2ar ,i
-in!t str)ns ntre !ze inel!l #are ,"#ea din a#east" a.ent!r" de
ne#rez!t $ in#$ntestail" realitate.
Capitolul IV
O5ICEIURILE ,IM/ULUI
0)nd :a!ri#e Linde= &i .eni n ,ire &i se !it" n 1!r' n! ."z! de#)t
ni&te !li-e nt!ne#$ase #e se ntindea! la drea(ta &i la st)n+a' n#er#"
s" #a!te' s" se $rienteze' dar mintea l!i era t!l!rat" &i n$a(tea
s!mr". L!na' #are ie&ise #)t ai #li(i #a s" l!mineze #/i(!l ,erme#"t$r
al ne#!n$s#!tei' intrase iar"&i n n$ri. T)n"r!l n$str!' d!(" $ #li(" de
nesi+!ran-" #/in!it$are' se ndre(t" s(re #asa l!i' sit!at" (e strada
R$!le.
A1!+)nd (e strada 5ainte2A.$=e' :a!ri#e ,! !imit de m!l-imea
(atr!lel$r #are #ir#!la! n #artier!l Tem(le.
? 0e s2a2nt)m(lat' ser+entA l ntre" el (e &e,!l !nei (atr!le
+r$za. de a#ti.e' #are t$#mai ,"#!se (er#/ezi-ie pe !tada Aontaine!-
? 0e s2a2nt)m(latA ,"#! ser+ent!l. *"i' s2a2nt)m(lat' $,i-ere' #2a!
.r!t s2$ r"(eas#" (e ,emeia 0a(et #! t$at" &lea/ta ei.
? Ii #!m astaA
? *"i' $ (atr!l" de mai2nainte' #are ,"#!se r$st n! &ti! #!m de
(ar$l"' s2a intr$d!s n n#/is$area Tem(le' #! #$st!me de .)n"t$ri din
Carda na-i$nal" &i era! +ata2+ata s" le ridi#e. %in ,eri#ire' #el #are
,"#ea (e #a($ral!l' .$rind #! $,i-er!l de +ard"' i2a s(!s d$mn!le< s2a
tr"dat sin+!r' arist$#rat!l.
? %ra#eD e6#lam" :a!ri#e. Ii a! ,$st aresta-i #$ns(irat$riiA
? N!' (atr!la a re!&it s" ias" n strad" &i s2a! m(r"&tiat.
? Ii mai este .re$ s(eran-" s" se (!n" m)na (e ndr"zne-ii
a#eiaA
? E/D ine2ar ,i s" (rindem &e,!l' !n!l nalt &i sla... #are ,!sese
.)r)t (rintre $amenii de +ard" de #"tre !n!l dintre ,!n#-i$narii
m!ni#i(ali de ser.i#i!. 0e2am mai aler+at d!(" el' ti#"l$s!lD %ar se
.ede #2a dat (este $ !&" din d$s &i .a ,i ,!+it (e la #"l!+"ri-ele
madel$nete.
n $ri#e alt" m(re1!rare' :a!ri#e ar ,i stat t$at" n$a(tea #!
(atri$-ii #e .e+/ea! sal.area Re(!li#ii' dar de .re!n #eas dra+$stea
de (atrie n! mai era sin+!r!l s"! +)nd. &i !rm" a&adar dr!m!l' .estea
(e #are2$ a,lase t$(ind!2se (!-in #)te (!-in n #$n&tiin-a l!i &i (ierind
n s(atele nt)m(l"rii #e2i ie&ise n #ale. %ealt,el' (retinsele tentati.e
de r"(ire a1!nseser" at)t de ,re#.ente' (atri$-ii n&i&i &tiind #" n
an!mite m(re1!r"ri se re#!r+ea la ele la ,el de lesne de n-eles #a !n
mi1l$# ($liti#' n#)t .estea n!2i ins(irase $ (rea mare n+ri1$rare
t)n"r!l!i re(!li#an.
A3un"$nd a#as"' :a!ri#e &i +"si ndat$rit$r!l
>
-
*e .remea a#eea nimeni n! mai a.ea sl!1it$ri. :a!ri#e' d!(" #!m
s(!neam' &i +"si ndat$rit$r!l #are' a&te(t)nd!2l' ad$rmise &i'
d$rmind' s,$r"ia de n+ri1$rare.
T)n"r!l l de&te(t" #! t$ate mena1amentele (e #are le dat$r"m
semenil$r n$&tri' l (!se s"2i tra+" #izmele' l e6(edie din #amer" #a n!
#!m.a s"2l aat" din +)nd!rile l!i' se #!l#"' &i' #!m era t)rzi!' iar el
t)n"r' ad$rmi n #i!da (re$#!("ril$r #e2i m!n#ea! mintea.
A d$!a zi diminea-"' +"si $ s#ris$are (e m"s!-a de n$a(te.
*li#!l ."dea !n s#ris ,in' ele+ant &i ne#!n$s#!t. :a!ri#e se !it" la
si+ili!9 si+ili!l (!rta #a de.iz" !n sin+!r #!.)nt n lima en+lez"9
N$t/in+' adi#" Nimi#.
l des#/ise &i2n el +"si #!.intele de mai 1$s9
J:!l-!mes#D
Re#!n$&tin-" .e&ni#"' n s#/im!l !nei !it"ri .e&nice+---C
:a!ri#e &i #/em" sl!1it$r!l< ade."ra-ii (atri$-i n!2i mai s!na!'
s$neria amintind sl!+"reala. %ealtminteri' m!l-i dintre ndat$rit$ri'
#)nd intra! la st"()n' (!nea! a#east" #$ndi-ie (entr! ser.i#iile (e
#are #$nsim-ea! s" i le ,a#".
Cu 0eo treize#i de ani n !rm"' la $tez' ndat$rit$r!l l!i :a!ri#e
(rimise n!mele de 8ean' dar n 1797' din (r$(rie ini-iati." &i2l
s#/imase' 8ean mir$sind a arist$#ra-ie &i a deism' &i a#!m se n!mea
5#ae.$la.
? 5#ae.$la' l ntre" :a!ri#e' &tii t! #e2i #! s#ri!oaea a!ta.
? N!' #et"-ene'
? 0ine -i2a dat2$A
* /otaul-
* Cine a adu!-o.
? Un #$misi$nar' ,"r" nd$ial"' (entr! #" n!2i (e ea timr!l
na-i!nii.
? 0$$ar" &i r$a+"2l (e ($rtar s" !r#e la mine.
*$rtar!l !r#"' de$are#e era #/emat de :a!ri#e' :a!ri#e ,iind
,$arte i!it de t$-i ndat$rit$rii #! #are era n le+"t!r". *$rtar!l de#lar"
ns" #"' da#2ar ,i ,$st .$ra de $ri#are alt l$#atar' l2ar ,i in.itat s"
#$$are la el.
/e pota #l c1ema Ai!tide-
> n $ri+. $,,i#ie!6' ad1. s!stanti.izat' termen!l a ,$st !tilizat n tim(!l
Re.$l!-iei ,ran#eze n l$#!l termen!l!i de .alet' la#/e!' ser.it$r et#.'
J(entr! a le sal.+arda demnitatea de #et"-eni.K
:a!ri#e i (!se ntre"ri. Un $m ne#!n$s#!t ad!sese s#ris$area #!
(ri#ina #"tre #eas!rile $(t diminea-a. Ori#)t s2a str"d!it t)n"r!l n$str!'
nm!l-ind ntre"rile' nt$r#)nd!2le (e t$ate ,e-ele' ($rtar!l n!2i (!t!
da alt r"s(!ns. :a!ri#e l r!+" s" (rimeas#" ze#e ,ran#i &i' n #az!l #"
$m!l a#ela s2ar (rezenta din n$!' s"2l !rm"reas#" ,"r" s" se dea de
+$l' a($i s" se2nt$ar#" &i s"2i s(!n" !nde se d!sese.
Ne +r"im s" ." n&tiin-"m #"' s(re marea satis,a#-ie a l!i Aris2
tide' #!m.a !milit de (r$(!nerea de2a !rm"ri (e !n!l dintre semenii
l!i' $m!l n! s2a mai nt$rs.
R"mas sin+!r' :a!ri#e m$t$t$li n#i!dat s#ris$area' s#$ase inel!l
de (e de+et' l (!se al"t!ri de s#ris$area m$t$t$lit" (e m"s!-a de
n$a(te' &i se nt$arse #! ,a-a la (erete' a.)nd (reten-ia nes"!it" de2a
ad$rmi iar"&i.
%ar (este .re!n #eas' d!(" #e2i tre#!se .al!l a#ela de ,an,a2
r$nad"' :a!ri#e s2a ($menit s"r!t)nd inel!l &i re#itind s#ris$area< !n
sa,ir tare ,r!m$s era n#r!stat n inel.
A&a #!m am mai s(!s' s#ris$area era d$ar !n ile-el n#)nt"t$r' #e
mir$sea a arist$#ra-ie de la $ ($&t".
'n 0eme ce :a!ri#e se l"sa (rad" #er#et"rii a#eleia' !&a se
des#/ise. :a!ri#e (!se inel!l (e de+et &i as#!nse s#ris$area s!
(ern". 5" ,i ,$st $are (!d$area sentiment!l!i de dra+$ste aia n#$l-itA
5a! s,iala (atri$t!l!i' #are n! .rea s" se &tie de le+"t!rile l!i #!
(ers$ane dest!l de im(r!dente #a s" s#rie !n asemenea ile-el' al
#"r!i (ar,!m era de2a1!ns s(re a #$m(r$mite m)na #are l2a s#ris
(re#!m &i (e #ea #are l2a des,"#!tA
0el #e intrase ast,el era !n t)n"r n #$st!m de (atri$t' dar !n
(atri$t de $ ele+an-" des".)r&it". *!rta $ #armani$l" de ($sta. ,in' !n
(antal$n de #a&mir &i ni&te #i$ra(i (estri-i de m"tase ,in". 0)t des(re
$neta2i ,ri+ian"' ar ,i dat2$ de r!&ine #/iar &i (e #ea a l!i *aris'
dat$rit" ,$rmei ele+ante &i ,r!m$asei sale #!l$ri (!r(!rii. *e deas!(ra'
mai a.ea la #in+"t$are d$!" (ist$ale de la ,$sta ,ari#" re+al" din
Versailles &i $ saie drea(t" &i s#!rt"' asem"n"t$are #el$r (!rtate de
ele.ii de la 0/am(2de2:ars.
? A/a d$rmi' >r!t!sD e6#lam" n$!l .enit' iar (atria2i n (rime1die.
BalalD
* Nu& L$rin' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' r)z)nd' n! d$rm' .isez.
? %a' n-ele+' .isezi la E!#/aris a ta
D
+
? 0eA N! te2n-ele"+
* Ei a!ta-i+
? %e #ine .$re&tiA 0ine2i a#ea E!#/arisA
* Ei& na+ femeia---
* Cae femeie.
* Aemeia din !tada Saint-Hono(& femeia cu patula& necuno!cuta
D Una dintre nim,ele l!i 0al=(s$ &i er$ina !n!i e(is$d din A.ent!rile l!i
Telema#' s#riere de 3Enel$n' (!li#at" n lP99.
pentu cae ne-am i!cat am$ndoi capetele iei !eaa-
? AD da' zise :a!ri#e' #are &tia (rea ine #e .$ia s" s(!n"
(rieten!l s"!' dar se (re,"#ea #" n! n-ele+e' ,emeia a#eea ne#!2
n$s#!t"D
* Ei& da& cine ea.
* Ha)a n-am-
? %ar era ,r!m$as"A
? *,D ,"#! :a!ri#e' ntinz)nd!2&i !zele #! $ e6(resie de dis(re-.
? O iat" ,emeie !itat" la $ nt)lnire de da"o!te
...%a' ne(!tin#i$&i s!ntem n ,a-2a#el$r +ra-ii'
0"#i dra+$stea ,"r"2n#etare ne #/in!ie (e n$i' "ra-ii.
? 52ar (!tea' &$(ti :a!ri#e' #"r!ia n #li(a a#eea ideea #e2i
tre#!se (rin #a( i ,"#ea $ sil" #!m(lit"' (re,er)nd s" .ad" n ,r!m$asa
ne#!n$s#!t" $ #$ns(irat$are mai #!r)nd de#)t $ ndr"+$stit".
? Ii !nde l$#!ie&teA
* Ha)a n-am-
? Bai' n! te mai (re,a#eD Baar n2aiD 0! ne(!tin-"D
? %e #e' m" r$+A
? %ar ai ns$-it2$.
? :i2a s#"(at' l!)nd2$ la ,!+" la *$d!l :arie...
? i2a s#"(at -ieA e6#lam" L$rin iz!#nind ntr2!n /$/$t de r)s. O
,emeie s"2-i s#a(e -ie' #ine te #redeA
0!m ($ate ($r!mi-a s" s#a(e' .aiD' #! d!/
%e .!lt!r!l #el ne+r!' tiran!l din ."zd!/A
Ii #!m ($ate +azela s" ,!+" ,"rGs" (iar"
0)nd ti+r!l a2n/"-at2$ #! a(ri+a l!i +/ear".
? L$rin' s(!se :a!ri#e' #)nd ai s" te de(rinzi &i t! s" .$re&ti #a
t$at" l!meaA :" s#$-i din s"rite #! ($ezia ta in,ernal".
? 0!m adi#" s" .$res# #a t$at" l!meaA %ar e! #red #" .$res#
mai ine de#)t t$at" l!mea. V$res# (re#!m #et"-ean!l %em$!stier' n
(r$z" &i n .ers!ri. 0)t des(re ($ezia mea' dra+!l me!' &ti! e! $ Emilie
#"reia n! i se (are (r$ast"< dar s" ne nt$ar#em la a ta.
* La poe%ia mea.
* Nu& la Emilia ta-
* Da ce& am eu 0eo Emilie.
? Bai' /aiD se .ede #" +azela ta s2a ,"#!t ti+res" &i -i2$ ,i ar"tat
#$l-ii' a&a #" ($ate te sim-i $,ensat' dar t$t ndr"+$stit e&tiD
? E! &i ndr"+$stitD (r$test" :a!ri#e' s#!t!r)nd din #a(.
? %a' t!' ndr"+$stit.
Bai' dra+" n! te mai as#!nde
Ii n! ,a#e din asta !n mister.
0=t/era -ine2n inim"' (e !nde
N-a1!n+e tr"snet!l l!i 8!(iter.
? L$rin' e6#lam" :a!ri#e' narm)nd!2se #! $ #/eie #! +a!r" de
(e m"s!-a de n$a(te' -i (!n n .edere #" la (rim!l .ers (e #are2l mai
s(!i te ,l!ier.
? At!n#i /ai s2$ s#/im"m (e ($liti#". %ealt,el (entr! asta
.enisem. Ai a,lat 0e!tea.
? Am a,lat #" ."d!.a 0a(et a .r!t s" e.adeze.
* Ei+ A!ta nu-i nimic-
* Da ce mai e!te #n plu!.
* Aaimo!ul Ca0ale de Mai!on-Rou"e e la /ai!-
? N! mai s(!neD stri+" :a!ri#e' ridi#)nd!2se n #a(!l $asel$r'
#/iar elA
? %a' el n (ers$an".
* Da c$nd a ("tr!nsA
? Asear".
* Cum a!ta.
? %e+/izat n .)n"t$r din Carda na-i$nal". O ,emeie' des(re #are
se #rede #" e $ arist$#rat"' de+/izat" &i ea n ,emeie din ($($r' i2a d!s
/ainele la arier"< imediat d!(" a#eea a! intrat am)nd$i' ra- la ra-.
Aia #)nd tre#!ser"' santinela ,! #!(rins" de2$ "n!ial". V"z!se
,emeia tre#)nd #! !n (a#/et &i2a#!ma $ re.edea tre#)nd #! !n militar
la ra-< i se ("r!se #e.a ne#!rat la mi1l$#< a dat alarma &i s2a ($rnit
+$ana d!(" ei. 52a! ,"#!t ne."z!-i' dis("r)nd ntr2!n (alat de (e
strada 5aint2B$n$rE' a #"r!i !&" s2a des#/is #a (rin min!ne. *alat!l
mai a.ea $ ie&ire n 0/am(s2El=sEes. Ii #! asta astaD 0a.aler!l de
:ais$n2R$!+e &i #$m(li#ea l!i a! (ierit de (ar#" i2a n+/i-it ("m)nt!l.
*alat!l .a ,i d"r)mat' (r$(rietar!l +/il$tinat' dar asemenea ,a(te n2a!
s"2l m(iedi#e (e #a.aler s" (!n" din n$! la #ale tentati.a #are i2a
e&!at a#!m (atr! l!ni (entr! nt)ia $ar" &i asear" (entr! a d$!a $ar".
? El n2a ,$st arestatA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? i2ai +"sit' aresteaz"2l (e *r$te!' dra+!l me!' /aiD aresteaz"2l
(e *r$te!. Itii d$ar #)t s2a tr!dit Aristide s"2i .in" de /a#.
/a!to Ai!toeu! fu"ien! /eneia ,empe---
2E
? Ia seama' s(!se :a!ri#e' d!#)nd #/eia la +!r".
? Ia seama t!' ei dr"#ieD #"#i de data asta n! m" ,l!ieri (e mine'
#i (e Vir+ili!.
? Ai dre(tate' &i #)t" .reme n!2l trad!#i' n2am nimi# de s(!s. %ar
s" ne2nt$ar#em la 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e.
? %a' s" re#!n$a&tem #"2i !n "rat .iteaz.
? 0a s" n#er#i asemenea l!#r!ri' e ne.$ie de2!n mae cua3&
2E Vi"iliu& Geo"icele
a!ta-i !i"u-
* Sau de o mae da"o!te-
? T! #/iar #rezi n dra+$stea #a.aler!l!i (entr! re+in"A
? N! #red' s(!n &i e! a&a' #a t$at" l!mea. %ealt,el (e m!l-i i2a
,"#!t s" se2ndr"+$steas#" de ea' n2ar ,i de mirare s"2l ,i sed!s &i
(e2a#esta. %$ar l2a sed!s &i (e >arna.e
22
' d!(" #)t se s(!ne.
? N2are a ,a#e' #a.aler!l tre!ie nea("rat s" ai" #$m(li#i #/iar
n n#/is$area Tem(le.
* E po!i)il-
Amoul upe "atii&
Ii r)de de z".$are.
* Loin+
* A1+ da& ai deptate-
? A&adar' e&ti &i t! de ("rerea #el$rlal-iA
* De ce nu.
? *entr! #" d!(" s$#$telile tale re+ina ar ,i a.!t .re$ d$!" s!te
de am$rezi.
? %$!" s!te' trei s!te' (atr! s!te. E dest!l de ,r!m$as" (entr!
a&a #e.a. N! zi# #" i2a i!it' dar' $ri#!m' ei a! i!it2$. T$-i $amenii ."d
s$arele' dar s$arele n!2i .ede (e t$-i.
? A&adar' 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e zi#i #"2i...
? @i# #"2i (!-in #am /"it!it n #li(a de ,a-"' iar da#" s#a(" de
#$($ii Re(!li#ii nseamn" #"2i &iret #a $ .!l(e &me#/er".
? Ii n t$at" a,a#erea asta #e ,a#e 0$m!naA
* Comuna are s" dea $ /$t"r)re (rin #are t$ate #asele' #a ni&te
re+istre des#/ise' .$r ,i $li+ate s" ns#rie (e ,a-ad" n!mele #el$r #e le
l$#!ies#' "ra-i &i ,emei. 5e m(line&te .is!l #el$r din .e#/ime. %e #e
$are n! e6ist" #)te2$ ,ereastr" n inima $m!l!i (entr! #a t$at" l!mea
s" ($at" .edea #e se (etre#e a#$l$AD
? Cr$za." ideeD e6#lam" :a!ri#e.
? 5" se (!n" ,erestre la inimile $amenil$rA
? N!' s" se (!n" liste la !&ile #asel$r.
%e ,a(t' :a!ri#e se +)ndea #" ast,el ar (!tea s2$ des#$(ere (e
ne#!n$s#!t" sa! m"#ar s"2i dea de !rm".
? N!2i a&aA zise L$rin. Le2am s(!s #" $ asemenea m"s!r" ne2ar
a1!ta s" (!nem m)na (e .re$ #in#i s!te de arist$#ra-i. 3iind#" .eni
.$ra' &tii #2am (rimit azi2diminea-" la #l! $ s$lie din (artea nr$la-il$r
.$l!ntari< a! .enit ndr!ma-i de ad.ersarii n$&tri de ast"2n$a(te' #are
era! e-i m$r-i #)nd ne2am des("r-it< a! .enit #! +/irlande de ,l$ri &i
22 Ant$ine >arna.e L17Pl21793F' a.$#at' $m ($liti#' (artizan al !nei
m$nar/ii #$nstit!-i$nale' se #$m(r$mite din (!n#t de .edere #i.i# (rin
desele sale .izite la ,amilia re+al" &i mai #! seam" la re+in". E
#$ndamnat la m$arte &i +/il$tinat.
#$r$ni-e im$rtele.
? 0/iar a&aA ntre" :a!ri#e' r)z)nd' &i #)-i era!A
? Vre$ treize#i. 5e "rieriser" &i a.ea! !#/e-ele de ,l$ri la
!t$niere. J0et"-eni ai #l!!l!i Term$(ile' n#e(! $rat$r!l' #a ade."ra-i
(atri$-i #e s!ntem' d$rim #a !nirea ,ran#ezil$r s" n! ,ie st)n1enit" de
ni#i $ nen-ele+ere &i am .enit s" ,raterniz"m din n$! #! .$i.K
? IiA...
? Ii am ,raternizat iar"&i' re#idi.)nd' cum !pune Diafoiu!
27
. %in
masa se#retar!l!i &i d$!" #ara,e n #are s2a! (!s !#/ete de ,l$ri s2a
n"l-at !n altar (atriei. T! erai er$!l ,esti.it"-ii' a&a #" ai ,$st #/emat de
trei $ri #a s" ,ii n#$r$nat< &i #!m n2ai r"s(!ns' ne,iind a#$l$' &i #!m
tre!ia #! $ri#e (re- s" se n#$r$neze #e.a' a! n#$r$nat !st!l l!i
Qas/in+t$n. Iat" $rdinea n #are s2a des,"&!rat #erem$nia.
'n timp ce Loin #nc1eia po0e!tiea faptelo #nt$mplate& #are la
e($#a a#eea n2a.ea! nimi# +r$tes# n ele' se a!zi $ r!m$are (e strad"
&i se desl!&ir" ni&te "t"i de t$"' mai nt)i de("rtate' (e !rm" din #e
n #e mai a(r$(iate' ns$-ite de .a#arm!l alarmei' at)t de $i&n!it
(e2at!n#i.
? 0e2$ ,i astaA ntre" :auice-
? *r$#lamarea /$t"r)rii 0$m!nei' r"s(!nse L$rin.
? Tre!ie s" ,!+ la se#-ie' zise :a!ri#e' s"rind 1$s din (at &i
stri+)nd!2&i ndat$rit$r!l s" .in" s"2l mra#e.
? Ii e! m" d!# a#as" s" m" #!l#' s(!se L$rin. N2am d$rmit de#)t
d$!" #eas!ri ast"2n$a(te din (ri#ina lestema-il$r t"i de .$l!ntari. %e
n! .a ,i de#)t $ mi#" n#"ierare' s" m" la&i s" d$rm< dar de .a ,i "taie
n t$at" re+!la' s" .ii s" m" #/emi.
? %ar de #e te2ai +"tit a&aA l ntre" :a!ri#e' #er#et)nd!2l #!
(ri.irea (e L$rin' #are se s#!lase s" (le#e.
? *"i' #a s" .in la tine s!nt silit s" tre# (e strada >Et/is=' &i (e
strada >Et/is= la n!m"r!l 3 se a,l" $ ,ereastr" #are se des#/ide $ri de
#)te $ri tre# e!.
? Ii n! -i2e team" #2ai s" ,ii l!at dre(t re+alistA
* Re"ali!t eu. Ei )ine& dimpotri."' e! s!nt #!n$s#!t #a !n
ade."rat re.$l!-i$nar. %ar tre!ie s" ,a#em &i $are#ari sa#ri,i#ii (entr!
se6!l ,r!m$s. 0!lt!l (atriei n!2l e6#l!de (e #el al dra+$stei' a' din
#$ntr"' !n!l l #ere (e #el"lalt9
Repu)lica a decetat
*e !rmele +re#il$r s" ("&im
Ii2al Liert"-ii altar n"l-at
0!2al Cra-iil$r s"2l !nim.
ndr"zne&te s" ,l!ieri str$,a asta &i te den!n- #" e&ti arist$#rat &i
(!n s" te rad" (e #a( de n2ai s" mai ($r-i ni#i$dat" (er!#". R"m)i #!
27 /e!ona3 din comedia Bolnavul nchipuit de MoliBe
ine' s#!m(e ami#e.
Loin #ntin!e pieteno! m$na lui :a!ri#e' (e #are t)n"r!l se#retar $
str)nse t$t (rieten$s' &i (le#" +)ndind!2se s" #!m(ere !n !#/et de
,l$ri (entr! 0/l$ris
29
-
Capitolul V
0E 3EL %E O: ERA 0ETREANUL :AURI0E LIN%ES
'n .reme #e :a!ri#e Linde=' d!(" #e se2mr"#" n +ra"' $
($rnise s(re se#-ia din strada Le(elletier' al #"rei se#retar' #!m se &tie'
era' s" n#er#"m a (!ne s! $#/ii (!li#!l!i ante#edentele a#est!i $m'
#are a intrat n s#en" m(ins de !n!l dintre elan!rile a#elea ale inimii
#e s!nt at)t de ,ire&ti ,"(t!ril$r (!terni#e &i +ener$ase.
T)n"r!l s(!sese ade."r!l +$l2+$l!- #)nd' l!)nd ne#!n$s#!ta (e
r"s(!nderea sa' de#larase #" se n!me&te :a!ri#e Linde= &i #" l$2
#!ie&te n strada R$!le. Ar ,i (!t!t ad"!+a #" este !n .l"star al a#elei
semiarist$#ra-ii a#$rdate ma+istra-il$r. 5tr"m$&ii s"i se e.iden-iaser"
n#" de d$!" s!te de ani (rin ne#$tenita $($zi-ie (arlamentar" #are a
,"#!t ,aima !n!i :$le
2:
!au Maupeou
2;
. Tat"l s"!' "tr)n!l Linde=' $m
tare de trea" #are2&i (etre#!se t$at" .ia-a #)rtind m($tri.a
des($tism!l!i' m!rise de !imire &i s(aim" #)nd' n zi!a de 1M i!lie
17N9' >astilia #"z! n m)inile ($($r!l!i &i el ."z! des($tism!l nl$#!it
#! $ liertate militant"< l"s" a#est !ni# ,i!' inde(endent dat$rit" a.erii'
&i re(!li#an (rin sentiment.
Re.$l!-ia' #are !rm"rise at)t de st"r!it$r marele e.eniment al
re(!li#anism!l!i' l +"sise a&adar (e :a!ri#e n (lin" .i+$are &i
mat!ritate .iril" ? ns!&iri #e se #er atlet!l!i (re+"tit s" intre n aren"
?' ,$rmat t$t$dat" (rintr2$ ed!#a-ie re(!li#an"' #$ns$lidat" &i de
,re#.entarea asid!" a #l!!ril$r &i de le#t!ra t!t!r$r (am,letel$r e($#ii.
N!mai %!mneze! &tie #)te tre!ise s" #iteas#" :a!ri#e. %is(re-
(r$,!nd' dar ra-i$nal' (entr! ierar/ie' ($ndera-ie ,il$s$,i#" n ,a-a
elementel$r #e al#"t!ies# tr!(!l' ne+are net" a $ri#"rei n$le-i #e n! e
(ers$nal"' a(re#iere im(ar-ial" a tre#!t!l!i #! ent!ziasm (entr! ideile
n$i' sim(atie (entr! ($($r ameste#at" #! #ea mai arist$#rati#" dintre
str!#t!ri' iat" tr"s"t!rile m$rale ale #el!i (e #are n! n$i l2am ales' #i (e
#are nsemn"rile #$tidiene din #are ne ins(ir"m ni l2a! dat #a er$! al
($.estirii de ,a-".
0a n,"-i&are' :a!ri#e Linde= era !n "rat nalt de (este !n
metr! &i &a(teze#i' n .)rst" de d$!" ze#i &i #in#i sa! d$!"ze#i &i &ase
29 n mit$l$+ia +rea#"' zei-a ,l$ril$r &i a (rim".erii
2: :at/ie! :$le L1ONM21POPF' (re&edinte al *arlament!l!i &i ministr!
de 1!sti-ie' a 1!#at !n r$l im($rtant n tim(!l 3r$ndei.
2; Ni#/$las de :a!(e$! L171M21797F' #an#elar al 3ran-ei #are' n 1771'
nl$#!ie&te (arlamentele din *aris &i R$!en (rin #!r-i de 1!sti-ie.
de ani' #! $ m!s#!lat!r" /er#!lean"' #/i(e&' a.)nd $ ,r!m!se-e ti(i#
,ran#ez"' #are ."de&te tr"s"t!rile s(e#i,i#e ,ran#il$r' adi#" ,r!nte (!r"'
$#/i ala&tri' ("r #astani! &i $nd!lat' $ra1i tranda,irii &i din-i #a de
,ilde&.
Ii2a#!m' d!(" #e2am ,"#!t ($rtret!l $m!l!i' s" .edem ($zi-ia
#et"-ean!l!i.
%a#" n! $+at' #el (!-in inde(endent materiali#e&te' (!rt)nd !n
n!me res(e#tat' dar mai ales ($(!lar' #!n$s#!t dat$rit" ed!#a-iei sale
lierale &i (rin#i(iil$r sale &i mai lierale de#)t ed!#a-ia' :a!ri#e se
(lasase' #a s" zi#em a&a' n ,r!ntea !n!i (artid al#"t!it din tineret!l
!r+/ez (atri$t. 5e (rea ($ate #a ,a-" de re.$l!-i$nari s" ,i tre#!t
dre(t !n ins #am m$lati#' iar ,a-" de #$le+ii de la se#-ie dre(t !n t)n"r
#am (rea (ar,!mat. %ar re.$l!-i$narii i ierta! li(sa de elan #)nd
,r)n+ea )tele #ele mai n$d!r$ase #a (e ni&te trestii ,ira.e' iar #$le+ii
!ita! ele+an-a l!i #)nd #! $ l$.it!r" de (!mn ntre $#/i te trimitea
r$st$+$l #)t #$l$' la .re$ d$!"ze#i de (a&i' da#" $#/ii l (ri.iser" ntr2!n
,el #are n!2i (l"#ea.
A&adar' at)t #! ,$r-a l!i ,izi#" &i m$ral"' #)t &i #! atit!dinea sa
#et"-eneas#"' #! t$ate trei la$lalt"' :a!ri#e (arti#i(ase la #!#erirea
>astiliei' ,"#!se (arte din #$r(!l trimis la Versailles' l!(tase #a !n le!
la 10 a!+!st' &i e dre(t s"2i re#!n$a&tem merit!l de2a ,i !#is n zi!a
a#eea mem$rail" t$t at)-ia (atri$-i &i s$lda-i de2ai l!i L!d$.i# al
4VI2lea' ,iind#" n2a mai .r!t s" s!($rte ni#i !n ,el de asasin' ,ie #"
(!rta #armani$l"' ,ie #" era !n d!&man al Re(!li#ii mr"#at n /ain"
r$&ie.
El ,! a#ela #are' (entr! a ndemna tr!(ele s" se (redea &i (entr! a
#!rma ."rsarea de s)n+e' se ar!n#ase as!(ra +!rii !n!i t!n (e #are !n
artilerist (arizian era (e #ale de a2l sl$$zi< el ,! a#ela #are intrase
(rim!l n (alat!l L!.r! (rintr2$ ,ereastr"' n #i!da ,$#!ril$r de arm" ale
#el$r #in#ize#i de s$lda-i ai m$nar/iei &i ale alt$r +entil$mi am!s#a-i'
+ata s" se re(ead"< iar #)nd z"ri semne de #a(it!lare din (artea
d!&manil$r' saia l!i n"(rasni#" str"(!nse (este ze#e $&teni n
!ni,$rme< at!n#i' ."z)nd #!m (rietenii s"i i masa#reaz" (e ndelete (e
(riz$nieri' #are ar!n#a! armele &i ridi#a! m)inile im(l$r)nd &i #er)nd
s" r"m)n" n .ia-"' s2a a(!#at ,!ri$s s"2&i m"#el"reas#" ami#ii' #eea
#e i2a ,"!rit $ re(!ta-ie demn" de zilele +randi$ase ale R$mei &i
Cre#iei.
0)nd s2a de#larat r"z$i!l' :a!ri#e s2a nr$lat &i a (le#at (e
,r$ntier"' #a l$#$tenent' #! (rimii $ mie #in#i s!te de .$l!ntari (e #are
0a(itala i trimitea m($tri.a n"."lit$ril$r &i #are n ,ie#are zi tre!ia!
s" ,ie !rma-i de al-i $ mie #in#i s!te.
La (rima "t"lie la #are a l!at (arte' adi#" la 8emma(es' a ,$st
l$.it de !n +l$nte #are' d!(" #e i2a des(i#at m!&#/ii de $-el de la
!m"r' s2a t!rtit de $s. Re(rezentant!l ($($r!l!i l #!n$&tea &i l trimise
na($i la *aris' s" se .inde#e. :ist!it de ,er"' :a!ri#e se z"t! $ l!n"
ntrea+" (e (at!2i de s!,erin-"' dar l!na ian!arie l +"si (e (i#i$are'
#$nd!#)nd' da#" n! de dre(t' #el (!-in de ,a(t' 0l!!l Term$(ile' adi#"
$ s!t" de tineri din r)nd!rile !r+/eziei (ariziene' +ata narma-i #a s"
$(reas#" &i s" m(iedi#e $ri#e tentati." n ,a.$area tiran!l!i 0a(et.
%ar mai e #e.a9 #! s(r)n#eana2n#r!ntat" de2$ m)nie nea+r"' #! $#/ii
/$la-i' #! ,r!ntea li.id"' #! inima str)ns" de2!n ameste# #i!dat de !r"
m$ral" &i de mil" ,izi#"' :a!ri#e a asistat #! m)na (e saie la e6e#!-ia
re+el!i &i ($ate #" din t$at" m!l-imea ,! sin+!r!l #are r"mase m!t
#)nd #"z! #"("-)na a#el!i !rma& al l!i L!d$.i# #el 5,)nt' al #"r!i s!,let
!r#a n #er!ri. Aia d!(" #e ti+.a #"z!se' &i ridi#" saia de tem!t &i
t$-i ami#ii s"i stri+ar"9 JTr"ias#" liertateaDK' ,"r" a "+a de seam" #"
de data a#eea' n m$d e6#e(-i$nal' .$#ea l!i n! se ameste#ase #! ale
l$r.
Iat" #ine &i #!m era "rat!l #are se ndre(ta n diminea-a zilei de
11 martie ns(re strada Le(elletier' &i #"r!ia ($.estirea n$astr" i .a da
mai m!lt relie, (rin am"n!ntele .ie-ii ,!rt!n$ase #e se (!tea d!#e &i se
d!#ea n a#ea e($#".
0"tre #eas!rile ze#e :a!ri#e s$si la se#-ia al #"rei se#retar era.
Nelini&tea a1!nsese la #!lme. 5e (!nea (r$lema .$t"rii !nei
#$m!ni#"ri adresate 0$n.en-iei n s#$(!l de a (!ne #a("t #$m2
(l$t!ril$r +ir$ndinil$r. :a!ri#e era a&te(tat #! ner"dare.
N! se .$rea de#)t de rent$ar#erea 0a.aler!l!i de :ais$n2R$!+e'
de #!tezan-a #! #are nd)r1it!l &i ("tima&!l #$ns(irat$r ("tr!nsese
(entr! a d$!a $ar" n *aris' !nde se (!sese (re- (e #a(!l sa!' l!#r! (e
#are dealt,el l &tia. *"tr!nderea l!i era (!s" n le+"t!r" #! tentati.a
din a1!n' de la n#/is$area Tem(le' &i #! t$-ii &i mani,esta! !ra &i
indi+narea m($tri.a tr"d"t$ril$r &i arist$#ra-il$r. %ar m($tri.a t!t!r$r
a&te(t"ri a #el$r de ,a-"' :a!ri#e se ar"t" ,"r" .i+$are. Reda#t" #!
di"#ie (r$#lama-ia' &i termin" t$ate $li+a-iile de ser.i#i! n trei $re'
ntre" da#" &edin-a s2a n#/eiat &i' (rimind r"s(!ns a,irmati.' &i l!"
("l"ria' ie&i &i $ a(!#" (e strada 5aint2B$n$rE .
A1!ns a#$l$' *aris!l i ("r! #! t$t!l n$!. Re."z! #$l-!l str"zii 0$H'
!nde' n tim(!l n$(-ii' i a("r!se ,r!m$asa ne#!n$s#!t"' z"t)nd!2se
n m)inile s$lda-il$r. A($i' din strada 0$H ()n" la ($d!l :arie' str""t!
a#ela&i dr!m (e #are2l (ar#!sese al"t!ri de ea' z"$.ind n t$ate
l$#!rile n #are (atr!lele i $(riser"' re(et)nd re(li#ile (e #are le
s#/imaser" n l$#!rile #e i le amintea! nt$#mai' de (ar#2ar ,i ("strat
e#$!l #!.intel$r l$r< n!mai #" era $ra !n! d!("2amiaz" &i s$arele'
l!min)nd ntre+!l dr!m' s#$tea (ar#" n relie, la ,ie#are (as amintirile
din #!rs!l n$(-ii.
:a!ri#e str""t! ($d!rile &i a1!nse #!r)nd (e strada Vi#t$r' #!m i
se s(!nea (e .remea a#eea.
* 5iata ,emeieD &$(ti :a!ri#e' ea n! s2a +)ndit ieri #" n$a(tea
-ine d$ar d$!"s(reze#e #eas!ri &i #" taina ei n! .a (!tea d!ra mai
m!lt de#)t -ine n$a(tea' n "taia s$arel!i am s" +"ses# ($arta (rin
#are s2a stre#!rat &i #ine &tie da#" n2am s2$ z"res# #/iar &i (e ea la
.re$ ,ereastr"A
*"tr!nse at!n#i (e .e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es &i se a&ez" n l$#!l
n #are l (!sese ne#!n$s#!ta n a1!n. *re- de2$ #li(" n#/ise $#/ii'
#rez)nd ($ate' iet n"!#D' #" s"r!t!l din n$a(tea tre#!t" i .a d$+$ri
!zele (entr! a d$!a $ar". %ar n! sim-i de#)t amintirea. 0e2i dre(t' &i
amintirea ardea n#".
:a!ri#e des#/ise $#/ii &i ."z! #ele d$!" !li#i$are' !na la drea(ta
&i #ealalt" la st)n+a l!i. Era! (line de n$r$i' #! (a.a1!l stri#at' n-esate
de $sta#$le' t"iate de mi#i (!n-i ar!n#ate (este !n ()r)ia&. 5e (!tea!
.edea ar#ade din +rinzi' !n+/ere' .re$ d$!"ze#i de ($r-i (r$st n#/ise'
(!tre+"ite. Rez!ltat!l !nei m!n#i +rele n t$at" mizeria l!i' &i mizeria n
t$at" /id$&enia ei. I#i2#$l$ +r"dini n+r"dite a de2!n +ard de m"r"#ini'
a de2!n za(laz de ara#i' $ri n#$n1!rate de zid!ri< (iei (!se la !s#at
s! /an+are m(r"&tia! !n mir$s res(in+"t$r' de t""#"rie' de -i se
,"#ea +rea-". :a!ri#e #er#et"' #"!t"' #/iz!i (re- de d$!" $re' dar n!
+"si nimi# &i n! +/i#i nimi#. %e ze#i de $ri se nt$r#ea de !nde (le#ase
#a s" se $rienteze. %ar t$ate n#er#"rile2i ,!r" zadarni#e' t$ate #er#e2
t"rile sterile. Urmele tinerei ,emei ("rea! a ,i &terse de #ea-" &i de
(l$aie.
? Am .isat' &i s(!se :a!ri#e. Asemenea #l$a#" n! i2a (!t!t sl!1i
ni#i $ #li(" de re,!+i! ,r!m$asei mele z)ne de ast"2n$a(te.
5"l"&l!ia n s!,let!l a#est!i re(!li#an #r)n#en $ ($ezie real"' dar
n #! t$t!l alt ,el de#)t n inima ami#!l!i s"!' #! #atrenele l!i
ana#re$nti#e' de .reme #e mr"-i&ase asemenea idee #a s" n! !m2
reas#" a!re$la #are2&i re."rsa str"l!#irea as!(ra #a(!l!i ne#!2
n$s#!tei sale. E dre(t #" se nt$arse dezn"d"1d!it.
? R"mas !nD &$(ti el' ,r!m$asa mea n."l!it" n tain"< m2ai
s$#$tit (r$st sa! #$(il. La dre(t .$rind' ar ,i .enit ea #! mine da#" ai#i
i2ar ,i ,$st l$#!in-aA N!D' a tre#!t d$ar (e2ai#i' #a le"da (este $
m$#irl" in,e#t". Ii a l"sat $ !rm" in.iziil"' (re#!m #ea a ("s"rii n
."zd!/.
Capitolul VI
'NCHISOAREA ,EM/LE
n a#eea&i zi' la a#eea&i $r" la #are :a!ri#e' #r!nt dezam"+it'
tre#ea iar"&i ($d!l 8$!rnelle' mai m!l-i #et"-eni m!ni#i(ali ns$-i-i de
5anterre' #$mandant!l C"rzii na-i$nale' (r$#eda! la $ #er#etare se.er"
n t!rn!l m"n"stirii Tem(le ? l"#a&!l #"l!+"ril$r tem(lieri ?'
trans,$rmat" n n#/is$are din zi!a de 13. T$t!l se des,"&!ra #!
de$seire n a(artament!l de la eta1!l al treilea' al#"t!it dintr2!n
.esti!l &i trei n#"(eri.
Una dintre #amere era $#!(at" de d$!" ,emei' $ ,at" &i !n #$(il
de n$!" ani' #! t$-ii mr"#a-i n /aine #ernite. 0ea mai .)rstni#"
dintre ,emei s" t$t ,i a.!t treize#i &i &a(te sa! treize#i &i $(t de ani.
Iedea l)n+" $ masa &i #itea.
A d$!a &edea &i ea &i l!#ra la $ ta(iserie< (!tea s" ,ie n .)rsta de
d$!"ze#i &i $(t' d$!"ze#i &i n$!" de ani.
3ata' n 1!r de (ais(reze#e ani' &edea l)n+a #$(il #are $lna. sa!
n!mai #!l#at' -inea $#/ii n#/i&i #a &i #!m ar ,i d$rmit '#! t$ate #" era
#! ne(!tin-" s" d$rmi n z+$m$t!l (e #are2l ,"#ea! #et"-enii
m!ni#i(ali.
Unii m!ta! (at!rile' #eilal-i des,"#ea! len1eria n #are terminaser"
de #er#etat' se !ita! #! $ st"r!in-" ins$lent" la nen$r$#itele arestate'
#are &edea! #! (ri.irile n#"("-)nat (le#ate !na as!(ra #"r-ii (e #are $
#itea' #ealalt" as!(ra -es"t!rii' iar a treia as!(ra ,ratel!i ei.
0ea mai n .)rst"' nalt"' (alid" &i ,r!m$as"' #itea &i ("rea #"2&i
#$n#entreaz" aten-ia mai ales as!(ra #ar-ii' #! t$ate #"' d!(" t$ate
(r$ailit"-ile' n!mai $#/ii #itea!' n! mintea. At!n#i' !n!l dintre
#et"-enii m!ni#i(ali se a(r$(ie de ea' i sm!lse #! s"l"ti#ie #artea din
m)n" &i $ az.)rli n mi1l$#!l n#"(erii.
%e-in!ta ntinse m)na s(re mas"' l!" !n al d$ilea .$l!m &i
#$ntin!" s" #iteas#".
:$nta+nard!l (rinse a se re(ezi ,!ri$s s"2i sm!l+" &i2al d$ilea
.$l!m' #!m ,"#!se #! (rim!l. %ar la mi&#area l!i' de-in!ta #are r$da
l)n+" ,ereastr" tres"ri' iar ,ata aler+"' #!(rinse #! ra-ele #a(!l ,emeii
#are #itea &i m!rm!r"' (l)n+)nd9
? VaiD s"rmana mea mam". A($i $ mr"-i&".
At!n#i de-in!ta &i li(i !zele de !re#/ea ,etei' #a &i #!m ar ,i
s"r!tat2$' &i2i &$(ti9
? :aria' n +!ra s$ei e as#!ns !n ile-el9 s#$ate2l.
? BaiD /aiD ,"#! re(rezentant!l m!ni#i(al' tr"+)nd2$ s"lati# (e
,at" s(re el &i des("r-ind2$ de mai#"2sa. 0)nd a.e-i de +)nd s" n#eta-i
#! s"r!tat!lA
? %$mn!le' ri($st" ,ata' 0$n.en-ia a de#retat #!m.a #" !n #$(il
n! are .$ie s"2&i s"r!te mamaA
? N!' dar a de#retat #a t$-i tr"d"t$rii &i arist$#ra-ii s" ,ie (ede(si-i
&i de a#eea ne a,l"m &i n$i a#!m ai#i' #a s" (!nem ntre"ri. Bai'
Ant$aneta' r"s(!nde.
0ea inter(elat" at)t de +r$s$lan n! +"si de #!.iin-" ni#i m"#ar s"
se !ite la #el #e2i (!sese ntrearea. %im($tri."' nt$arse #a(!l &i $
!&$ar" m!1$rare tre#! (este $ra1ii ei' li.izi din #a!za d!rerii &i
r"zda-i de la#rimi.
? E #! ne(!tin-"' !rm" $m!l a#ela' s" n! ,i a.!t /aar de
tentati.a de ast"2n$a(te. %in#$tr$ .ineA
A#eea&i t"#ere din (artea de-in!tei.
? R"s(!nde' Ant$aneta' zise at!n#i 5anterre' a(r$(iind!2se' ,"r"
s" ,i l!at aminte la ,i$r!l de +r$az" #e2$ #!(rinsese (e t)n"ra ,emeie'
#)nd l ."z! (e $m!l #are n zi!a de 71 ian!arie' diminea-a' .enise s"2l
ridi#e din n#/is$area Tem(le (e L!d$.i# al 4VI2lea #a s"2l d!#" la
e&a,$d. R"s(!nde. Ast"2n$a(te a ,$st $ #$ns(ira-ie m($tri.a Re(!li#ii
&i a! n#er#at s" te sm!l+" din n#/is$area #are' n a&te(tarea
(ede(sirii #rimel$r de #are te2ai ,"#!t .in$.at"' -i2a ,$st destinat" (rin
.$in-a ($($r!l!i. Ia s(!ne' &tiai #" se (!nea la #ale #$ns(ira-ia astaA
:aria2Ant$aneta tres"ri la a!z!l .$#ii a#el!ia de #are ("rea #" se
a("r"' tr"+)nd!2se #)t mai n ,!nd!l s#a!n!l!i (e #are &edea. %ar n!
r"s(!nse ni#i ntre"rii a#esteia a l!i 5anterre' #!m n! r"s(!nsese ni#i
#el$rlalte d$!" ale epe%entantului municipal-
? A&adar' n! .rei s" r"s(!nziA s(!se 5anterre' izind (!terni# #!
(i#i$r!l n ($dea.
%e-in!ta l!" de (e mas" !n al treilea .$l!m. 5anterre se nt$arse.
*!terea r!tal" a a#est!i $m' #are a.ea s! #$mand" N0.000 de in&i'
#"r!ia n! i2a tre!it de#)t !n sin+!r +est #a s" n"!&e .$#ea l!i
L!d$.i# al 4VI2lea n (ra+!l m$r-ii' se izea ne(!tin#i$as" de
demnitatea !nei iete de-in!te' al #"rei #a( l (!tea ,a#e s" #ad"' dar
n! s" se (le#e.
? Ii t!' Elisaet/' se adres" el #eleilalte ,emei' #are (re- de2$
#li(" n#etase s" l!#reze la ta(iserie s(re a2&i m(re!na m)inile &i a se
r!+a' dar n! $amenil$r a#el$ra' #i l!i %!mneze!...' ai s"2mi r"s(!nziA
? N! &ti! #e m"2ntrea-i' re(li#" ea' n! ." ($t de#i r"s(!nde.
? Ei' dr"#ieD 0et"-ean" 0a(et' ,"#! 5anterre' (ierd)nd!2&i
r"darea' e t$t!&i lim(ede #e ntre. 5(!n #" ieri s2a ,"#!t $ tentati."
#a s" ,i-i s#$ase din n#/is$are ? &i #" desi+!r #!n$a&te-i .in$.a-ii.
? N! a.em ni#i !n s$i de #$m!ni#a-ie #! e6teri$r!l' d$mn!le' n!
(!tem' a&adar' &ti ni#i #eea #e se ,a#e (entr! n$i' ni#i #eea #e se ,a#e
m($tri.a n$astr".
? >ine' ,ie' s(!se re(rezentant!l m!ni#i(al. A.em s2a,l"m n$i
at!n#i #e ne s(!ne ne($t!l t"!.
Ii se a(r$(ie de (at!l (rin-!l!i m$&tenit$r al 3ran-ei. n ,a-a !nei
asemenea amenin-"ri' :aria2Ant$aneta se ridi#" n!maide#)t.
? %$mn!le' s(!se ea' ,i!l me! e $lna. &i d$arme... N!2l
de&te(ta.
? At!n#i r"s(!nde t!.
? N! am #!n$&tin-" de nimi#.
Re(rezentant!l m!ni#i(al ($rni dre(t s(re (at!l mi#!l!i de-in!t'
#are se ,"#ea' a&a #!m am mai s(!s' #" d$arme.
? Bai' /ai' s#$al"' 0a(et' zise el z+)l-)ind!2l #! s"l"ti#ie.
Re+ina' n z!#i!m!l d!rerii &i2al s(aimei' ,"#! semn #"tre ,ii#"2sa
#are' ,$l$sind!2se de m$ment!l ($tri.it' se stre#!r" n #amera .e#in"'
des#/ise !n!l dintre #a(a#ele s$ei' s#$ase ilet!l' l arse' a($i se
nt$arse na($i n #amer" &i #! $ (ri.ire $ lini&ti (e mai#"2sa.
? 0e .re-i de la mineA ntre" #$(il!l.
? Vrem s" &tim da#" n2ai a!zit nimi# ast"2n$a(teA
* Nu& am domit-
? -i (la#e tare s" d$rmi' d!(" #)t se (are.
? %a' (entr! #" .isez #)nd d$rm.
? Ii #e .iseziA
? 0"2l ."d (e tat"l me!' (e #are l2a-i !#is.
? A&adar' n2ai a!zit nimi#A ntre" re(ezit 5anterre.
* Nimic-
? *re#is #" l!(anii "&tia s!nt n-ele&i #! l!($ai#a' zise n,!riat
a+ent!l m!ni#i(al< &i' t$t!&i' s2a n,"(t!it !n #$m(l$t.
Re+ina s#/i-" !n s!r)s.
? A!stria#a n! se sin#/ise&te de n$i' e6#lam" m!ni#i(al!l. Ei'
da#"2i a&a' /ai s" a(li#"m #! t$at" ri+$area de#ret!l 0$m!nei
s#$al"2te' 0a(et.
? 0e .re-i s" ,a#e-iA stri+" re+ina ie&ind!2&i din ,ire. N! .ede-i' ,i!l
me! e $lna.' #" are ,er"A Vre-i s"2l !#ide-iA
? 3i!l t"!' i r"s(!nse a+ent!l m!ni#i(al' e $ (ri#in" #$ntin!" de
nelini&te (entr! #$nsilierii n#/is$rii Tem(le. El este -inta t!t!r$r
#$ns(irat$ril$r. &i ,a# il!zii #2a! s" ." r"(eas#" (e t$-i m(re!n". Ei
ine' s" ($,teas#"... Tis$nD... Ia #/ema-i2l (e Tis$n.
Tis$n era !n ,el de zilier' ns"r#inat #! m!n#ile +rele n +$s($d"ria
n#/is$rii. Veni la #/emare.
Era !n "rat de .re$ (atr!ze#i de ani' #! (ielea ars" de s$are' #!
,a-a as(r" &i s"lati#" &i #! ("r!l ne+r!' s#!rt &i #re-' #$$r)nd ()n"
(e s(r)n#ene.
? Tis$n' ntre" 5antene' #ine a .enit ieri s2ad!#" merinde
de-in!-il$rA
,i!on o!ti un nume-
? Ii r!,"ria #ine le2a ad!s2$A
? 3ii#"2mea.
? A&adar' ,ii#"2ta e s("l"t$reas"A
? *"i' desi+!r.
* Ii t! i2ai dat de-in!-ii #a m!&teriiA
? %e #e n!A Ii ea ($ate s" #)&ti+e de (e !rma l$r la ,el #a $ri#are
alta. %$ar n! mai s!nt anii tiranil$r' s!nt anii na-i!nii' de .reme #e
na-i!nea (l"te&te (entr! ei.
? i s2a s(!s s" #er#etezi r!,"ria #! de2am"n!ntul-
? Ii #eA N!2mi ,a# e! dat$ria #!m tre!ieA 0a d$.ad"' ieri am
+"sit $ atist" #! d$!" n$d!ri &i m2am d!s s2$ ar"t la #$nsili!' #are i2a
($r!n#it s$-iei mele s2$ dezn$ade' s2$ #al#e &i s" se d!#" la #$ana
0a(et s" i2$ dea ,"r" s"2i s(!n" nimi#.
La au%ul &tirii #ele d$!" n$d!ri ,"#!te la atist"' re+ina tres"ri'
(!(ilele i se m"rir"' iar d$amna Elisaet/ s#/im" $ (ri.ire #! d)nsa.
? Tis$n' zise 5atere' ,ii#"2ta e $ #et"-ean" al #"rei (atri$tism n! e
(!s de nimeni la nd$ial"' dar #! n#e(ere de ast"zi n! mai are .$ie s"
intre n n#/is$area Tem(le.
? VaiD %$amneD e6#lam" Tis$n ns("im)ntat' #e t$t s(!ne-i
d!mnea.$astr"A 0!m adi#"' s" n!2mi mai ."d ,ii#a de#)t #)nd ies
de2ai#iA
? Ni#i t! n2ai s" mai ie&i' !rm" 5anterre.
Tis$n se !it" 1!r2m(re1!r ,"r" s"2&i $(reas#" (ri.irea !im"#it"
as!(ra ni#i !n!i l!#r! din (rea1m"' a($i stri+" r!s#9
? N2am s" mai iesD AD Va s" zi#" a&aA Ei ine' e! .rea! ies de2a
inelea. mi da! demisia< e! n!2s tr"d"t$r' ni#i arist$#rat' #a s" ,i!
-in!t n n#/is$are. V2$ s(!n (e &lea!' .rea! s" ies.
? 0et"-ene' l ntrer!(se 5anterre' as#!lt" de $rdinele 0$m!nei &i
ta#i din +!r"' sa! ai s2$ s,)r&e&ti r"!' -i2$ s(!n e!. R"m)i (e l$# &i ,ii #!
$#/ii n (atr! la #ele #e se (etre#. 5!nt #! $#/ii (e tine' te (re.in.
'nte timp& e"ina' #rez)nd!2se !itat"' se nseninase n#et2n#et &i2l
a&ez" (e ,i!l ei n (at.
? 0/eam"2-i ne.asta s!s' i s(!se re(rezentant!l m!ni#i(al l!i
Tis$n.
A#esta as#!lt" ,"r" s" #r)#neas#". Amenin-"rile l!i 5anterre l
($t$liser"' ,"#)nd!2l l)nd #a miel!l. 5$-ia l!i Tis$n se ar"t".
? Vin$2n#$aG' #et"-ean"' i s(!se 5anterre< n$i tre#em n
n#"(erea de2al"t!ri &i #)t st"m a#$l$ t! (er#/ezi-i$neaz" de-in!tele.
? 0e zi#i' ne.ast"' n! .$r s" ne mai lase ,ata s" .in" la Tem(le.
? 0!mA N! mai .$r s" ne lase ,ata s" .in"A 5" n! ne mai .edem
,ataA
Tis$n #l"tin" din #a(.
* Ce tot !pui.
? 5(!n #2a.em s" ,a#em !n ra($rt #"tre #$nsili!l n#/is$rii &i
#$nsili!l .a /$t"r. *)n" at!n#i...
? *)n" at!n#i' zise ,emeia' e! .rea! s"2mi ."d ,ata.
? Ta#iD se r"sti 5anterre< te2am #/emat ai#i #a s" (er#/ezi-i$nezi
arestatele' (er#/ezi-i$neaz"2le &i (e !rm" .edem n$i...
? %ar... t$t!&iD
? D -D ,"#! 5anterre n#r!nt)nd s(r)n#enele< mi (are #"
tre!rile se2n#!r#".
? 3emeie' ," $dat" #e2-i s(!ne #et"-ean!l +eneral< (e !rm" d$ar
ai a!zit #2a s(!s #" .edem n$i...
Ii Tis$n se !it" la 5anterre #! !n z)met !mil.
? >ine' s(!se ,emeia' /ai' (le#a-i' s!nt +ata s" le (er#/ezi-i$nez.
? %ra+" d$amn" Tis$n' i se adres" re+ina' s" #rede-i...
? N! #red nimi#' #et"-ean" 0a(et' s(!se #!m(lita ,emeie
s#r)&nind din din-i' a,ar" d$ar #" t! e&ti (ri#ina nen$r$#iril$r ($($r!l!i.
%e a#eea' n!mai s" +"ses# e! #e.a #e n! se #!.ine as!(ra

ta' &i2ai s"
.ezi t!.
*atr! $ameni r"maser" la !&" s"2i dea $ m)n" de a1!t$r ne.estei
l!i Tis$n' n #az!l n #are re+ina s-a fi #mpoti0it-
52a ,"#!t n#e(!t!l #! re+ina.
As!(ra ei s2a! +"sit $ atist" nn$data #! trei n$d!ri' #e ("rea
nen$r$#ire' !n r"s(!ns (re+"tit la #ea de #are .$rise Tis$n' !n #rei$n'
$ ras" de #"l!+"ri-" &i ni&te #ear" r$&ie de si+ilat.
? A/aD &tiam e! (rea ine' e6#lam" ,emeia l!i Tis$n' &i le2am
s(!s2$ m!ni#i(alil$r' #" a!stria#a s#rieD %e!n"zi am +"sit !n $ de
#ear" (e d$s!l s,e&ni#!l!i.
? VaiD d$amn"' s(!se re+ina' im(l$r)nd2$' s" n! le ar"ta-i de#)t
rasa.
* Ei da' si+!r' r"s(!nse ,emeia' s"2mi ,ie mil" de tineD... %ar de
mine #!i i2e mil"A... V$r s"2mi ia ,ata.
As!(ra d$amnei Elisaet/ &i alte-ei2re+ale n! s2a +"sit nimi#.
3emeia l!i Tis$n #/em" a+en-ii m!ni#i(ali #are intrar" #! 5anterre
n ,r!nte' ea le nm)n" l!#r!rile +"site as!(ra re+inei' #are tre#!r" din
m)n" n m)n" &i ,"#!r" $ie#t!l !n!i n!m"r nes,)r&it de (res!(!neri.
:ai ales atista #! trei n$d!ri (!se la2n#er#are m!lt" .reme ima+ina-ia
(erse#!t$ril$r neam!l!i re+es#.
? Ii2a#!m' s(!se 5anterre' a.em s"2-i #itim /$t"r)rea 0$n.en-iei.
? 0are /$t"r)reA ntre" re+ina.
? B$t"r)rea #are $rd$n" s" ,ii des("r-it" de ,i!l t"!.
? E2ade."rat #" e6ist" $ asemenea /$t"r)reA
? %a. 0$n.en-ia are (rea mare +ri1" de #$(il!l n#redin-at mamei
de #"tre na-i!ne' #a s"2l lase n t$."r"&ia !nei mame at)t de depa0ate
ca tine---
Oc1ii e"inei auncau ful"ee-
? %ar ,$rm!la-i m"#ar $ n.in!ire' ti+ri #e s!nte-i.
? @"! #" n!2i +re!' inter.eni !n m!ni#i(al' iat"...
Ii r$sti $ n.in!ire in,am" #a !na dintre #ele ,$rm!late m($tri.a
A+ri((inei.
? A/D e6#lam" re+ina' n (i#i$are' al" #a .ar!l &i s!(er" n
indi+narea ei' .ie2mi n s(ri1in s!net!l t!t!r$r mamel$rD
? BaiD /aiD ,"#! m!ni#i(al!l' t$ate s!nt nt$#mai #!m s(!n. %ar
iat"2ne st)nd ai#i de .re$ d$!" #eas!ri &i n! ne (!tem (ierde t$at"
zi!a. 5#$l"2te 0a(et &i .in$ d!(" n$i.
? Ni#i$dat"D Ni#i$dat"D stri+" re+ina s(re a+en-ii m!ni#i(ali &i
t)n"r!l L!d$.i# '(re+"tind!2se s" a(ere (at!l de a(r$(ierea
d!&man!l!i' #!m ,a#e ti+r$ai#a #! (!ii ei ? ni#i$dat" n2am s" n+"d!i
s"2mi ,ie l!at #$(il!lD
* Vai& domnilor' inter.eni d$amna Elisaet/ m(re!n)nd!2&i
m)inile #! $ e6(resie demn" de admirat' n n!mele 0el!i2de25!s ,ie2."
mil" de d$!" mameD
? %es#le&ta-i2." +!rile' r"s(!nse 5anterre' di.!l+a-i n!mele'
m"rt!risi-i (lan!l #$m(li#il$r .$&tri' s(!ne-i #e .$ia! s" nsemne
n$d!rile a#elea de la atista ad!s" #! r!,ele .$astre de ,ata l!i Tis$n'
&i #ele ,"#!te la atista +"sit" n !z!narele .$astre< at!n#i are s" .i se
lase #$(il!l.
0! $ (ri.ire d$amna Elisaet/ ("r! #" im(l$r" (e re+in" s" ,a#"
#!m(lit!l sa#ri,i#i!.
%ar ea' &ter+)nd!2&i #! m)ndrie $ la#rim" #e2i str"l!#ea #a $
nestemat" n #$l-!l $#/i!l!i zise9
? R"mas !n' #$(il!l me!. 5" n!2l !i-i ni#i$dat" (e tat"l t"!' #are
e a#!m n #er' &i ni#i (e mai#"2ta' (e #are n #!r)nd are s2$
re+"seas#"< n! !ita s" s(!i n ,ie#are sear" r!+"#i!nea (e #are te2am
n."-at. Adi$' ,i!l me!.
l mai mr"-i&" $ dat"' (entr! #ea din !rm" $ar"' &i a($i'
ridi#)nd!2se indi,erent" &i nend!(le#at"' le s(!se9
? N! &ti! nimi#' d$mnil$r< ,a#e-i #e d$ri-i.
Re+inei i2ar ,i tre!it ns" mai m!lt" (!tere de#)t #ea de #are era
n stare !n s!,let de ,emeie &i mai ales $ inim" de mam". 5e (r"!&i
zdr$it" (e !n s#a!n' n .reme #e i se l!a #$(il!l' #"r!ia2i #!r+ea!
la#rimile &ir$aie &i #are ntindea ra-ele s(re ea' ,"r" s" s#$at" ns" ni#i
!n stri+"t.
U&a se n#/ise n !rma re(rezentan-il$r m!ni#i(ali #are ridi#aser"
#$(il!l de re+e' &i #ele trei ,emei r"maser" sin+!re.
Urm" $ #li(" de t"#ere dezn"d"1d!it"' ntrer!(t" de #)te.a /$/$te
de (l)ns.
Re+ina $ #!rm".
? 3ii#a mea' ntre" ea' #e e #! iletul.
? L2am ars' a&a #!m mi2ai s(!s' mam".
? 3"r" s"2l ,i #ititA
? 3"r" s"2l #ites#.
? At!n#i adi$' !ltim" li#"rire' s!(rem" s(eran-"' &$(ti d$amna
Elisaet/.
? %a' ai dre(tate' ai dre(tate' s!ri$ar"' s!,erin-a e (rea +rea.
Apoi #ntoc$ndu-!e !pe fiic"2sa9
? %ar m"#ar ai ."z!t s#ris!l' :ariaA
? %a' mam"' d$ar $ #li(".
Re+ina se ridi#"' se d!se ()n" la !&a s" .ad" da#" n! e #!m.a
s(i$nat"' a($i' s#$-)nd !n a# din ("r' se a(r$(ie de zid' s#$ase dintr2$
#r"("t!r" $ /)rti!-" m("t!rit" #a !n ile-el &i' ar"t)nd2$ (rin-esei i
s(!se9
? nainte de a2mi r"s(!nde #$(ila mea' aminte&te2-i ine #ele
."z!te &i s(!ne2mi9 era a#ela&i s#rie #a a#esta de ai#iA
? %a' mam"' e6#lam" (rin-esa' da' l re#!n$s#' e a#ela&iD
? 5la." %$mn!l!iD m!rm!r" re+ina' #"z)nd n +en!n#/i ntr2$
stare de e6altare. %a#" ast"zi diminea-" a ,$st n stare s" s#rie'
nseamn" #"2i sal.at. :!l-!mes#!2-i -ie %$amneD Un!i (rieten at)t de
n$il i se #!.enea !na din min!nile tale.
? %e #ine .$re&ti' mam"A ntre" (rin-esa. 0ine este a#est
(rieten al n$str!A 5(!ne2mi #!m l #/eam"' #a s"2l ($menes# n r!+ile
#are le2nal- %$mn!l!i.
? %a' ai dre(tate' #$(ila mea' s" n! !i-i ni#i$dat" n!mele a#esta'
(!rtat de !n +entil$m (e #)t de #instit' (e at)t de .iteaz. El n! ne e
de.$tat din ami-ie' #"#i n! ni s2a ar"tat de#)t n zilele nen$r$#irii
n$astre. N2a ."z!t2$ ni#i$dat" (e re+ina 3ran-ei' sa!' mai #!r)nd
re+ina 3ran-ei n! l2a ."z!t ni#i$dat" &i' iat"' &i n#/in" .ia-a #a s2$
a(ere. *$ate ,i2.a r"s(l"tit' a&a #!m se r"s(l"te&te azi $ri#e .irt!te' #!
$ m$arte #!m(lit"T %ar da#" .a ,i s" m$ar"... .aiD a#$l$ s!sD am s"2i
m!l-!mes#... N!mele l!i eT
Re+ina (ri.i #! nelini&te n 1!r!2i &i s(!se n &$a(t"9
? N!mele l!i e 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e... R!+a-i2." (entr! el.
Capitolul VII
8URR:UNT %E 8U0RTOR
'ncecarea de r"(ire' $ri#)t a ,$st de #$ntestat"' (entr! #" n! se
tre#!se la e6e#!tarea ei' a-)-ase (e de2$ (arte m)nia !n$ra' (e de alta
#!ri$zitatea &i interes!l alt$ra. %ealt,el ? ,a(t #e ad"!+a
e.eniment!l!i des(re #are .$rim $ (r$ailitate a(r$a(e (al(ail" ?
()n" &i #$mitet!l si+!ran-ei +enerale a,lase #"' de .re$ trei s"(t"m)ni
sa! #/iar $ l!n"' $ m!l-ime de emi+ran-i se rent$rseser" n 3ran-a'
("tr!nz)nd (rin di,erite (!n#te de ,r$ntier". Era lim(ede #" $amenii
#are2&i ris#a! ast,el #a(!l n! &i2l ris#a! ,"r" !n s#$( &i #" !n asemenea
s#$(' d!(" t$ate (r$ailit"-ile' n! (!tea ,i alt!l de#)t a#ela de a2&i da
#$n#!rs!l la r"(irea ,amiliei re+ale.
La (r$(!nerea l!i Osselin' memr! al 0$n.en-iei' se &i (r$m!l+ase
#!m(lit!l de#ret (rin #are se #$ndamna la m$arte $ri#e emi+rant
d$.edit #" a (!s iar"&i (i#i$r!l (e ("m)n-!l 3ran-ei' $ri#e ,ran#ez
d$.edit #" &i2a ,"#!t (lan!ri de emi+rare' $ri#e indi.id d$.edit #" a
a1!tat !n emi+rant sa! !n emi+rat s" ,!+" sa! s" se rent$ar#" &i' n
s,)r&it' $ri#e #et"-ean d$.edit #" a ad"($stit .re!n emi+rant.
0! a#east" le+e ns("im)nt"t$are s2a ina!+!rat Ter$area. N! mai
li(sea de#)t le+ea s!s(e#-il$r.
0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e era !n d!&man (rea ntre(rinz"t$r &i
(rea ndr"zne- (entr! #a ("tr!nderea l!i n *aris &i a(ari-ia sa la
n#/is$area Tem(le s" n! ,i +enerat l!area #el$r mai +ra.e m"s!ri.
*er#/ezi-ii mai se.ere #a ni#i$dat" ,!r" e6e#!tate ntr2$ +r"mad" de
#ase s!s(e#te. %ar' a,ar" de des#$(erirea #)t$r.a emi+rante' #are se
l"sar" ridi#ate' &i a #)t$r.a "tr)ni' #are n!2&i mai "t!r" #a(!l s"2&i
a(ere de #"l"! (!-inele zile #e le mai r"m"seser" de tr"it' #er#et"rile
n! d!ser" la ni#i !n rez!ltat. 5e#-iile' a&a #!m lesne e de n#/i(!it' n
!rma a#est!i e.eniment a! a.!t de l!#r! ()n" (este #a( m!lte zile n
&ir' &i' #a atare' se#retar!l se#-iei Le(elletier' !na dintre #ele mai
in,l!ente din *aris' n! (rea a a.!t tim( s" se +)ndeas#" la
ne#!n$s#!ta l!i.
:ai nt)i n#er#ase s" !ite' a&a #!m /$t"r)se #)nd ("r"sise
.e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es' dar' (re#!m i s(!sese &i (rieten!l s"!
L$rin9
C)ndind!2te #" tre!ie s" !i-i'
Te treze&ti #"2-i ad!#i aminte.
:a!ri#e' t$t!&i' n! s(!sese nimi#' ni#i n! m"rt!risise nimi#.
3ere#ase n s!,let am"n!ntele a.ent!rii #are s#"(ase de in.esti+a-ia
(rieten!l!i s"!. 0! t$ate a#estea' L$rin' #are #!n$&tea ,irea .esel" &i
#$m!ni#ati." a l!i :a!ri#e &i #are a#!m l .edea ntr!na d!s (e
+)nd!ri &i #"!t)nd sin+!r"tatea' (resim-ise &i "n!ia #" (!n+a&!l
a#ela de 0!(id$n' #!m i s(!nea el' &i .)r)se #$ada.
E de n$tat #" n tim(!l #el$r $(ts(reze#e se#$le de m$nar/ie'
3ran-a a a.!t (!-ini ani n#/ina-i mit$l$+iei' (re#!m an!l de +ra-ie
1797.
T$t!&i' #a.aler!l n! ,!sese (rins. N! se mai a!zea .$rind!2se de
el. Re+ina' ."d!.it" de s$-' li(sit" de #$(il' se m!l-!mea d$ar s"
(l)n+"' #)nd r"m)nea sin+!r"' ntre ,ii#" &i #!mnat".
T)n"r!l (rin- m$&tenit$r n#e(ea' (e m)inile #izmar!l!i 5im$n'
#!n$s#!t!l martira1 #e a.ea s"2l al"t!re (este d$i ani tat"l!i &i mamei
sale. Urm" d$ar $ #li(" de a#almie.
Vulcanul monta"nad !e odi1nea #nainte de a-i nimici pe "iondini-
:a!ri#e sim-ea a("sarea a#elei a#almii' a&a #!m se simte ($.ara
atm$s,erei (e .reme de ,!rt!n" &i' ne&tiind #!m s"2&i (etrea#" #li(ele
de r"+az' #e2l l"sa! (rad" n,l"#"r"rii !n!i sim-"m)nt #are' de n! era
#/iar dra+$ste' +r$za. i mai sem"na' :a!ri#e' #!m zi#eam' #iti iar"&i
s#ris$area' &i li(i !zele de ,r!m$s!l sa,ir' &i se /$t"r' #"l#)nd!2&i
1!r"m)nt!l' s" ,a#" $ !ltim" n#er#are' ,"+"d!ind!2&i s" ,ie #ea din
!rm".
T)n"r!l n$str! se +)ndise la !n l!#r!9 s" se d!#" la se#-ia din
se#t$r!l Cr"dinii $tani#e &i a#$l$ s" #ear" in,$rma-ii de la se#retar!l
se#-iei #$le+!l s"!. %ar (rima sa!' am (!tea s(!ne' !ni#a idee #are $
a.!sese' #!m #" ,r!m$asa2i ne#!n$s#!t" era ameste#at" n #ine &tie
#e !neltire ($liti#"' l $(ri. La +)nd!l #" $ indis#re-ie din (artea l!i $
(!tea d!#e (e ,erme#"t$area ,emeie n *ia-a Re.$l!-iei &i (!tea ,a#e
s" #ad" #a(!l ei de n+er (e e&a,$d' la +)nd!l a#esta !n ,i$r de +r$az"
tre#ea (rin .inele l!i :a!ri#e.
5e /$t"r a&adar' s" n#er#e a.ent!ra sin+!r &i ,"r" ni#i $
in,$rma-ie. *lan!l l!i are dest!l de sim(l!. Listele a,i&ate la t$ate !&ile
tre!ia! s"2i dea (rimele indi#ii< a($i inter$+area ($rtaril$r a.ea s"
ad!#" lim(ezirea mister!l!i' n #alitate de se#retar al se#-iei Le(elletier
a.ea m)n" lier" &i de(lin" (!tere &i ndre(t"-ire de2a (!ne ntre"ri.
%ealt,el' :a!ri#e n! &tia n!mele ne#!n$s#!tei' dar tre!ia s" se
$rienteze (rin ded!#-ii. Era #! ne(!tin-" #a $ ,"(t!r" at)t de
,erme#"t$are s" n! ($arte !n n!me ($tri.it (entr! n,"-i&area ei'
.re!n n!me de sil,id"' de z)n" sa! de n+er' ,iind#" s$sirea sa (e
("m)nt tre!ia

s" ,i ,$st sal!tat" #a a#eea a !nei ,iin-e s!(eri$are'
s!(ranat!rale.
N!mele l .a ndr!ma ,"r" d$ar &i ($ate.
:a!ri#e se mr"#" #! $ #armani$l" de ($sta. +r$s' #a,eni!' (e
#a( &i (!se $neta r$&ie de zile mari &i ($rni n e6(edi-ie ,"r" s" s(!n"
nim"n!i.
n m)n" a.ea $ )t" n$d!r$as"' #"reia i se s(!nea #$nstit!ite<
asemenea arm"' (e m"s!ra (!mn!l!i .i+!r$s al l!i :a!ri#e' #"("ta
t"ria m"#i!#ii l!i Ber#!le. n !z!nar a.ea m(!terni#irea de se#retar al
se#-iei Le(elletier. %is(!nea de$($tri." de si+!ran-a ,izi#" &i de
+aran-ia m$ral".
*$rni' a&adar' s" str"at" iar"&i strada 5aint2Vi#t$r &i .e#/ea
strad" 5aint28a#H!es' #itind la l!mina zilei (e s,)r&ite t$ate n!mele
s#rise (e (an$!rile ,ie#"rei !&i de2$ m)n" mai m!lt sa! mai (!-in
is#!sit".
5e a,la la a s!ta #as" &i' #a atare' la a s!ta list"' ,"r" #a nimi# s"2l
ndre(t"-eas#" s" #read" #2ar ,i dat #)t de #)t de !rmele ne#!n$s#!tei
sale' #eea #e dealt,el n2ar ,i .$it s" re#!n$as#" de#)t da#" i2ar ,i #"z!t
$#/ii (e2!n n!me de ,el!l #el!i (e #are2l .isase' #)nd !n #izmar' $m
#!mse#ade de ,el!l l!i' ."z)nd ner"darea #e se z!+r".ise (e #/i(!l
#el!i #e #itea' des#/ise !&a l$#!in-ei sale' ie&i #! $ #!rea ntr2$ m)n" &i
#! s!la n #ealalt" &i' !it)nd!2se la :a!ri#e (e deas!(ra $#/elaril$r' l
ntre"9
? Vrei s" a,li #)te #e.a des(re l$#atarii #asei de2ai#iA %a#"2i a&a'
d"2i dr!m!l. 5!nt +ata s"2-i r"s(!nd.
? :!l-!mes#' #et"-ene' m$rm"i :a!ri#e' #"!tam d$ar !n (rieten.
? 5(!ne2i n!mele' #et"-ene' #!n$s# t$at" l!mea din #artier. Unde
l$#!ia (rieten!lA
? L$#!ia' d!(" #)te2mi (are' (e .e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es< dar
mi2e team" s" n! se ,i m!tat.
? %ar #!m l #/eam"A Tre!ie s"2i &ti! n!mele.
:a!ri#e' l!at (rin s!r(rindere' &$."i $ #li("' a($i r$sti (rim!l
nume cae-i 0eni pe )u%e-
* Ren(& !pu!e el-
? Ii #e meserieA
:a!ri#e' !it)nd!2se n 1!r' se ."z! n#er#!it n!mai de t""#)rii.
? U#eni# t""#ar.
? n asemenea #az' inter.eni !n me&ter #are t$#mai se $(rise
a#$l$ &i se !ita la :a!ri#e #! $are#are nai.itate' n! li(sit" ns" de
(!-in" "n!ial"' ar tre!i s"2l ntrei (e me&ter!l l!i.
? Asta a&a e' $ser." ($rtar!l. 0e2i dre(t' me&terii &ti! n!mele
l!#r"t$ril$r l$r. Iat"2l ai#i &i (e #et"-ean!l %i6mer' (atr$n!l !nei
t""#"rii #are are (este #in#ize#i de l!#r"t$ri< el ($ate s" te
l"m!reas#".
:a!ri#e se nt$arse &i d"d! #! $#/ii de !n (atr$n n t$at" re+!la'
nalt de stat!r"' la1in la #/i(' (!rt)nd ni&te /aine s#!m(e' de
ind!stria& nst"rit.
? N!mai #"' a&a #!m a s(!s &i #et"-ean!l ($rtar' !rm" me&ter!l'
ar tre!i s"2i &ti! n!mele de ,amilie.
* L-am !pu! doa4 Ren(-
? RenE e n!me de $tez' e! te2ntre de n!mele de ,amilie. T$-i
l!#r"t$rii s!nt ns#ri&i la mine #! n!mele l$r de ,amilie.
? @"!' ,"#! :a!ri#e' (e #are !n asemenea inter$+at$ri! n#e(!se
s"2l s#$at" din s"rite' n!mele de ,amilie n! i2l &ti!.
? 0!m dra#!DA zise me&ter!l #! !n s!r)s n #are l!i :a!ri#e i se
("r! #" desl!&e&te mai m!lt" ir$nie de#)t ar ,i .r!t #el"lalt s2arate'
#!m' #et"-ene' n!2i &tii n!mele de ,amilie (rieten!l!i t"!A
* Nu-
* Atunci !e .ede treaa #" n2ai s"2l +"se&ti.
Ii me&ter!l' sal!t)nd!2l #! !n".$in-" (e :a!ri#e' ,"#! #)-i.a
(a&i &i ("tr!nse ntr2$ #as" de (e .e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es.
? 3a(t e #" da#" n!2i &tii n!mele de ,amilie...' !rm" ($rtar!l.
? Ei' iat"' n! i2l &ti!' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' #are n2ar ,i (re+etat s"
dea ,r)! lier m)niei sale &i n! s2ar ,i s!("rat s" i se #a!te (ri#in"' a
dim($tri."' tre!ie s" s(!nem #" n! era de(arte de2a #"!ta el ns!&i
(ri#in" #! t$t dinadins!l. Ii #e2ai de s(!s la astaA
? Nimi#a' #et"-ene' #/iar nimi#. N!mai #"' da#" n! &tii #!m l
#/eam" (e (rieten!l t"!' se .ede treaa' a&a #!m a s(!s &i #et"-ean!l
%i6mer' se .ede treaa #" n2ai s"2l mai +"se&ti.
Ii #et"-ean!l ($rtar intr" n +/eret"' ridi#)nd din !meri.
:a!ri#e a.ea $ ($,t" +r$za." s"2i ard" $ "taie stra&ni#" ($r2
tar!l!i' n!mai #" a#esta era "tr)n9 ne(!tin-a l sal.". %e2ar ,i a.!t #!
d$!"ze#i de ani mai (!-in' :a!ri#e ar ,i dat !n s#andal$s s(e#ta#$l de
e+alitate n ,a-a le+ii' dar de ine+alitate n ,a-a ,$r-ei.
Dealtfel& noaptea ea "ata s" se lase &i :a!ri#e n! mai a.ea de#)t
#)te.a min!te de l!min".
Le ,$l$si #a s" ("tr!nd" mai nt)i (e (rima str"d!-"' a($i (e

a
d$!a' #er#et" ,ie#are !&"' is#$di ,ie#are !n+/er' se !it" (este t$ate
z"(laz!rile' se #a-"r" (e deas!(ra t!t!r$r zid!ril$r' trase #! $#/i!l (rin
t$ate z"relele' (rin ,ie#are +a!r" de #/eie' "t! la !&a #)t$r.a
ma+azine (!stii' ,"r" s" #a(ete r"s(!ns' n s,)r&it (etre#! a(r$a(e
d$!" $re ntr2$ #"!tare zadarni#".
>"t!r" #eas!rile n$!" seara. 5e nn$(tase de t$t. N! se mai a!zea
ni#i !n z+$m$t' n! se mai z"rea ni#i $ mi&#are n #artier!l a#ela (!sti!'
din #are .ia-a ("rea #" se retr"sese $dat" #! l!mina zilei.
:a!ri#e' dezn"d"1d!it' era (e (!n#t!l de2a ,a#e #ale2nt$ars"'
#)nd' dintr2$ dat"' la #$tit!ra !nei #"r"r!i n+!ste' ."z! str"l!#ind $
l!min". 5e n#!met" s" ("tr!nd" n str)mt$area nt!ne#$as"' ,"r" s"
a+e de seam" #" t$#mai n #li(a n #are nainta' $ is#$ad"' #e de
.re!n s,ert de #eas i !rm"rise t$ate mi&#"rile din mi1l$#!l !n!i ()l# de
ar$ri n"l-at (este zid"rie' dis("r! n +raa mare n d$s!l zid!l!i.
La #)te.a #li(e d!(" #e is#$ada dis("r!se' trei "ra-i' ie&ind
(rintr2$ ($rti-" ,"#!t" n zid' se n"(!stir" (e #"rarea (e #are se
a,!ndase :a!ri#e' n .reme #e !n al (atr!lea' (entr! mai m!lt"
(re#a!-ie' n#/idea ($rti-a #"r"r!ii.
La #a("t!l #"r"rii' :a!ri#e d"d!se (este $ #!rte' l!mina str"l!#ea
de (artea #ealalt" a #!r-ii. >"t! la !&a !nei #ase s"r"#"#i$ase &i
sin+!rati#e' dar la (rima "taie n !&" l!mina se stinse.
:a!ri#e "t! din n$!' dar nimeni n!2i r"s(!nse' &i d"d! seama #"
era #$nsemn s" n! se r"s(!nd"' n-elese #" &i (ierdea tim(!l de (ris$s
"t)nd la !&"' a&a #" str""t! #!rtea &i intr" iar"&i (e #"rare.
n a#est r"stim( !&a #asei se #r"(" n#eti&$r9 trei "ra-i ie&ir" &i
se a!zi !n ,l!ierat s#!rt.
Maui#e se nt$arse &i ."z! trei !mre la $ de("rtare #am de d$!"
$ri mai mare de#)t l!n+imea )tei sale.
n li#"r!l de l!min" #are st"r!ie #/iar n (lin" ezn" (entr! $#/ii
de(rin&i de m!lt #! nt!neri#!l' trei t"i&!ri str"l!#ea! #! s#li(iri
amenin-"t$are.
Mauri#e n-elese #" era m(res!rat9 .$i s" ,a#" !n m!linet #!
)ta' dar #"rarea era at)t de n+!st" n#)t m"#i!#a l!i atinse am)nd$i
(ere-ii' n a#eea&i #li("' $ l$.it!r" (!terni#" n #a( l n"!#i. Era ata#!l
ne(re."z!t da! de #ei (atr! #are ie&iser" din s(atele zid!l!i. Ia(te
"ra-i se n"(!stir" de$dat" as!(ra l!i :a!ri#e &i' #! t$at" rezisten-a
l!i dis(erat"' l d$$r)r"' i le+ar" m)inile' im$iliz)nd!2l' &i2l le+ar" la
$#/i.
:a!ri#e n! s#$sese ni#i !n .aiet &i n! stri+ase d!(" a1!t$r.
*!terea &i #!tezan-a d$res# t$tdea!na s" se des#!r#e sin+!re' de
(ar#" le2ar ,i r!&ine s" (rimeas#" !n a1!t$r din a,ar".
%ealt,el' $ri#)t ar ,i stri+at el d!(" a1!t$r n ma/ala!a a#eea
(!stie' nimeni n2ar ,i .enit.
3! a&adar d$$r)t &i le+at !rd!,' ,"r" a ,i s#$s' #!m am mai s(!s'
ni#i m"#ar !n +eam"t.
5e +)ndise dealtminteri #"' da#"2l le+aser" la $#/i' n! ,"#!ser" ei
asta #a s"2l !#id" n!maid##)t. La .)rsta l!i :a!ri#e' $ri#e r"+az e2!n
(rile1 de s(eran-".
&i #$n#entra' a&adar' t$at" (rezen-a de s(irit &i a&te(t".
* Cine e&tiA ntre" $ .$#e n#" n.r"1it" de l!(t".
? 5!nt !n $m (e #ale de2a ,i asasinat' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e.
? >a mai m!lt' e&ti m$rt da#" .$re&ti n +!ra mare' #/emi sa!
stri+i.
? %e2a& ,i .r!t s" stri+' n2a& ,i a&te(tat ()n" a#!ma.
? E&ti +ata s"2mi r"s(!nzi la ntre"riA
? ntrea" inai nt)i &i2am s" ."d da#" tre!ie s"2-i r"s(!nd.
* Cine te-a timi! aici.
* Nimeni-
* Vii deci cu de la tine putee.
* Da-
? :in-i.
:a!ri#e n#er#" din t$ate (!terile s"2&i des,a#" m)inile' dar !n
asemenea l!#r! era #! ne(!tin-"-
? N2am min-it ni#i$dat"D iz!#ni el.
? 3ie #" .ii #! de la tine (!tere' ,ie #" e&ti trimis' $ri#!m e&ti
s(i$n.
? Ii .$i ni&te la&i.
? La&i' n$iA
? %a' .$i' &a(te sa! $(t m($tri.a !n!i sin+!r $m le+at zdra."n'
(e #are2l mai &i ins!lta-i. La&i' la&i' la&i+
n l$# s"2i n,!rie' m)nia l!i :a!ri#e ("r! #"2i ($t$le&te (e
ad.ersarii s"i. 3!ria asta d$.edea #" t)n"r!l n$str! n! era #eea #e l
a#!za! ei #2ar ,i< !n s(i$n ade."rat ar ,i trem!rat &i2ar ,i #er!t nd!rare.
? Asta n!2i ins!lt"' r$sti $ .$#e mai l)nd"' dar t$t$dat" mai
a!t$ritar" d##)t $ri#are dintre #elelalte #are .$riser"' n .rem!rile (e
#are le tr"im' ($-i ,i s(i$n ,"r" s" ,ii ne#instit< n!mai #"2-i ri&ti .ia-a.
? 3ii ine.enit' d!mneata #are ai r$stit asemenea .$re< am s"2-i
r"s(!nd leal.
* Ce #a!-i ai#i n #artierA
* Caut o femeie-
8!sti,i#area ,! (rimit" #! &$a(te de nen#redere. I$a(tele se
nte-ir" ()n" #e a1!nser" asemeni !nei .i1elii.
? :in-iD s(!se iar"&i a#eea&i .$#e. N!2i ni#i $ ,emeie' &i n$i &tim
#e2nseamn" ,emeia< ai#i n #artier n!2i ni#i $ ,emeie de !rm"rit.
:"rt!rise&te2-i s#$(!l' alt,el ai s" m$ri.
? Ei a&iD ,"#! :a!ri#e. %$ar n2a.e-i s" m" !#ide-i' a&a' (entr!
(l"#erea de2a !#ide' a,ar" d$ar da#" n! s!nte-i #!2ade."rat ni&te
t)l/ari de dr!m!l mare.
Ii :a!ri#e se sm!#i din n$!' mai tare &i mai nea&te(tat de#)t
nt)ia $ar"' #a s"2&i eliereze m)inile din str)ns$area ,!niei #are le
le+a' dar dintr2$ dat" sim-i $ atin+ere re#e &i $ senza-ie d!rer$as" &i
.ie i s,)&ie (ie(t!l.
3"r" .$ie' :a!ri#e d"d! !n (as na($i.
? A/aD ai sim-it #e2i asta' r$sti !n!l dintre "ra-i. Ei ine' mai
s!nt n#" $(t !#"-i aid$ma #elei #! #are ai ,"#!t a#!ma #!n$&tin-".
? At!n#i' !#ide-i2m"' s(!se :a!ri#e resemnat. 0el (!-in a&a se
termin" n!maide#)t.
? 0ine e&tiA Bai' s(!neD inter.eni +las!l a#ela l)nd &i a!t$ritar
t$t$dat".
? N!mele me! .re-i s"2l &ti-iA
? %a' n!mele t"!.
* Sunt Mauice Linde8-
? 0eA e6#lam" $ .$#e' :a!ri#e Linde=' re.$l!... (atri$t!lA :a!ri#e
Linde=' se#retar!l se#-iei Le(elletierA
0!.intele de mai s!s ,!r" r$stite #! at)ta ns!,le-ire' n#)t :a!ri#e
."z! (rea ine #" era! de#isi.e. 5" dea !n r"s(!ns nsemna' ntr2!n ,el
sa! alt!l' s"2&i /$t"ras#" s$arta.
:a!ri#e n! era n stare de ni#i !n s$i de la&itate. L!" $ atit!dine
demn" &i a!t$ritar"' #a !n ade."rat s(artan' &i s(!se #! +las /$t"r)t9
? %a' :a!ri#e Linde=< da' :a!ri#e Linde=' se#retar!l se#-iei
Le(elletier< da' :a!ri#e Linde=' (atri$t!l' re.$l!-i$nar!l' ia#$in!l<
:a!ri#e Linde=' n s,)r&it' &i zi!a n #are .a m!ri (entr! liertate .a ,i
#ea mai ,r!m$as" zi din .ia-a l!i.
O t"#ere de m$arte i nt)m(in" r"s(!ns!l.
:a!ri#e Linde= &i $,eri (ie(t!l' a&te(t)nd d)ntr2$ #li("2n alta #a
s(ada' al #"rei .)r, d$ar l sim-ise' s" i se n,i+" ntrea+" n inim".
? 5" ,ie $are ade."ratA r$sti d!(" #)te.a se#!nde $ .$#e #are
tr"da $ $are#are em$-ie. As#!lt"' tinere' s" n! min-i.
? 5#$t$#i-i2m" n !z!nare' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' &i2a.e-i s" +"si-i
le+itima-ia. *ri.i-i s(re (ie(t!l me! &i' da#" s)n+ele n! le2a a#$(erit'
mi .e-i +"si ini-ialele' !n : &i !n L' r$date (e #"ma&".
*e dat"' :a!ri#e se sim-i ridi#at de ni&te ra-e (!terni#e. 3! (!rtat
(e $ distan-" dest!l de s#!rt". A!zi des#/iz)nd!2se $ !&"' a($i a d$!a.
N!mai #" a d$!a era mai str)mt" de#)t #ea dint)i' #"#i "ra-ii #are2l
d!#ea! aia (!t!r" tre#e #! el.
:!rm!rele &i &$a(tele se nte-ir".
J5!nt (ierd!t' &i s(!se :a!ri#e' a! s"2mi (!n" $ (iatr" de +)t
&i2a! s" m" ar!n#e n #ine &tie #e !l$an" din a(a >ie.rei.K
%ar' d!(" $ #li("' sim-i #" a#eia #are2l (!rta! !r#ar" #)te.a
tre(te. Un aer mai #"ld!- l izi n ,a-"< ,! a&ezat (e2!n s#a!n. A!zi $
!&" #are se n#!ie de d$!" $ri &i ni&te (a&i de("rt)nd!2se. 5e #rez!
l"sat sin+!r. 0i!li !re#/ea #! aten-ia de #are2i n stare $m!l a #"r!i
.ia-" at)rn" de2!n #!.)nt' &i2i ("r! #" a!de a#eea&i .$#e' #are2i
im(resi$nase !re#/ea (rin ameste#!l a#ela de ener+ie' (!tere &i
l)nde-e' s(!n)nd #el$rla-i9
? 5" ne s,"t!im &i s" #/iz!im.
Capitolul VIII
GENEVIEVE
Aia da#" se s#!rsese !n s,ert de $r"' #e i se ("r! !n se#$l l!i
:a!ri#e. Nimi# mai ,ires#< t)n"r' #/i(e&' .$ini#' s(ri1inind!2&i (!terea
(e $ s!t" de (rieteni #redin#i$&i' #! #are !ne$ri .isa n,"(t!irea !n$r
l!#r!ri m"re-e' se sim-ea dintr2$ dat"' ,"r" s" ,i ,$st (re+"tit dinainte'
n (rime1die s"2&i (iard" .ia-a' #"z!t ntr2$ #!rs" m)r&a.".
&i d"dea seama #" ,!sese n#/is ntr2$2n#"(ere $aecae- Da ea
oae !upa0e"1eat.
n#er#" iar' #! $ n$!" s,$r-are' s" se eliereze. :!&#/ii l!i de ,ier
se !m,lar"' se nt"rir"' ,!nia i intr" n #arne' dar n! se r!(se.
:ai n+r$zit$r de#)t $ri#e era #" a.ea m)inile le+ate la s(ate &i #"
n!2&i (!tea sm!l+e le+"t!ra de (e $#/i. %a#2ar ,i (!t!t .edea' ($ate
#2ar ,i (!t!t ,!+i.
T$t!&i' ,el!ritele l!i n#er#"ri se (etre#!ser" ,"r" #a nimeni s" i se
,i m($tri.it' ,"r" #a nimi# s" se ,i #lintit n 1!r< n-elese' a&adar' #" era
sin+!r.
*i#i$arele2i #"l#a! (e #e.a m$ale' a,)nat' nisi( $ri ("m)nt +r$s'
($ate. Un iz n"#rit &i ("tr!nz"t$r i izi mir$s!l' ."dind!2i (rezen-a
!n$r materii .e+etale. :a!ri#e se +)ndi #" se a,l" ntr2$ ser" s2a!
ntr2!n l$# asem"n"t$r. 3"#! #)-i.a (a&i' se izi de2!n (erete' se
nt$arse #a s" (i("ie #! m)inile' d"d! (este ni&te !nelte a+ri#$le &i
s#$ase ,"r" .$ie $ e6#lama-ie de m!l-!mire.
0! s,$r-"ri nen#/i(!ite' iz!ti s" #er#eteze t$ate s#!lele' !na #)te
!na. n asemenea sit!a-ie ,!+a l!i n! mai era de#)t $ #/esti!ne de
tim(. %a#" /azard!l sa! (r$.iden-a i a#$rda d$ar #in#i min!te &i da#"
(rintre !nelte ar ,i +"sit !na t"i$as"' era sal.at.
C"si $ #azma.
%at$rit" ,el!l!i n #are ,!sese le+at' :a!ri#e tre!i s" ,a#" !n
mare e,$rt #a s" ($at" nt$ar#e #azma!a #! t"i&!l n s!s. *e ,ier!l
a#ela' (e #are2l -inea s(ri1init de (erete #! s(atele' :a!ri#e t"ie sa!
mai #!r)nd r$ase ,!nia #are2i le+a (!mnii. O(era-ia se ar"ta l!n+"'
,ier!l #azmalei t"ia ane.$ie. 5!d$area i #!r+ea (e ,r!nte. A!zi z+$m$t
de (a&i #e se a(r$(ia!. :ai ,"#! $ !ltim" s,$r-are' (!terni#"' de
nen#/i(!it' s!(rem"9 ,!nia' (e 1!m"tate r$as"' se r!(se.
%e data asta s#$ase !n ade."rat stri+"t de !#!rie.
0ei (!-in era si+!r #" .a m!ri a("r)nd!2se.
:a!ri#e &i sm!lse le+"t!ra de (e $#/i.
N! se n&elase' se a,la n! ntr2$ ser"' #i ntr2!n (a.ili$n !nde
,!seser" ad!nate #)te.a (lante $+ate n se."' #are n! ($t r"m)ne
iarna s! #er!l lier' ntr2!n #$l- era! !neltele de +r"din"rit' dintre #are
!na i ,"#!se !n at)t de (re-i$s ser.i#i!. n ,a-a l!i se a,la $ ,ereastr"<
se re(ezi s(re ea' dar era z"relit" &i !n "rat narmat #! $ #arain"
&edea ($stat #a santinel" dinaintea ei.
%e #ealalt" (arte a +r"dinii' #am la .re$ treize#i de (a&i de("rtare'
se n"l-a !n #/i$&# mi#' (ere#/ea a#el!ia n #are se a,la :a!ri#e. 5t$r!l
,erestrei era l"sat' dar n d$s!l st$r!l!i li#"rea $ l!min".
5e a(r$(ie de !&" &i trase #! !re#/ea9 alt" santinel" tre#ea n s!s
&i2n 1$s (rin ,a-a !&ii. *a&ii a#esteia i a!zise :a!ri#e mai nainte.
%ar n ,!nd!l #$rid$r!l!i r"s!na! ni&te .$#i nedesl!&ite< de2
lierarea de+enerase e.ident n dis#!-ie. :a!ri#e n! (!tea a!zi t$t #e
se s(!nea. T$t!&i' !nele #!.inte ("tr!ndea! ()n" la el' #a &i #!m ar ,i
a.!t de str""t!t $ distan-" mai mi#"' &i' (rintre a#estea' a!zi
#!.intele is#$ad"' (!mnal' m$rt.
:a!ri#e &i n#$rda aten-ia nd$it. O !&" se des#/ise &i a!zi mai
lim(ede9
? %a' zi#ea $ .$#e' da' e is#$ad"' a a,lat #e.a &i #! si+!ran-" #" e
trimis s" ne des#$(ere tainele. %)nd!2i dr!m!l' ris#"m s" ne den!n-e.
? %ar #!.)nt!l datA ntre" !n +las.
? 0!.)nt!l are s" &i2l dea' (e !rm" are s" &i2l #al#e. E el +entil$m
#a s" ne n#redem n #!.)nt!l l!iA
:a!ri#e s#r)&ni din din-i la +)nd!l #" mai s!nt $ameni #are &i
n#/i(!ie #" tre!ie s" ,ii +entil$m #a s"2-i -ii 1!r"m)nt!l.
? %ar #e' ne #!n$a&te #a s" ne den!n-eA
* Nu& !i+!r #" n! ne #!n$a&te &i /aar n2are #e ,a#em n$i' dar ne
&tie adresa &i se .a nt$ar#e nt$."r"&it de a1!t$are.
Ar+!ment!l ("r! /$t"r)t$r.
? Ei ine' s(!se .$#ea #are n re(etate r)nd!ri i se im(!se l!i
:a!ri#e #a tre!ind s" ,ie #ea a &e,!l!i' .2a-i /$t"r)tA
? %a' si+!r' de $ s!t" de $ri da< n!2-i n-ele+' dra+!l me!'
m"rinimia< da#" n$i am n#"(ea (e m)na 0$mitet!l!i 5al."rii *!li#e'
ai .edea #" ei n2ar ,a#e asemenea ,as$ane.
? A&adar' d$mnil$r' ." men-ine-i /$t"r)reaA
? 3"r"2nd$ial"' &i n"d"1d!ies# #" nu te 0ei opune-
? E! n2am de#)t !n .$t' d$mnil$r' &i2al me! e (entr! a i se

reda
liertatea. %$mniile2.$astre a.e-i &ase &i t$ate a! ,$st (entr! m$artea
l!i. 5" r"m)n" de#i a&a.
5!d$area #e #!r+ea (e ,r!ntea l!i :a!ri#e n+/e-" ntr2$ #li(".
? Are s" stri+e' are s" !rle' inter.eni $ .$#e. 0el (!-in a-i
nde("rtat2$ (e d$amna %i6merA
? Ea /aar n! are' e n (a.ili$n!l din ,a-".
? %$amna %i6mer' &$(ti :a!ri#e' n#e( s" n-ele+. :" a,l! la
(atr$n!l t""#ar #! #are am .$rit (e .e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es &i
#are a (le#at r)z)nd de mine' #)nd n2am (!t!t s"2i s(!n n!mele
(rieten!l!i me!. %ar la dra#!' #e interes ($ate a.ea !n me&ter t""#ar
s" m" !#id"A n $ri#e #az' !rm" el s" s(!n"' nainte de2a m" !#ide am
s" d$$r &i e! .re$ d$i.
Ii se re(ezi la s#!la in$,ensi." #are' n m)na l!i' a.ea s" de.in" $
arm" teriil".
*e !rm" re.eni l)n+" !&" &i se a&ez" n a&a ,el n#)t s" ,ie a("rat
#)nd a.ea s" se des#/id".
Inima2i "tea +ata s"2i s(ar+" (ie(t!l &i n t"#erea din 1!r se a!zea
ritm!l "t"il$r ei.
%e$dat" :a!ri#e se n,i$ra din #re&tet ()n"2n t"l(i. O .$#e s(!se9
? %e .re-i s" m2as#!lta-i' n2a.e-i de#)t s" s(ar+e-i (!r &i sim(l!
!n +eam &i' (rintre +ratii' s"2l !#ide-i #2!n ,$# de #arain".
? O' n!' n!' ,"r" e6(l$zie' e6#lam" alt" .$#e' $ e6(l$zie ne ($ate
tr"da. AD iat"2te' %i6mer. 0e2i #! s$-ia d!mitaleA
? :2am !itat #/iar a#!ma (e s! st$r< n! "n!ie&te nimi#<
#ite&te.
? %i6mer' d!mneata ai s" ne l"m!re&ti. 0e ("rere aiA E&ti (entr!
!n ,$# de #arain" sa! (entr! $ l$.it!r" de (!mnalA
* Mai )ine pumnalul+
* Haidem at!n#iD r$stir" m(re!n" #ele #in#i sa! &ase .$#i.
:a!ri#e era !n ,i! al Re.$l!-iei' $ inim" de r$nz' !n s!,let de
ate!' (re#!m m!l-i (e .remea a#eea. %ar la #!.intele /aidem at!n#iD
r$stite nd"r"t!l !&ii a#eleia' #are' sin+!r"' l des("r-ea de m$arte' &i
ad!se aminte de semn!l #r!#ii n."-at de la mai#"2sa #)nd' #$(il ,iind'
l (!nea s"2&i s(!n" r!+"#i!nile n +en!n#/i.
*a&ii se a(r$(iar"' a($i se $(rir"' d!(" #are #/eia s#r)&ni n
r$as#" &i !&a se des#/ise n#eti&$r. n tim(!l #li(el$r a#est$ra'
:a!ri#e &i s(!sese9
%a#"2mi (ierd tim(!l l$.ind!2i' .$i ,i !#is. Re(ezind!2m" as!(ra
!#i+a&il$r' i ia! (e nea&te(tate' tre# n +r"din"' a($i (e !li#i$ar"' &i
($ate s#a(.
N!maide#)t' l!)nd!2&i !n a.)nt de le!' s#$-)nd !n stri+"t s"lati#
#e ."dea mai #!r)nd amenin-are de#)t s(aim"' i r"st!rn" (e (rimii d$i
"ra-i din ,a-"' #are' #rez)nd!2l ,ere#at &i #! $#/ii le+a-i era! de(arte
de2a se a&te(ta la asemenea ata#' i d"d! n l"t!ri (e #eilal-i' a($i'
dat$rit" m!&#/il$r s"i de $-el' (ar#!rse $ distan-" de #)-i.a metri #)t ai
#li(i' ."z! la #a("t!l #$rid$r!l!i $ !&" lar+ des#/is" #e da n +r"din"'
se re(ezi' s"ri n +$an" .re$ ze#e tre(te' a1!nse n +r"din" &i'
des#!r#)nd!2se #)t mai ine #! (!tin-"' aler+" s(re ($art".
*$arta era n#!iat" #! d$!" z".$are &i #! !n la#"t' :a!ri#e trase
#ele d$!" z".$are' .$i s" des#!ie la#"t!l' dar n2a.ea #/eie.
n tim(!l a#esta' #ei #are2l !rm"rea! a1!nseser" (e teras"< l
z"rir".
? Iat"2l' stri+ar" n #$r' tra+e2n el' %i6mer' tra+eD U#ide2l' !#ide2lD
Mauice !coa!e un ulet4 ea n#!iat n +r"din". :"s!r" din $#/i
n"l-imea zid!ril$r< era de ze#e (i#i$are.
,otul !e petecu epede& c$t ai clipi-
U#i+a&ii se re(ezir" d!(" el.
:a!ri#e a.ea ,a-" de ei !n a.ans de treize#i de (a&i. 5e !it" n
t$ate ("r-ile' #! (ri.irea #$ndamnat!l!i #are &i #a!t" sal.area ntr2$
m(re1!rare #)t de #)t n$r$#$as".
@"ri (a.ili$n!l' st$r!l &i din#$l$ de st$r l!mina.
3"#! !n salt' !n salt de ze#e (a&i' (rinse #! m)na st$r!l' l sm!lse'
tre#! (rin ,ereastr"' s("r+)nd2$' &i #"z! n mi1l$#!l !nei n#"(eri
l!minate' n #are $ ,emeie #itea' a&ezat" l)n+" ,$#.
3emeia se ridi#"' ns("im)ntat"' stri+)nd d!(" a1!t$r.
? %"te la $ (arte' Cene.iB0e& d"2te la $ (arte' stri+" .$#ea
%i6mer' d"2te la $ (arte #a s"2l !#idD
%ar ,emeia' de ndat" #e l ."z!' s#$ase !n -i("t teriil &i2n l$# s"
se dea la $ (arte' #!m i ($r!n#ea s$-!l ei' se ar!n#" n ,a-a l!i
:a!ri#e' ntre el &i -ea.a (!&tii.
Cest!l a#esta l ,"#! (e :a!ri#e s"2&i #$n#entreze aten-ia as!(ra
,"(t!rii mil$sti.e' al #"rei (rim im(!ls #"!ta s"2l a(ere.
Ii el' la r)nd!l s"!' s#$ase !n stri+"t.
n ,a-a l!i se a,la ne#!n$s#!ta' de2at)ta tim( #"!tat".
? %!mneataD... %!mneataD... e6#lam" el.
? T"#ereD &$(ti d)nsa.
A($i' nt$r#)nd!2se s(re !#i+a&i' #are' #! ,el!rite arme m)ini' se
a(r$(iaser" de ,ereastr"' stri+"9
* Nu se ($ate s"2l !#ide-iD
? E2!n s(i$n' e6#lam" %i6mer' (e al #"r!i #/i( l)nd &i (l"#!t se
nti("rise $ e6(resie de im(la#ail" /$t"r)re< e2!n s(i$n &i tre!ie s"
m$ar".
? Un s(i$nA stri+" Cene.iB0e& el& !pion. Vino #ncoace& DiFme- Un
!in"u cu0$nt 0eau !"2-i s(!n #a s"2-i d$.edes# #" te n&eli #!m(lit.
%i6mer se a(r$(ie de ,ereastr"< Cene.iV.e se a(r$(ie de d)ns!l &i
a(le#)nd!2se s(re !re#/ea l!i i &$(ti #)te.a #!.inte. :e&ter!l t""#ar
n"l-" #a(!l.
? ElA ntre" d)ns!l.
? 0/iar el' r"s(!nse Cene.iB0e-
? E&ti si+!r"A
%e data asta t)n"ra n$astr" n! mai r"s(!nse' #i' nt$r#)nd!2se
s(re :a!ri#e' i ntinse m)na' s!r)z)nd.
Tr"s"t!rile l!i %i6mer re#"("tar" at!n#i #i!data l$r e6(resie de
l)nde-e &i im(asiilitate ,le+mati#". 5(ri1ini (at!l #arainei de ("m)nt
&i s(!se9
* Atunci e cu totul altce0a-
A($i' ,"#)nd semn t$.ar"&il$r s"i s"2l !rmeze' se nde("rt"
m(re!n" #! ei &i le &$(ti #)te.a #!.inte' d!(" #are (le#ar".
? As#!nde inel!l' i &$(ti Cene.iV.e ntre tim(' t$at" l!mea
de2ai#i l &tie.
Mauice !coa!e n +ra" inel!l de (e de+et &i2l stre#!r" n
!z!nar!l de la .est".
O #li(" d!(" a#eea' !&a (a.ili$n!l!i se des#/ise &i %i6mer' ,"r"
arm"' se ndre(t" s(re :a!ri#e.
? 0er iertare' #et"-ene' i s(!se el. %e &tiam mai de.reme #e2-i
dat$r"mD 5$-ia mea' de&i -ine ,$arte ine minte #e a1!t$r i2ai dat n
seara de 10 martie' -i !itase n!mele. N! &tiam' a&adar #! #ine a.eam
de2a ,a#eD %a#2am ,i &ti!t' #rede2m" #" n2am ,i (!s la nd$ial" ni#i $
#li(" #instea d!mitale' ni#i n! -i2am ,i s!s(e#tat inten-iile. A&adar' n#"
$ dat" -i #er iertareD
:a!ri#e era !l!it. %$ar (rintr2$ min!ne &i mai -inea e#/ilir!l'
sim-ea #" ame-e&te &i era +ata2+ata s" #ad". 5e s(ri1ini de #"min.
? %ar ine' ntre" el' n s,)r&it' de #e .$ia-i s" m" !#ide-iA
? Am s"2-i s(!n se#ret!l' #et"-ene' r"s(!nse %i6mer' &i -i2l
n#redin-ez' &tiind!2te leal. 5!nt' a&a #!m &tii' me&ter t""#ar &i &e,!l
t""#"riei de2ai#i. 0ei mai m!l-i a#izi de #are m" sl!1es# (entr!
(re+"tirea (ieil$r mele s!nt arti#$le de #$mer- (r$/iite. Or'
#$ntraandi&tii #! #are l!#rez a,laser" de !n den!n- ,"#!t la #$nsili!l
+eneral. 0)nd te2am ."z!t #!le+)nd in,$rma-ii' m2am tem!t.
0$ntraandi&tii mei s2a! tem!t' n#" &i mai tare de#)t mine' de $neta
r$&ie (e #are $ ($r-i &i ,el!l d!mitale /$t"r)t de2a (r$#eda< n!2-i
as#!nd #" se de#isese s" ,ii !#is.
? O &ti! (rea ine' e6#lam" :a!ri#e' &i n!2mi s(!i #! asta nimi#a
n$!. Am a!zit t$at" dezaterea (e #are a-i -in!t2$ &i -i2am ."z!t
#araina.
? %$ar -i2am #er!t iertare (entr! ,a(ta mea' #$ntin!" %i6mer' #!
$ nd!i$&"t$are e6(resie de !n"tate. 5" n-ele+i !n l!#r!9 dat$rit"
e($#ii (line de #$ntradi#-ii n #are tr"im' s!ntem' e! &i as$#iat!l me!'
d$mn!l :$rand' (e #ale de2a ad!na $ a.ere imens". 5!ntem ,!rniz$rii
e6#l!si.i de rani-e (entr! armat"9 n ,ie#are zi #$n,e#-i$n"m $ mie #in#i
s!te sa! #/iar d$!" mii de !#"-i. %at$rit" ,eri#itei sit!a-ii n #are ne
a,l"m' m!ni#i(alitatea' #are are de l!#r! ()n" (este #a(' n! mai
+"se&te tim( s" ne .eri,i#e #! ri+!r$zitate re+istrele de #$nt!ri' a&a
n#)t tre!ie s" -i2$ m"rt!rises#' #am (es#!im n a(" t!l!re' #! at)t
mai m!lt #! #)t' d!(" #!m s(!neam' s!stan-ele (re+"tit$are (e #are
ni le (r$#!r"m (rin #$ntraand" ne n+"d!ie s" #)&ti+"m d$!" s!te la
s!t".
? %ra#eD ,"#! :a!ri#e' a&a #e.a mi (are a ,i !n ene,i#i!' #a s"
zi# a&a' dest!l de $nest' t$t!&i n-ele+ temerea d!mitale #" !n den!n-
din (arte2mi ar (!tea s"2i (!n" #a("t. %ar a#!m' $dat" #e m" #!n$&ti'
te2ai lini&tit' n!2i a&aA
? A#!ma' s(!se %i6mer' ni#i n!2-i mai #er #!.)nt!l de #inste.
*e !rm"' (!n)nd!2i m)na (e !m"r &i !it)nd!2i2se n $#/i' #! !n
s!r)s ad"!+"9
? Ei a#!ma' #" s!ntem ntre n$i' ntre (rieteni a& (!tea zi#e' ia
s(!ne #e #"!tai d!mneata (e2ai#i' tinereA >inen-eles' !rm" me&ter!l
t""#ar' da#" n! .rei' e&ti lier s" n! s(!i.
? %ar -i2am s(!s' #red' )l)i :a!ri#e-
? %a' $ ,emeie' se +r"i !r+/ez!l s" r"s(!nd"' &ti! #" era .$ra
de2$ ,emeie.
? %$amne2%!mneze!leD e6#lam" :a!ri#e' iart"2m"' #et"-ene'
dar mi da! (rea ine seama #"2-i s!nt dat$r $ e6(li#a-ie. Ei !ite'
#"!tam $ ,emeie' #are de!n"zi seara' de s! $ mas#"' mi2a s(!s #"
l$#!ie&te ai#i n #artier. N!2i &ti! n!mele' ni#i meseria' ni#i l$#!in-a.
Iti! d$ar #" s!nt ndr"+$stit ,$# de $

,emeie mi#!-"...
Gene0iB0e ea #nalt".
? 0" e l$nd"' #! $ (ri.ire .i$aie' dez+/e-at".
Gene0iB0e ea )unet"' #! $#/i mari &i n+)nd!ra-i.
? n s,)r&it' $ ,eti&#an"...' !rm" :a!ri#e. %e2a#eea' #a s"2i ,i! (e
(la#' m2am mr"#at &i e! #! /ainele astea ($(!lare.
? A&a se e6(li#" t$t!l' s(!se %i6mer #! $ !n"2#redin-" ,ireas#"'
nedezmin-it" ni#i m"#ar de .re$ $#/ire ,!ri&at" .i#lean-
Cene.iV.e r$&ise &i' sim-ind #!m se m!1$reaz"' &i nt$arse #a(!l
n alt" (arte.
? >iet!l de d!mneata' #et"-ene Linde=' !rm" %i6mer r)z)nd' (rin
#e n#er#are te2am ,"#!t s" tre#i' &i' #e s"2-i s(!n' d!mneata e&ti #el
din !rm" #"r!ia s"2i ,i .r!t r"!l< !n (atri$t at)t de .irt!$s '!n ,rateD...
dar' de ,a(t' am #rez!t #" .re!n!l #! +)nd!ri as#!nse -i !z!r(ase
n!mele.
? 5" n! mai .$rim de asta' re(li#" :a!ri#e' #are n-elesese #"
.enise tim(!l s" se retra+"' arat"2mi (e #e #ale s2a(!# &i /ai s"
!it"m..-
? *e #e #ale s2a(!#iAD e6#lam" %i6mer. 5" te las s" (le#iA A' n! se
($ate' n!DD n seara asta da!' sa! mai #!r)nd as$#iat!l me! &i #! mine
d"m $ mas" "ie-il$r .ite1i' #are .$ia! s" te !#id" mai adinea$ri. Am
de +)nd s" te $(res# s" iei masa #! ei #a s" .ezi #" n! s!nt #/iar at)t
de ndr"#i-i (e #)t (ar.
? %ar' ,"#! :a!ri#e n #!lmea !#!riei #" .a mai r"m)ne #)te.a
#eas!ri a(r$a(e de Cene.iB0e& %"! n! &ti! da#" se ,a#e si (rimes#.
? 0!m a&a' da#" se ,a#e s" (rime&tiA i nt$arse .$ra %i6mer.
Ni#i .$r" #" da. 5!nt ni&te (atri$-i !ni' sin#eri' #a &i d!mneata.
%ealt,el' n2am s" #red #" m2ai iertat #! ade."rat de#)t #)nd .$m
m!&#a am)nd$i dintr2a#eea&i ()ine.
Gene0iB0e nu !cotea nici un cu0$nt- Mauice ea !upu! !upiciului-
? 0!2ade."rat' se )l)i t)n"r!l n$str!' m" tem' #et"-ene' &i

n!
." st)n1enes#... Bainele astea ale mele... n,"-i&area ($n$sit"...
Gene0iB0e !e uit" la el s,i$as".
? V" ($,tim din inim"' s(!se ea.
? *rimes#' #et"-ean"' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' (le#)nd!2se n ,a-a ei.
? Ei ine' m" d!# s"2mi lini&tes# t$.ar"&ii' zise me&ter!l "#ar.
ntre tim( n#"lze&te2te' dra+" (rietene.
%i6mer ie&i. :a!ri#e &i Cene.iV.e r"maser" sin+!ri.
? A/' d$mn!le n#e(! .$ra t)n"ra n$astr"' #! !n a##ent #"r!ia
in!til n#er#a s"2i dea $ n!an-" de re(r$&' .2a-i #"l#at #!.)nt!l' a-i ,$st
indis#ret...
? 0!m' d$amn"D e6#lam" :a!ri#e' .2am #$m(r$mis $areA %a#"2i
a&a' ierta-i2m"' (le# &i ni#i$dat"...
? %$amneD stri+" d)nsa' ridi#)nd!2se' s!nte-i r"nit la (ie(tD
0"ma&a d!mnea.$astr" e t$at" ("tat" de s)n+eD
ntr2ade."r' (e #"ma&a ,in" &i al" a l!i :a!ri#e' #"ma&" #e ,"#ea
!n #$ntrast #i!dat #! /ainele l!i +r$s$lane' $ (at" mare r$&ie se
ntinsese &i se !s#ase.
? 5" n! ." n+ri1$ra-i del$#' d$amn"' s(!se t)n"r!l< !n!l dintre
#$ntraandi&ti m2a n-e(at #! (!mnal!l s"!.
Gene0iB0e !e f"#! al" #a .ar!l &i' l!)nd!2i m)na' &$(ti9
? Ierta-i2m" (entr! r"!l #e .2a ,$st ,"#!t. :i2-i sal.at .ia-a &i e!
era s" ,i! (ri#ina m$r-iiD
? N! mi2am (rimit2$. 0"#i n2a-i #rez!t ni#i $ #li(" #2a ,$st #ea (e
#are $ #"!tam' n!2i a&aA
? Veni-i #! mine& #l #nteup!e Gene0iB0e& !" ." da! $ #"ma&"... N!
tre!ie #a $as(e-ii n$&tri s" ." .ad" n asemenea stare' ar ,i (entr! ei
!n re(r$& (rea as(r!.
? V" #am stin+/eres#' n!2i a&aA re(li#" :a!ri#e' s!s(in)nd.
? Ni#ide#!m' mi ,a# dat$ria. Ii a($i ad"!+"9 O ,a# #/iar #! m!lt"
(l"#ere.
Gene0iB0e #l du!e pe Mauice #nt-o 0a!t" #amer" de t$alet"' de $
ele+an-" (e #are n! s2ar ,i a&te(tat s" $ +"seas#" n #asa !n!i me&ter
t""#ar. 0e2i dre(t' me&ter!l t""#ar de #are .$rim ("rea s" ,ie
mili$nar.
Apoi ea de!c1i!e toate dulapuile-
? L!a-i #e ." tre!ie' l ($,ti' s!nte-i #a la d!mnea.$astr" a#as".
Ii (le#".
0)nd :a!ri#e ie&i' l +"si (e %i6mer' #are se rent$rsese.
? Bai' /ai la mas"D l #/em" el' n!mai (e d!mneata te a&te(tam
#a s" n#e(em.
Capitolul IX
CINA
0)nd :a!ri#e intr" m(re!n" #! %i6mer &i #! Cene.iB0e #n
!ufa"eie& !ituat" n #$r(!l de #l"dire n #are ,!sese intr$d!s la
n#e(!t' masa (entr! #in" era a&ezat"' dar n#"(erea era n#" +$al".
*e !rm" i ."z! intr)nd' r)nd (e r)nd' &i (e #ei &ase #$meseni-
T$-i era! "ra-i (l"#!-i la n,"-i&are' #ei mai m!l-i tineri' mr"#a-i
d!(" m$da zilei. %$i sa! trei (!rta! #/iar #armani$le (e #a( &i $net"
r$&ie.
%i6mer l (rezent" (e :a!ri#e' ns$-ind!2i n!mele de sit!at &i
titl!rile sale.
Apoi& #ntoc$ndu-!e !pe Mauice& #i !pu!e4
? Iat" t$-i $amenii #are m2a1!t" n ne+!st$ria mea. %at$rit"
.rem!ril$r' dat$rit" (rin#i(iil$r re.$l!-i$nare #are a! des,iin-a
distan-ele' tr"im #! t$-ii (e (i#i$r!l #elei mai s,inte e+alit"-i. A#eea&i
mas" ne ad!n" (e t$-i de #)te d$!" $ri (e zi &i s!nt ,eri#it #" ai
ine.$it s" iei (arte la $s("-!l n$str! de ,amilie.
? %ar... d$mn!l :$rand' zise s,i$s Cene.iV.e' n!2l a&te(tai &i (e
elA
? A/D e dre(t' r"s(!nse %i6mer. 0et"-ean!l :$rand des(re #are
-i2am .$rit' #et"-ene Linde=' e as$#iat!l me!. El are n sar#in"' da#"
($t s(!ne a&a' (artea m$ral" a ntre(rinderii< el tre#e $(era-iile n
re+istre' -ine #asa' a#/it" ,a#t!rile' d" &i (rime&te anii< a&a #"' dintre
n$i t$-i' el are #ea mai mare "taie de #a( ? iat"

de ce #nt$%ie
c$teodat". :" d!# s"2i da! de .este.
%ar n #li(a a#eea !&a se des#/ise &i #et"-ean!l :$rand intr". Era
!n "rat mi# de stat!r"' $a#/e&' #! s(r)n#ene st!,$ase. O (ere#/e de
$#/elari .erzi' #!m ($art" $amenii #! .ederea $$sit" de l!#r!' i
a#$(erea $#/ii ne+ri' da nu le putea #ntuneca

s#)nteierea. %e la
(rimele #!.inte (e #are le r$sti' :a!ri#e re#!n$s#! .$#ea a#eea l)nd"
&i a!t$ritar" t$t$dat"' #are' n t$t tim( dis#!-iil$r n #are el ,!sese
.i#tima' $(tase n m$d #$nstant s$l!-iile $men$ase. *!rta $ /ain"
#a,enie #! nast!ri mari' $ .est" de m"tase al"' iar 1a$!l' &i el ,$arte
,in' ,! n! $ dat" n tim(!l a #"rei alea-" &i ,ine-e a! ,$st #! de$seire
admirate de :a!ri#e' #! at)t mai m!lt #! #)t era m)na !n!i ne+!st$r
t""#ar.
5e asezar" la mas"9 #et"-ean!l :$rand l!" l$# la drea(ta
Cene.iV.ei' :a!ri#e la st)n+a ei. %i6mer se a&ez" n ,a-a s$-iei sale.
0eilal-i $as(e-i &i l!ar" l$#!rile la .$ia nt)m(l"rii n 1!r!l mesei
l!n+!e-e.
0ina ."dea !n +!st ra,inat. %i6mer a.ea $ ($,t" de ind!stria& &i
,"#ea $n$r!rile mesei #! m!lt" !n"tate &i nat!rale-e. L!#r"t$rii sa!
#ei #e tre#ea! #a atare' i -inea! n a#east" (ri.in-" $ t$."r"&ie sin#er"
&i +ener$as". 0et"-ean!l :$rand .$rea (!-in' m)n#a n#" &i mai
(!-in' n! ea a(r$a(e del$# &i arare$ri r)dea. :a!ri#e' ($ate din
(ri#ina amintiril$r (e #are i le st)rnea .$#ea l!i' ,! #!(rins #!r)nd de $
mare sim(atie (entr! el. n#er#a ns" $ mare nd$ial" n (ri.in-a .)rstei
sale' &i nd$iala asta l nelini&tea9 a l l!a dre(t !n $m de (atr!ze#i'
(atr!ze#i &i #in#i de ani' a i se ("rea ,$arte t)n"r.
A&ez)nd!2se la mas"' %i6mer se #rez! dat$r s" dea #$mesenil$r
!n s$i de 1!sti,i#are a ,a(t!l!i #" (rimise !n str"in n #er#!l l$r mi#.
Ii se a#/it" de a#east" $li+a-ie #a !n $m ne$i&n!it s" mint" &i
#a !n nai. #e era. %ar' d!(" #!m se .edea' #$mesenii n! ("rea!
(reten-i$&i n materie de 1!sti,i#"ri' #"#i' n #i!da st)n+"#iei (e #are $
d$.edi ,ari#ant!l de (iei #)nd l (rezent" (e t)n"r!l n$str!' mi#!l
dis#!rs m!l-!mi (e t$-i #ei de ,a-".
Mauice #l pi0ea cu uimie-
C/e cin!tea mea' &i s(!nea el' n!2mi #red $#/il$r. E $are a#ela&i
$m #are' ar!n#)nd ,!l+ere din (ri.iri' #! .$#ea amenin-"t$are' m"
!rm"rea #! #araina n m)n"' .r)nd nea("rat s" m" !#id" a#!m d$ar
trei s,ert!ri de $r"A n #li(ele a#elea l2a& ,i l!at dre(t !n er$! sa! dre(t
!n !#i+a&. %$amne2%!mneze!le' #!m l s#/im" (e $m dra+$stea de
(ieiDK
3"#)nd asemenea $ser.a-ii' :a!ri#e sim-ea n ,!nd!l s!,let!l!i $
d!rere &i $ !#!rie at)t de ad)n#i am)nd$!" #" iet!l $m n2ar ,i (!t!t
staili #! (re#izie n #e stare s!,leteas#" se +"sea. 5e a,la n s,)r&it
l)n+" ,r!m$asa ne#!n$s#!t" (e #are $ #"!tase at)ta.
A&a #!m .isase dinainte' (!rta !n n!me n#)nt"t$r. l m"ta s" se
simt" al"t!ri de ea< i s$rea #ele mai nensemnate s!nete ale .$#ii ei'
$ri de #)te $ri r"s!na!' ,"#ea! s"2i n .ireze #ele mai taini#e #$arde
ale inimii' n s#/im' #eea #e .edea n ,a-a l!i i zdr$ea inima.
Gene0iB0e ea #ntocmai cum o #nte%"rise9 .is!l !nei z!#i!mate
n!2i ,!sese s(!lerat de realitate. Era ntr2ade."r t)nara ele+ant"' #!
(ri.ire trist" &i s!,let n$il. Era !n #az $i&n!it n (eri$ada #e
(re#edase ,aim$s!l an 1793 n #are se +"sea! ? $ t)n"r" distins"'
silit"' din (ri#ina r!inii din #e n #e mai ad)n#i n #are #"z!se
n$ilimea' s" intre n r)nd!l !r+/eziei' n l!mea ne+$-!l!i. %i6mer
("rea $m de trea"' era $+at' ,"r" d$ar &i ($ate' se (!rta #!
Cene.iB0e ca un )"rat #e2&i d" $steneala s" ,a#" ,eri#it" $ ,emeie.
%ar $are !n"tatea' $+"-ia &i (rea!nele l!i inten-ii (!tea! as#!nde
imensa distan-" #e e6ista ntre s$-ie &i s$-' ntre t)n"ra ,at" .is"t$are'
distins"' (lin" de ,arme# &i $m!l #! (re$#!("ri materiale &i n,"-i&are
.!l+ar"A 0! #e sentimente (!tea $are Cene.iB0e umple a!emenea
p"(astieA... VaiD nt)m(larea i ar"ta a#!m lim(ede l!i :a!ri#e9 #!
sentiment!l dra+$stei. Ii asta l ,"#ea s" re.in" la (rima ("rere (e #are
$ a.!sese des(re t)n"r" n$astr" Cene.iB0e& cu alte cu0inte c" n seara
n #are $ ."z!se' ea se nt$r#ea de la $ nt)lnire de dra+$ste.
C)nd!l a#esta' #" Cene.iB0e iu)ea alt )"rat' i #/in!ia s!,let!l.
Ii2at!n#i n#e(ea s" s!s(ine &i s" re+rete #" .enise s" +!ste n#"
$ dat" din $tra.a asta #"reia i s(!nem dra+$ste.
A($i' n alte m$mente' as#!lt)nd!2i .$#ea at)t de d!l#e' de (!r"
&i arm$ni$as"' #er#et)nd!2i (ri.irea at)t de senin" &i de lim(ede n#)t
n ea i se (!tea #iti ()n"2n ad)n#!l s!,let!l!i' :a!ri#e era +ata s"
#read" #" $ asemenea ,"(t!r" n! ($ate n&ela' &i2at!n#i #"dea (rad"
!nei !#!rii amare la +)nd!l #" asemenea tr!( &i !n asemenea s!,let'
ntrea+a ei ,iin-" a(ar-inea! !n!i !r+/ez de trea"' #! !n s!r)s
#instit' #! s(irit .!l+ar' &i #" (!r!ri ea n! .a ,i de#)t a l!i.
52a .$rit ($liti#"< ni#i n! (!tea ,i alt#!m. 0e alt#e.a s" se dis#!te
ntr2$ e($#" n #are ($liti#a se ameste#a n $ri#e' era z!+r".it" (e
,!nd!l ,ar,!riil$r' a#$(erea t$ate zid!rile' era (r$#lamat" #li(" de #li("
(e t$ate str"zileA
%e$dat"' !n!l dintre $as(e-i' #are ()n" at!n#i t"#!se' ntre"
da#" s!nt nis#ai.a .e&ti n$i n (ri.in-a arestatel$r din n#/is$area
Tem(le.
:a!ri#e tres"ri ,"r" s" .rea la s!net!l a#elei .$#i. Re#!n$s#!se (e
"rat!l #are' (artizan al m"s!ril$r e6treme' l l$.ise mai nt)i #!
#!-it!l &i a($i .$tase (entr! m$artea l!i.
T$t!&i $m!l a#ela' t""#ar #instit' &e,!l atelier!l!i' #el (!-in a&a l
(rezentase %i6mer' trezi #!r)nd !na dis($zi-ie a l!i :a!ri#e'
e6(rim)nd ideile #ele mai (atri$ti#e &i (rin#i(iile #ele mai
re.$l!-i$nare. n an!mite m(re1!r"ri' t)n"r!l n! era ni#ide#!m
d!&man!l m"s!ril$r drasti#e' at)t de la m$d" (e2at!n#i &i al #"r$r
a($st$l &i er$! n! era alt!l de#)t %ant$n. n l$#!l $m!l!i a#el!ia' a
#"r!i arm" &i .$#e i treziser" senza-ii #!m(lite' #are n! se &terser"
n#"' el n! l2ar ,i asasinat (e #el #are2l s$#$tea s(i$n #i iar ,i dat dr!m!l
n +r"din" &i a#$l$' #! arme e+ale' #! $ saie n m)n" #a &i ad.ersar!l
s"!' s2ar ,i l!(tat #r)n#en #! el' ,"r" mil" &i ,"r" nd!rare. Iat" #e ar ,i
,"#!t :a!ri#e. %ar &i d"d! n!maide#)t seama #" ar e6a+era #er)nd de
la !n l!#r"t$r t""#ar s" ,a#" #eea #e ar ,i ,"#!t el' :a!ri#e.
>"rat!l a#ela' ade(t al m"s!ril$r e6treme' #are ("rea a ."di n
ideile sale ($liti#e a#elea&i sisteme .i$lente #a &i2n #$m($rtament!l
(arti#!lar' .$rea de n#/is$area Tem(le &i se mira #" (aza de-in!tel$r
,!sese n#redin-at" !n!i #$nsili! (ermanent' lesne de #$r!(t' &i !n$r
m!ni#i(ali al #"r$r de.$tament ,!sese n mai m!lte r)ndui ademenit-
? %a' s(!se' #et"-ean!l :$rand' dar tre!ie s" re#!n$a&tem #" n
$ri#e m(re1!rare' ()n" n m$ment!l de ,a-"' (!rtarea m!ni#i(alil$r a
ndre(t"-it n#rederea na-i!nii n ei &i ist$ria .a s(!ne #" n! n!mai
#et"-ean!l R$es(ierre merit" ($recla de incoupti)il-
? 3"r" nd$ial"' ,"r" nd$ial"' rel!" interl$#!t$r!l' dar da#" !n
l!#r! n! s2a nt)m(lat n#"' ar ,i as!rd s" tra+i #$n#l!zia #" n2are s"
se nt)m(le ni#i$dat". E la ,el &i #! Carda na-i$nal"' #$ntin!" &e,!l
atelier!l!i. 5" admitem #" se d" de#izia9 #$m(aniile di,eritel$r se#-ii s"
,ie #$n.$#ate (e r)nd (entr! a ,a#e de ser.i#i! la n#/is$area Tem(le &i
asta a&a' ,"r" ni#i $ di,eren-iere. Ei ine' n! s!nte-i de a#$rd #" se
($ate #a ntr2$ #$m(anie de d$!"ze#i sa! d$!"ze#i &i #in#i de $ameni
s" ,ie !n n!#le! de $(t2ze#e "ra-i ,"r" s#r!(!le #are ntr2$ !n"
n$a(te !#id santinelele &i r"(es# de-in!teleA
? A&iD ,"#! :a!ri#e' mi1l$#!l "sta e (r$st' #et"-ene. %$ar n!2s
de#)t trei s"(t"m)ni' sa! ($ate $ l!n"' de #)nd a! .r!t &i2a! n#er#at
s"2l ,$l$seas#" &i n2a! re!&it ni#ide#!m.
? %a' s(!se :$rand' dar n!mai ,iind#" !n!l dintre arist$#ra-ii din
(atr!l" a #$mis im(r!den-a s" lase s"2i s#a(e #!.)nt!l d$mn!le'
.$rind n! &ti! #! #ine.
? Ii a($i' !rm" :a!ri#e' #are -inea s" dem$nstreze #" ($li-ia
*!li#ii e ine $r+anizat"' iat" #" a! &i a,lat des(re intrarea n *aris a
0a.aler!l!i de :ais$n2R$!+e.
? A&iD e6#lam" %i6mer.
? 52a &ti!t #" a intrat n *aris 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+eA
ntrea" #! r"#eal" :$rand. Ii s2a a,lat &i (rin #e mi1l$# a intat.
? 5e &tie t$t!l.
? Ei' dr"#ieD e6#lam" :$rand' (le#)nd!2se nainte #a s" se !ite n
$#/ii l!i :a!ri#e' tare a& ,i #!ri$s s" a,l!. *)n" a#!m n! ni s2a (!t!t
s(!ne n#" #e.a ($ziti. n (ri.in-a asta. %ar d!mneata' #et"-ene'
d!mneata #are e&ti se#retar!l !nei se#-ii (rin#i(ale din *aris'
d!mneata tre!ie s" ,ii mai ine in,$rmat.
? >inen-eles' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' a&a #" #eea #e am s" ." s(!n
este ade."r!l ade."ratD
T$-i #$mesenii' ()n" &i Cene.iB0e& p"r!r" #" a#$rd" #ea mai mare
aten-ie #el$r #e a.ea s" le s(!n" t)n"r!l n$str!.
? Ei ine' n#e(! :a!ri#e s" ($.esteas#"' 0a.aler!l de :ai2
s$n2R$!+e .enea din VendEe' d!(" #)t se (are. 5tr""t!se t$at"
3ran-a' ns$-it la dr!m de n$r$#!l l!i $i&n!it. A1!ns n (lin" zi la
ariera R$!le' a a&te(tat ()n" la n$!" seara. La n$!" seara $ ,emeie
tra.estit" n -"ran#" a tre#!t ariera &i i2a ad!s #a.aler!l!i $ !ni,$rm"
de .)n"t$r din Carda na-i$nal". %!(" ze#e min!te s2a nt$rs #! el.
5antinela' #are $ ."z!se tre#)nd sin+!r"' intr" la "n!ieli ."z)nd #" se
nt$ar#e ns$-it"' &i s!n" alarma n ($st. A .enit &e,!l (atr!lei. 0ei d$i
.in$.a-i' n-ele+)nd #" des(re ei era .$ra' a! intrat .al.)rte1 ntr2$
#as" mare' !nde li s2a des#/is $ !&" din d$s #e d"dea n
0/am(s2El=sEes. 5e (are #" $ (atr!l" de.$tat" tr!( &i s!,let tiranil$r l
a&te(ta (e #a.aler n #$l-!l str"zii >ar2d!2>e#. Rest!l l &ti-i.
? AiD aiD se mir" :$rand' e #i!dat #eea #e ($.este&ti d!mneata'
tinere...
? %ar mai ales ade."rat' s(!se :a!ri#e.
? %a' a&a se (are< dar ,emeia' se &tie #e s2a nt)m(lat #! eaA..-
? N!' a dis("r!t' &i n! se &tie ni#i #ine e' ni#i #e e #! ea.
As$#iat!l #et"-ean!l!i %i6mer' a #/iar &i #et"-ean!l %i6mer
("r!r" a res(ira !&!ra-i.
Cene.iV.e as#!ltase &i ea t$at" ($.estirea de mai s!s' (alid"'
nemi&#at" &i t"#!t".
? %ar' ntre" iar"&i #et"-ean!l :$rand' #! $i&n!it!2i s)n+e re#e'
#ine ($ate s(!ne #" :ais$n2R$!+e ,"#ea (arte din (atr!la #are a s!nat
alarma n n#/is$area Tem(leA
* Un municipal dinte pietenii mei& cae #n %iua aceea ea de
!e0iciu la #nc1i!oaea ,emple& l-a ecuno!cut-
? i &tia semnalmenteleA
? l ."z!se alt"dat".
? Ii #!m arat" #a.aler!l "sta de :ais$n2R$!+eA ntre" :$rand.
? Un "rat de d$!"ze#i &i #in#i' d$!"ze#i &i &ase de ani' mi#' #!
("r l$nd' (l"#!t la #/i(' #! ni&te $#/i +r$za.i &i #! ni&te s(r)n#ene de
t$at" ,r!m!se-ea.
5e las" $ t"#ere ad)n#".
? Ei ine' n#e(! iar"&i :$rand' da#" (rieten!l d!mitale l2a
#!n$s#!t (e (retins!l #a.aler de :ais$n2R$!+e' de #e n! l2a arestatA
? :ai nt)i' ne&tiind #" s$sise la *aris' s2a tem!t s" n! se ,i n&elat
n (ri.in-a asem"n"rii' &i a($i (rieten!l me! e #am m$ale din ,ire. A
,"#!t #eea #e ,a# $amenii (r!den-i &i m$l)i9 #)nd #ad la nd$ial" se
a-in.
? %!mneata n2ai ,i (r$#edat a&a' #et"-eneA l ntre" %i6mer (e
:a!ri#e' iz!#nind n r)s.
? N!' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' tre!ie s" re#!n$s#< a& ,i (re,erat s" m"
n&el' de#)t s" las s"2mi s#a(e !n $m at)t de (rime1di$s #!m e
#a.aler!l "sta de :ais$n2R$!+e.
? Ii d!mneata #e2ai ,i ,"#!t' d$mn!leA...' ntre" Cene.iB0e-
? 0e2a& ,i ,"#!t e!' #et"-ean$A OD %$amneD a& ,i (r$#edat n d$i
tim(i &i trei mi&#"ri9 a& ,i dat $rdin s" se n#/id" t$ate !&ile n#/is$rii
Tem(le' m2a& ,i d!s ntins la (atr!l"' l2a& ,i (rins (e #a.aler de +!ler &i
i2a& ,i s(!s9 J0a.alere' te arestez #a tr"d"t$r al na-i!niiDK Ii de ndat"
#e i2a& ,i (!s m)na n +)t' n! l2a& mai ,i sl"it' de asta (!te-i ,i si+!ri.
? %ar #e s2ar ,i nt)m(lat d!(" a#eeaA ntre" Cene.iB0e-
? 0e s" se2nt)m(leA I s2ar ,i ,"#!t (r$#es l!i &i #$m(li#il$r s"i &i
()n" a#!m ar ,i ,$st +/il$tinat' asta2i t$t.
Gene0iB0e !e cutemu" &i ar!n#" .e#in!l!i ei $ (ri.ire
ns("im)ntat".
%ar #et"-ean!l :$rand n! ("r! #" ia n seam" (ri.irea ei &i'
+$lind!2&i ,le+mati# (a/ar!l' zise9
? 0et"-ean!l Linde= are dre(tate9 n! se (!tea (r$#eda de#)t n
a#est ,el. %in nen$r$#ire n! s2a ,"#!t a&a.
? Ii' mai ntre" Gene0iB0e& m"#ar se &tie #e s2a mai nt)m(lat #!
a#el 0a.aler de :ais$n2R$!+eA
? EiD e6#lam" %i6mer' se .ede treaa #" ."z)nd!2&i n#er#area
neiz!tit" a &ters2$ n!maide#)t din *aris.
? Ii ($ate #/iar din 3ran-aD ad"!+" :$rand.
* DaG de unde+ Nici "$nd+ !pu!e Mauice-
? 0!m a&aA A a.!t im(r!den-a s" r"m)n" n *arisA ntre"
n+ri1$rat" Cene.iB0e-
* Nici nu !-a clintit de-aici-
T$-i #ei de ,a-" nt)m(inar" #! !n ,ream"t de !imire ("rerea
en!n-at" de :a!ri#e #! at)ta si+!ran-".
* A!ta-i o pe!upunee pe care $ emi-i d!mneata' #et"-ene' s(!se
:$rand' $ (res!(!nere' at)ta t$t.
* Nicidecum& e un fapt pe cae-l afim-
? OD e6#lam" Cene.iB0e& te)uie !" m"rt!rises# #" e! n! a& #rede
#eea #e s(!i d!mneata' #et"-ene. %!(" mine' asta ar ,i
E
im(r!den-"
de neiertat-
? %!mneata e&ti ,emeie' #et"-ean". Ne+re&it #" d!mneata .ei
n-ele+e !n l!#r! #are (entr! !n $m #! ,irea 0a.aler!l!i de
:ais$n2R$!+e a ,$st mai (res!s de $ri#e #$nsiderent (ri.ind
se#!ritatea sa (ers$nal".
? Ii #e l!#r! (!tea ,i mai (res!s de temerea de a2&i (ierde .ia-a
ntr2!n #/i( at)t de n,i$r"t$rA
? Ei' %$amne2%!maeze!le' #et"-ean"' e6#lam" :a!ri#e' n!mai
dra+$steaD
? %ra+$steaA re(et" Cene.iB0e-
? >inen-eles. N! &ti-i $are #" :ais$n2R$!+e e ndr"+$stit de
Ant$anetaA
%$i2trei dintre #ei de ,a-" iz!#nir" ntr2!n r)s ,$r-at' ."dind
nen#redere. %i6mer se !it" la :a!ri#e de (ar#2ar ,i .r!t s"2i #iteas#"
()n"2n ,!nd!l s!,let!l!i. Cene.iB0e !im-i #!m i se !r#" la#rimile n $#/i
&i $ t!l!rare #e n! (!tea tre#e ne$ser.at" de :a!ri#e i str""t!
tr!(!l. 0et"-ean!l :$rand ."rs" .in!l din (a/ar!l (e #are t$#mai l
d!#ea la !ze' &i :a!ri#e s2ar ,i ns("im)ntat ."z)nd!2l' da#" t$at"
aten-ia t)n"r!l!i n2ar ,i ,$st ndre(tat" n m$ment!l a#ela as!(ra
Cene.iB0ei-
? E&ti em$-i$nat"' #et"-ean"' &$(ti :a!ri#e.
? N2ai s(!s d!mneata #" e! am s" n-ele+ (entr! #" s!nt ,emeieA
Ei ine' !n asemenea de.$tament' ,ie el #)t de ($tri.ni# (rin#i(iil$r
n$astre' (e n$i ,emeile t$tdea!na ne mi&#".
? Iar #el al 0a.aler!l!i de :ais$n2R$!+e e #! at)t mai mare'
#$ntin!" :a!ri#e' #! #)t se s(!ne #! #ertit!dine #" n2a .$rit ni#i$dat"
#! re+ina.
? 0et"-ene Linde=' s(!se ade(t!l met$del$r e6treme' mi (are'
d"2mi .$ie s" -i2$ s(!n' #" e&ti ,$arte n+"d!it$r #! #a.aler!l a#ela...
? %$mn!le' i r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' sl!1ind!2se ($ate inten-i$nat de
!n #!.)nt #are n#etase a mai ,i n ,$l$sin-"' mi2s dra+i t$ate s$i!rile
de $ameni m)ndri &i #!ra1$&i' #eea #e n! m" m(iedi#" s" m" l!(t #! ei
#)nd i +"ses# n r)nd!rile d!&manil$r mei. N! mi2am (ierd!t s(eran-a
de a2l nt)lni #)nd.a &i (e 0a0aleul Mai!on-Rou"e-
? Ii...A ,"#! Cen.iB0e-
? Ii da#"2l nt)lnes#... ei ine' am s" m" l!(t #! el.
0ina se s,)r&ise. 5emn!l des("r-irii l d"d! Cene.iB0e&
!cul$ndu-!e& "ata !" se retra+".
n a#eea&i #li(a (end!la n#e(! s" at".
? E miez!l n$(-iiD s(!se impa!i)il Moand-
? :iez!l n$(-iiD e6#lam" :a!ri#e' at)t de re(ede miez!l n$(-iiD
? Iat" $ e6#lama-ie #e2mi ,a#e (l"#ere' zise %i6mer. Asta
d$.ede&te #" n! te2ai (li#tisit &i m" ,a#e s" s(er #" ne .$m re.edea. -i
st" des#/is" #asa !n!i !n (atri$t &i n"d"1d!ies# #" (este (!-in tim( -i
.ei da seama' #et"-ene' #" e &i #asa !n!i (rieten.
:a!ri#e sal!t" &i' nt$r#)nd!2se s(re Cene.iB0e& o #nte)"9
? Ii d!mneata' #et"-ean"' mi n+"d!i s" mai .inA
? >a #/iar mai m!lt' e! te r$+' r"s(!nse #! ns!,le-ire Cene.iB.e.
R"mas !n' #et"-ene.
Ii Cene.iV.e se retrase.
:a!ri#e &i l!" r"mas !n de la t$-i #$mesenii' sal!t" n #/i(
de$seit (e :$rand' #are i (l"#!se m!lt de t$t' str)nse m)na l!i
%i6mer &i (le#" z"("#it' dar mai de+ra" !#!r$s de#)t ntristat din
(ri#ina ,el!ritel$r nt)m(l"ri #are i !m(l!ser" seara.
? *eniil"' in$($rt!n" nt)lnireD s(!se' d!(" (le#area l!i :a!ri#e'
t)n"ra n$astr" Cene.iB0e& i%)ucnind #n pl$n! #n fa-a s$-!l!i s"! #are $
ns$-ise ()n" n a(artament!l ei.
? A&iD #et"-ean!l :a!ri#e Linde=' (atri$t re#!n$s#!t' este'
dim($tri."' $ +r$za. de (re-i$as" a#/izi-ie (entr! !n iet t""#ar #a
mine' #are are mar," de #$ntraand"' r"s(!nse %i6mer' s!r)z)nd.
? A&adar' #rezi' dra+!l me!A...' ntre" s,i$s Cene.iB0e-
? 0red #" (!ne as!(ra #asei n$astre $ (e#ete' de as$l.ire
(enal" &i2i a#$rd" &i !n re.et de (atri$tism. Ii mai #red #"' n#e()nd
din seara asta #/iar' 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e .a ,i n si+!ran-" la
n$i.
Ii %i6mer' s"r!t)nd!2&i s$-ia (e ,r!nte #! $ a,e#-i!ne mai #!r)nd
(atern" de#)t #$n1!+al"' $ l"s" n (a.ili$n!l a#ela mi#' #are i era
destinat n ntre+ime' &i tre#! n #ealalt" (arte a #l"dirii (e #are $
l$#!ia' #! $as(e-ii (e #are i2am ."z!t st)nd n 1!r!l mesei.
Capitolul X
CHR/ACIUL SIMON
Era (e la n#e(!t!l l!nii mai. O zi senin" !m,la (ie(t!rile ist$.ite
de in/alarea #e-!ril$r n+/e-ate din tim(!l iernii' iar razele !n!i s$are
#"ld!- &i d"t"t$r de .ia-" se re."rsa! (este zid!rile s!mre ale
n#/is$rii Tem(le.
n +/ereta interi$ar"' #are des("r-ea t!rn!l de +r"dinile ,$stei
m"n"stiri' r)dea! &i ,!ma! s$lda-ii din ($st!l de +ard".
%ar #! t$ate #" zi!a era ,r!m$as" &i arestatel$r li se n+"d!ise s"
#$$are &i s" se (lime (rin +r"din"' #ele trei ,emei n! (rimiser". %e la
e6e#!-ia s$-!l!i ei' re+ina se m!l-!mea s" stea #! n#"("-)nare n
n#"(erea ei' #a s" n! ,ie silit" s" trea#" (rin ,a-a !&ii a(artament!l!i
(e #are2l $#!(ase re+ele' la eta1!l al d$ilea.
0)nd ie&ea la aer' &i asta #! t$t!l nt)m(l"t$r' de la ,atala dat" de
71 ian!arie' se d!#ea n .)r,!l t!rn!l!i' ale #"r!i #renel!ri ,!seser"
n#/ise #! $l$ane.
O&tenii din +"rzile na-i$nale de ser.i#i!' (re.eni-i #" #ele trei
,emei a.ea! (ermisi!nea s" ias"' a&te(tar"' a&adar' zadarni# t$at"
zi!a #a ele s" ine.$ias#" s" se ,$l$seas#" de a#ea n+"d!in-".
0"tre #eas!rile #in#i' !n "rat #$$r &i se a(r$(ie de ser+ent!l
#$mandant al ($st!l!i.
? AD t! e&ti' tai#" Tis$nD s(!se #el #e ("rea !n $m din Carda
na-i$nal"' ine dis(!s.
? %a' s!nt e!' #et"-ene. -i ad!# din (artea m!ni#i(al!l!i :a!ri#e
Linde=' (rieten!l t"!' #are2i a#$l$ s!s' (ermis!l a#esta (e #are 0$nsili!l
n#/is$rii Tem(le l2a a#$rdat ,ii#ei mele #a s" .in" ast"2sear" s2$ .ad"
(e mai#"2sa.
? Ii t! (le#i t$#mai in #li(a n #are .ine ,ii#"2ta' tat" denat!ratA l
ntre" ser+ent!l.
? EiD (le# de ne.$ie' #et"-ene ser+ent. N"d"1d!iam &i e! s2$ ."d
(e iata2mi #$(il"' (e #are n2am mai ."z!t2$ de d$!" l!ni' &i s2$
mr"-i&ez... &tii' a&a' din t$at" inima' #!m se s(!ne' #a !n tat". %aG
($,timD d!2te la (limare. 5l!1a' sl!1a asta ("#"t$as" m" sile&te s"
(le#. Tre!ie s" m" d!# la 0$m!n" s"2mi da! ra($rt!l. O ir1"
m2a&tea(t" la ($art" #! d$i 1andarmi &i asta t$#mai n #li(a n #are are
s" .in" iata mea 5$(/ie.
? 0e tat" nen$r$#itD ,"#! ser+ent!l.
0"#i ast,el dra+$stea de -ar"
5!+r!m"2n tine .$#ea s)n+el!i'
Una +eme &i2alta ziar"
Ietfind datoiei---
Ia s(!ne' tai#" Tis$n' de +"se&ti din nt)m(lare $ rim" la s)n+el!i'
ai s" mi2$ ra($rtezi' daA *entr! m$ment mi li(se&te.
? Ii t!' #et"-ene ser+ent' #)nd are s" .in" ,ii#"2mea s2$ .ad" (e
iata mai#"2sa' #are m$are #" n2$ mai .ede' ai s2$ la&i s" trea#"A
? *ermis!l e2n re+!l"' r"s(!nse ser+ent!l' n #are #itit$r!l l2a &i
re#!n$s#!t' ,"r" nd$ial"' (e ami#!l n$str! L$rin. A&a #" n2am nimi#a
de s(!s #$ntra9 #!m .ine ,ii#"2ta' intr".
? :!l-!mes#' .iteze term$(il' m!l-!mes#' s(!se ,i!on-
Ii' ie&ind s(re a se d!#e s"2&i dea ra($rt!l la 0$m!n"' &$(ti9
? >iata ne.ast"2mea' #e ,eri#it" are s" ,ieD
? Itii t!' #et"-ene ser+ent' s(!se !n s$ldat din Carda na-i$nal"'
."z)nd!2l (e Tis$n #" (lea#" &i a!zind #!.intele (e #are le r$stise #)nd
se nde("rta' &tii t! #" l!#r!rile astea te ,a# s" te2n,i$ri ()n"2n ad)n#A
? 0e l!#r!ri' #et"-ene %e.a!6A ntre" L$rin.
? 0!m se ($ate' zise mil$sti.!l s$ldat din Carda na-i$nal"' s"2l
.ezi (e $m!l "sta #! ,a-a at)t de #r!nt"' #! inima tare #a r$nz!l' (e
a#est (azni# nend!r"t$r al re+inei' (le#)nd #! la#rimi n $#/i' (e
1!m"tate de !#!rie' (e 1!m"tate de am"r"#i!ne' la +)nd!l #"
ne.ast"2sa are s"2&i .ad" ,ii#a &i el n!DA N! tre!ie s" te +)nde&ti (rea
m!lt la asemenea l!#r!ri' #et"-ene ser+ent' #"#i z"!' (e !n"
dre(tate' te2ntristezi...
? 3"r"2nd$ial" #" n! tre!ie &i iat" de #e n! se +)nde&te ni#i !n!l
a#esta' #are (lea#" #! la#rimi n $#/i' #!m s(!neai t!. %ar la #e $are ar
tre!i s" se +)ndeas#" elA Ei' la #eA 0" s2a! m(linit trei l!ni !ne de
#)nd ,emeia asta (e #are2$ maltrateaz" ,"r" mil" n! &i2a ."z!t ni#i ea
#$(il!l. Ii n! se +)nde&te la nen$r$#irea ei' se +)nde&te n!mai la
nen$r$#irea l!i< iat"' asta2iD E dre(t #" ,emeia asta a ,$st re+in"' !rm"
A+ent!l (e !n t$n ir$ni# al #"r!i sens ar ,i ,$st +re! de inter(retat' &i #"
n! e&ti ni#ide#!m silit s" te ($r-i #! $ re+in" a&a #!m te ($r-i #!
,emeia !n!i m!n#it$r #! zi!a.
? N2are a ,a#e< $ri#!m' t$at" ($.estea asta e tare trist"' zise
%e.a!6.
? Trist"' dar ne#esar"' s(!se L$rin. 0el mai ine e' #!m s(!s &i t!'
s" n! te +)nde&ti...
Ii se a(!#" s" ,red$neze9
Iei Nicetta&
/e !u) )o!c1ete *
Sum)e& coc1ete&
Um)la !in"uea-
Ai#i a1!nsese L$rin #! #)nte#!2i !#$li# #)nd' dintr2$ dat"' se a!zi
!n z+$m$t mare dins(re (artea st)n+" a ($st!l!i de +ard"9 era !n
ameste# de n1!r"t!ri' de amenin-"ri &i (l)nsete.
? 0e2i astaA ntre" %e.a!6.
? 52ar zi#e #"2i $ .$#e de #$(il' r"s(!nse L$rin' tr"+)nd #!
!re#/ea.
? %a' da' n#!.iin-" s$ldat!l din Carda na-i$nal"' !n iet mi#!- (e
#are2l ate< la dre(t .$rind' n2ar tre!i trimi&i de#)t #ei #are n2a!
#$(ii.
? Ia zi' .rei s" #)n-iA se a!zi !n +las r"+!&it de $m eat.
Ii +las!l (rinse a #)nta' de (ar#" ar ,i dat t$n!l9
Cocoana Veto a pomi!
5"2!#id" t$t #e2i n *aris...
? N!' r"s(!nse #$(il!l' n! #)nt.
* Ia %i& nu .rei s" #)n-iA
Cocoana Veto a pomi!---
Ii +las!l se ($rni din n$!9
? N!' r"s(!nse #$(il!l' n!' n!' n!...
? EiD st)r(it!r" netreni#"D ,"#! .$#ea a#eea r"+!&it".
Ii !n &!ier de #!rea des(i#" aer!l. 0$(il!l s#$ase !n !rlet de
d!rere.
? %r"#ia dra#!l!iD iz!#ni L$rin' m)r&a.!l a#ela de 5im$n l ate
iar"&i (e mi#!l 0a(et.
0)-i.a s$lda-i din Carda na-i$nal" ridi#ar" din !meri' d$i sa! trei
n#er#ar" s" z)meas#". %e.a!6 se s#!l" n (i#i$are &i (le#".
? 5(!neam e! ine #" ai#i n2ar tre!i s" intre ni#i !n tat".
%e$dat" $ !&" s#!nd" se des#/ise &i #$(il!l re+el!i' +$nit de i#i!l
(azni#!l!i' ,"#!' aler+)nd' #)-i.a (a&i n #!rte< dar' #)nd tre#!' #e.a
+re! #"z! (e (a.a1 &i2l l$.i n #"dere (este (i#i$r.
? VaiD stri+" #$(il!l.
Ii' ($ti#nind!2se' #"z! (e2!n +en!nc1i-
? Ad!2mi na($i #ala($d!l' ($#itanie' /ai' #" de n!...
0$(il!l se ridi#" &i #l"tin" din #a( n semn de re,!z.
* Ei& eiD stri+" L$rin' n#r!nt)nd din s(r)n#ene' n#$tr$ ai ($rnit2$
a&a' me&tere 5im$nA
? 5"2l (ede(ses# (e (!i!l "sta de l!(' r"s(!nse #)rpaciul-
? Ii de #e s"2l (ede(se&tiA ntre" L$rin.
* De ce.
* Da& de ce.
? *entr! #" le("d"t!ra asta n! .rea ni#i s" #)nte #a !n (atri$t
#!mse#ade' ni#i s" l!#reze #a !n #et"-ean #instit.
? Ei ine' &i #e te (ri.e&teA i s(!se L$rin. 0e' na-i!nea -i l2a
n#redin-at (e 0a(et #a s"2l n.e-i s" #)nteA
? Ei naD ,"#! 5im$n mirat' dar #e te2ameste#i t!' #et"-ene
ser+entA 3" ine &i r"s(!nde2mi.
? %e #e m2ameste# e!A :2ameste# #a $ri#e $m de s!,let. Ii e
nedemn (entr! !n $m de s!,let s" .ad" #!m e "t!t !n #$(il &i s"
a##e(te s" ,ie "t!t s! $#/ii l!i.
? A&iD e ,i!l tiran!l!i.
? E !n #$(il' !n #$(il #are n2a l!at (arte la #rimele tat"l!i s"!' !n
#$(il #are e ne.in$.at &i' #a atare' n! tre!ie (ede(sit.
? Ii e! -i s(!n #" mi2a ,$st n#redin-at #a s" ,a# din el #e ($,tes#.
Ii ($,tes# s" #)nte #)nte#!l 0$#$anei Vet$' &i are s"2l #)nte.
? %ar ine' nen$r$#it!le' s(!se L$rin' #$#$ana Vet$ e mai#"2sa'
mama #$(il!l!i "st!ia. i2ar (l"#ea s"2-i ,ie silit ,i!l s" #)nte #" t! e&ti $
#analieA
? E!A !rl" 5im$n. Ei las"' arist$#rat ("#"t$s de ser+entD
? Ia as#!lt"' ,"r" ins!lte' stri+" &i L$rin. E! n! s!nt 0a(et' e!T &i
n!2s (!s #! sila s" #)nt.
? Am s" (!n s" te2aresteze' ("#"t$s!leD
? T!A ,"#! L$rin' t! ai s" (!i s" m2arestezeA Ia n#ear#" n!mai s"
(!i s2aresteze (e !n term$(il+
? >ine' ine' #ine r)de la !rm" r)de mai ine. *)n" !na2alta'
0a(et' ia #ala($d!l de2a#$l$ &i .in$ s" ,a#i +/eata' alt,el e .ai de #a(!l
t"!D...
? Iar e!' iz!#ni L$rin' ("lind n+r$zit$r &i ,"#)nd !n (as nainte'
#! (!mnii str)n&i &i din-ii n#le&ta-i' e! -i s(!n #" n2are s" ridi#e
#ala($d!l' &i2-i mai s(!n #" n2are s" ,a#" ni#i $ +/eat"' a!zi t!'
lestemat #ara+/i$sA AD da' ai a#$l$ $ saie mare' dar a,l" #" n! m"
tem de ea' #!m n! m" tem ni#i de tine. ndr"zne&te n!mai s2$ tra+i din
tea#".
* 5le!tem"-ieD !rl" 5im$n ,"#)nd s(!me la +!r" de ,!rie.
n #li(a a#eea d$!" ,emei intrar" n #!rte. Una dintre ele -inea $
/)rtie n m)n"< se ndre(t" s(re santinel"' adres)nd!2i2se.
? 0et"-ene ser+entD stri+" santinela' e ,ata l!i Tis$n' #are #ere s2$
.ad" (e mai#"2sa.
? Las2$ s" trea#" de$are#e 0$nsili!l n#/is$rii Tem(le a a(r$at'
s(!se L$rin' #are n! .$i s" se nt$ar#" ni#i $ #li("' de team" #a 5im$n
s" n! se ,$l$seas#" de neaten-ia l!i &i s" n#ea(" iar s" at" #$(il!l.
5antinela l"s" #ele d$!" ,emei s" trea#"' dar aia !r#aser" (atr!
tre(te ale s#"rii nt!ne#$ase #)nd l nt)lnir" (e :a!ri#e Linde=' #are
#$$ra (entr! $ #li(" n #!rte.
N$a(tea a(r$a(e #" se l"sase' a&a #" n! li se (!tea! desl!&i
tr"s"t!rile #/i(!l!i.
Mauice le opi-
? 0ine s!nte-i .$i' #et"-enel$r' ntre" el' &i #e d$ri-iA
? E! s!nt 5$(/ie Tis$n' s(!se !na dintre #ele d$!" tinere. Am
$-in!t a!t$riza-ia s"2mi ."d mama &i am .enit s2$ ."d.
? %a' n#!.iin-" :a!ri#e' dar a!t$riza-ia e (entr! tine' #et"-ean".
? :i2am ad!s (rietena #a s" ,im #el (!-in d$!" ,ete n mi1l$#!l
at)t$r s$lda-i.
? 3$arte ine' dar (rietena ta n2are .$ie s" !r#e.
? 3ie #!m d$re&ti' #et"-ene' s(!se 5$(/ie Tis$n' str)n+)nd2$ de
m)n" (e (rietena ei' #are' li(it" de zid' ("rea #!(rins" de !imire &i de
s(aim".
? 0et"-eni (azni#i' stri+" :a!ri#e' ridi#)nd #a(!l &i adres)nd!2se
santinelel$r #are era! ($state la ,ie#are eta1' l"sa-i lier" tre#erea
#et"-enei Tis$n< (rietena ei n! are .$ie s" intre. Va a&te(ta (e s#ar"'
iar .$i s" .e+/ea-i s" n! i se nt)m(le nimi#.
? %a' #et"-ene' am n-eles' r"s(!nser" santinelele.
? *!te-i s" !r#a-i' le s(!se :a!ri#e.
0ele d$!" ,emei tre#!r".
0)t des(re :a!ri#e' el s"ri (este (atr! sa! #in#i tre(te' #)te2i mai
r"m"seser" de #$$r)t' &i nainta re(ede n #!rte.
? 0e2i asta' i ntre" (e s$lda-ii din Carda na-i$nal"' #ine ,a#e
asemenea zar."A 5e a!d -i(ete de #$(il ()n" n anti#amera
(riz$nierel$r.
? 0e s" ,ieA r"s(!nse 5im$n' #are' de(rins #! (r$#edeele
#et"-enil$r m!ni#i(ali' #rez!' z"rind!2l (e :a!ri#e' #"2i .in a1!t$are'
ia#" tr"d"t$r!l "sta de arist$#rat' ia#"' indi.id!l "sta m" $(re&te s"2l
#/el,"nes# (e 0a(et.
Ii2l ar"t" #! (!mn!l (e L$rin.
? %a' ,ir2ar el al dra#!l!i' l $(res#' r"#ni L$rin' s#$-)nd!2&i saia
din tea#"' &i da#" ndr"zne&ti s"2mi mai s(!i $ dat" indi.id' arist$#rat
sa! tr"d"t$r' s" &tii #" .)r saia n tine.
? Amenin-"riD stri+" 5im$n. Unde2i stra1aA Unde2i stra1aA
? E! s!nt stra1a' r"s(!nse L$rin. N! m" #/ema' #" da#" .in la
tine' te distr!+.
? A1!t$rD #et"-ene m!ni#i(al' s"riD !rl" 5im$n amenin-at de data
asta seri$s de #"tre L$rin.
? 0et"-ean!l ser+ent are dre(tate' r"s(!nse #! r"#eal" m!2
ni#i(al!l (e #are 5im$n l #/emase n a1!t$r' t! ne#inste&ti na-i!nea<
la&!le' a-i !n #$(il.
? Ii n#" de #e2l ate' n-ele+i t!' :a!ri#eA *entr! #" "iat!l n!
.rea s" #)nte 0$#$ana Vet$' (entr! #" ,i!l n! .rea s"2&i ins!lte mama.
? :izeraileD se r"sti la el :a!ri#e.
? Ii t!A se mir" 5im$n. A&adar' s!nt n#$n1!rat n!mai de
tr"d"t$ri.
? Ei' ti#"l$s netreni# #e e&tiD e6#lam" #et"-ean!l m!ni#i(al'
(!n)nd!2i m)n" n +)t l!i 5im$n &i sm!l+)nd!2i #!rea!a din m)n".
n#ear#" n!mai s" ,a#i d$.ad" #" :a!ri#e Linde= e tr"d"t$r.
Ii l l$.i #! t$at" (!terea (e #)r(a#i #! #!rea!a (este !meri.
? :!l-!mes# d$mn!le' zise #$(il!l #are (ri.ea #! st$i#ism s#ena
de mai s!s' dar are s" se r"z!ne (e mine.
? Vin$' 0a(et' s(!se L$rin' .in$' "iete< da#" te mai ate' stri+"
a1!t$r &i .a ,i (ede(sit' #"l"!l. Bai' /ai' mi#!le 0a(et' intr" n t!rn.
? %e #e m" n!mi-i 0a(et' d!mnea.$astr" #are m" a("ra-iA
ntre" #$(il!l. %$ar &ti-i (rea ine #" n! m" #/eam" 0a(et.
? 0!m astaA N! te #/eam" a&aA se mir" L$rin. %ar #!m te
#/eam" (e tineA
? *e mine m" #/eam" L!d$.i# 0ar$l de >$!r$n. 0a(et e n!mele
!n!ia dintre str"m$&ii mei. %$ar &ti! ist$ria 3ran-ei' $ &ti! de la tata.
? Ii t! .rei s"2l n.e-i s" ,a#" (a(!#i (e2!n #$(il #are a n."-at
ist$ria 3ran-ei de la re+eA stri+" L$rin. Baida2deD
? Ei' ,ii (e (a#e' i s(!se :a!ri#e "iat!l!i. Am s" ,a# ra($rt.
? Ii e! am s" ,a# !n!l' iz!#ni 5im$n. Am s" s(!n &i #" n

l$# de2$
,emeie #are a.ea dre(t!l s" intre n t!rn' ai l"sat s" trea#" d$!".
ntr2ade."r' n #li(a a#eea #ele d$!" ,emei ie&ea! din d$n1$n.
:a!ri#e d"d! ,!+a la ele.
? Ei' #et"-ean"' zise el' adres)nd!2i2se #elei de l)n+" el' -i2ai
."z!t mamaA
5$(/ie Tis$n se stre#!r" ntr2$ #li(" ntre #et"-ean!l m!ni#i(al &i
(rietena ei-
? %a' #et"-ene' am ."z!t2$' m!l-!mes#' r"s(!nse ea. :a!ri#e ar
,i .r!t s2$ .ad" (e (rietena tinerei ,ete sa! m"#ar s"2i a!d" .$#ea' dar
,ata era n."l!it" n mantie &i ("rea /$t"r)t" s" n! r$steas#" ni#i !n
#!.)nt. >a #/iar i se ("r! #" trem!r".
S(aima ei l ,"#! s" ai" "n!ieli.
Ur#" n +ra"' &i' a1!n+)nd n (rima #amer"' ."z! (rin !&a #!
+eam #!m re+ina' n #ealalt" #amer"' as#!ndea n !z!nar #e.a #e
:a!ri#e "n!i #2ar ,i !n ilet.
? VaiD ,"#! el' s" ,i ,$st $are ("#"litA
&i #/em" n!maide#)t cole"ul-
? 0et"-ene A+ri#$la' intr" la :aria2Ant$aneta &i .ezi s" n2$ s#a(i
din $#/i.
? NaD e6#lam" m!ni#i(al!l' s" ,i...A
? Intr"' -i s(!n' &i n! mai (ierde ni#i $ #li("' ni#i !n min!t' ni#i $
se#!nd".
0et"-ean!l m!ni#i(al intr" la re+in".
? 0/eam" (e ne.asta l!i Tis$n' s(!se el !n!i s$ldat din +ard".
%!(" #in#i min!te' ,emeia l!i Tis$n .eni radi$as".
? :i2am ."z!t ,ata' zise ea.
? UndeA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? 0/iar ai#i' n anti#amer".
? >ine. Ii ,ii#"2ta n2a #er!t #!m.a s2$ .ad" (e a!stria#"A
* Nu-
* N-a intat la ea.
* Nu-
? Ii2n .reme #e st"teai de .$r" #! ,ii#"2ta' n2a ie&it nimeni din
#amera (riz$nierel$rA
? *ar#" e! mai &ti!A :" !itam la ,ii#"2mea (e #are n2$ ."z!sem
de trei l!ni.
? Ia +)nde&te2te ine &i ad!2-i aminte.
? A/D da' #red #" mi2ad!# aminte-
* Ce.
* Cine. Maia-,ee%a.
* Da-
? Ii a .$rit #! ,ii#"2taA
* Nu-
* N-a idicat nimic de pe 3o!.
? 3ii#"2meaA
* Nu &fiica Maiei-Antoaneta-
? >a da' &i2a ridi#at atista.
? Vai nen$r$#iteD stri+" :a!ri#e.
Se epe%i la funia unui clopot pe cae-l tase #! (!tere. Era #l$($t!l
de alarm".
Capitolul XI
5ILE,UL
0eilal-i d$i #et"-eni m!ni#i(ali din +ard" !r#ar" n +ra". Un
deta&ament din ($st i ns$-ea.
U&ile ,!r" n#/ise' #ele d$!" santinele ,!r" ($state #a s" ("zeas#"
ie&irile din ,ie#are #amer".
? 0e d$re&ti' d$mn!leA l ntre" re+ina (e :a!ri#e' #)nd intr" la
ea. T$#mai .$iam s" m" #!l# #)nd' a#!m .re$ #in#i min!te' #et"-ean!l
m!ni#i(al L&i re+ina l ar"t" (e A+ri#$laF s2a n"(!stit ai#i n #amer"'
,"r" s"2mi s(!n" #e ($,te&te.
? %$amn"' s(!se :a!ri#e' sal!t)nd' n! #$le+!l me! ($,te&te
#e.a de la d$mnia2ta' #i e!.
? %!mneata' d$mn!leA ntre" mirat" :aria2Ant$aneta'
!it)nd!2se la :a!ri#e' al #"r!i ,el #!.iin#i$s de2a ,i i ins(irase re2
#!n$&tin-". Ii #e .rei d!mneataA
? %$res# s" ine.$ie&ti a2mi #nm$na )iletul pe cae domnia-ta #l
a!cundeai adineaoi& c$nd tocmai intam-
*rin#i(esa &i d$amna Elisaet/ tres"rir". Re+ina se ,"#! al" #a
.ar!l.
? Te n&eli' d$mn!le' r"s(!nse ea' n! as#!ndeam nimi#.
? :in-i' a!stria#$D stri+" A+ri#$la.
Mauice pu!e e(ede m)na (e ra-!l #$le+!l!i s"!.
? O #li("' dra+!l me!' i r"s(!nse el. Las"2m" (e mine s" .$res#
#! #et"-eana. 5!nt ntr2!n ,el &i (r$#!r$r.
? @i2i' at!n#i' dar n2$ #r!-a< ei' dr"#ieD
? As#!ndeai !n ilet' #et"-ean"' !rm" :a!ri#e #! as(rime. Ar
tre!i s" ni2l dai.
* Da& ce )ilet.
? 0el (e #are -i l2a ad!s ,ii#a l!i Tis$n &i (e #are #et"-eana de
a#$l$' ,ii#a d!mitale L:a!ri#e ar"t" s(re t)n"ra (rin-es"F' l2a #!les #!
atista.
0ele trei ,emei se (ri.ir" ns("im)ntate.
* Da& domnule& a!ta e mai mult dec$t tianie& !pu!e e"inaJ
!untem femei& !untem femei+
? 5" n2ameste#"m l!#r!rile' i r"s(!nse :a!ri#e #! ne#lintit"
/$t"r)re. N$i n! s!ntem ni#i 1!de#"t$ri' ni#i #"l"i' s!ntem +ardieni' alte
#!.inte #$n#et"-eni' a.)nd sar#ina de2a ." ("zi. A.em !n #$nsemn<
da#" l #"l#"m nseamn" #" s!ntem tr"d"t$ri. 0et"-ean"' r$+' a&adar'
s"2mi dai ilet!l (e #are l2ai as#!ns.
? %$mnil$r' s(!se re+ina #! tr!,ie' de .reme #e s!nte-i +ardieni'
s#$t$#i-i &i li(si-i2ne de s$mn &i n n$a(tea asta' #a nt$tdea!na.
? *"zeas#"2ne %$mn!l s" ridi#"m m)na as!(ra !n$r ,emeiD V$i
ad!#e ,a(tele la #!n$&tiin-a 0$m!nei &i2i .$m a&te(ta $rdinele. N!mai
#" d!mneata n! te .ei #!l#a n (at' .ei d$rmi (e ,$t$lii' da#"2-i (la#e
a&a' iar n$i te .$m s!(ra.e+/ea... %a#" .a tre!i' .$r n#e(e &i
(er#/ezi-iile.
? %ar' #e2i ai#iA ntre" ,emeia l!i Tis$n' .)r)nd!2&i s(eriat" #a(!l
(e !&".
? 0e s" ,ie' #et"-ean"' ai dat $ m)n" de a1!t$r la $ tr"dare &i de
a#eea ($-i ,i si+!r" #" n2ai s"2-i mai .ezi ,ata ni#i$dat".
? 5" n!2mi mai ."d ,ataA... #e t$t s(!i' #et"-eneA ntre" ,emeia
l!i Tis$n #are n! n-ele+ea ine de #e n2are s"2&i mai .ad" ,ata.
? Iat" #e2-i s(!n9 ,ii#"2ta n2a .enit ai#i s" te .ad" (e tine' #i s"
ad!#" $ s#ris$are #et"-enei 0a(et' a&a #" n2are s" mai .in".
? %ar da#" n! mai .ine' n2am s2$ mai ($t .edea' (entr! #" n$i
n2a.em .$ie s" ie&im de ai#i...
? %e data asta n2ai (e #ine s" te m)nii' (entr! #" e .ina ta' i
r"s(!nse :a!ri#e.
? VaiD !rl" iata mam"' .ina meaD 0e t$t s(!i t! a#$l$' .ina meaA
%$ar n! s2a nt)m(lat nimi#. R"s(!nd e! de asta. VaiD ("i de2ar ,i s" se
,i nt)m(lat #e.a' s" te ("zeas#" sim-!l' Ant$aneta' ai s" mi2$ (l"te&ti
s#!m( de t$tD
Ii ,emeia' ie&it" din min-i' i ar"t" re+inei (!mn!l.
? 5" n! amenin-i (e nimeni' i r"s(!nse :a!ri#e< mai ine
n#ear#" s" #a(e-i #! l)nde-e #eea #e #erem n$i' #"#i e&ti ,emeie' Ii
#et"-eana Ant$aneta' #are e mam" &i ea' se .a nd!(le#a din mil"
(entr! $ mam". :)ine ,ii#"2ta .a ,i arestat"' m)ine .a ,i ntemni-at"...
(e !rm"' de se des#$(er" #e.a ? &i t! d$ar &tii #"' da#" .rei #! t$t
dinadins!l' des#$(eri #! si+!ran-" ? de se des#$(er" #e.a e (ierd!t"
&i ea &i ns$-it$area ei.
3emeia l!i Tis$n' #are l as#!ltase (e :a!ri#e #! $ s(aim" din #e n
#e mai mare' &i ndre(t" s(re re+in" (ri.irea r"t"#it".
* Au%i tu& Antoaneta.--- E 0o)a de fiica mea+--- ,u #mi 0ei fi du!
fata la pieie+
Re+ina ("r! &i ea ns("im)ntat"' n! at)t de amenin-area #e
str"l!#ea n $#/ii +ardien#ei sale' #)t de dezn"de1dea (e #are i2$ #itea
n (ri.iri.
? Vin$' d$amn" Tis$n' zise ea' am s"2-i s(!n #e.a.
* Ei& ia 0e%i+ ,"r" lin+!&eli' stri+" #$le+!l l!i :a!ri#e< s" ,im &i n$i
de ,a-"' ei' dr"#ieD n ,a-a m!ni#i(alit"-ii' n!mai n ,a-a m!ni#i(alit"-ii.
? Las"2le' #et"-ene A+ri#$la' i &$(ti :a!ri#e la !re#/e' n!mai s"
ias" ade."r!l la i.eal"' n2are a ,a#e n #e ,el...
* Ai dre(tate' #et"-ene :a!ri#e' dar...
? 5" tre#em de (artea #ealalt" a !&ii #! +eam!ri' #et"-ene
A+ri#$la' &i' as#!lt" de mine' s" st"m &i #! s(atele9 s!nt si+!r #"
(ers$ana ,a-" de #are .$m d$.edi asemenea !n".$in-" n! ne .a ,a#e
s" ne #"im.
Re"ina au%i #!.intele a#estea s(!se an!me #a s" ,ie a!zite de ea
&i i ar!n#" t)n"r!l!i $ (ri.ire (lin" de re#!n$&tin-". :a!ri#e nt$arse
#a(!l #! indi,eren-" &i tre#! de (artea #ealalt" a !&ii #! +eam!ri.
A+ri#$la l !rm".
* Ve%i femeia a!ta& #i !pu!e el lui A"icola9 #a re+in" e +r$za. de
.in$.at"' #a ,emeie ."de&te !n s!,let demn &i +ener$s. E ine #" se
s,"r)m" &i se n"r!ies# #$r$anele< nen$r$#irea (!ri,i#".
? 3ir2ar s" ,ie' #" ine mai .$re&ti' #et"-ene :a!ri#eD mi (la#e
s" te as#!lt (e tine &i (e (rieten!l t"! L$rin. T$t .ers!ri ai s(!s &i t!A
Mauice %$m)i-
n tim(!l dial$+!l!i de mai s!s' din#$l$ de !&a #! +eam!ri se
(etre#ea s#ena (e #are $ (re."z!se :a!ri#e. 3emeia l!i Tis$n se
a(r$(iase de re+in".
? %$amn"' i s(!se a#easta' dezn"de1dea n #are te a,li mi
zdr$e&te inima. N! .rea! s" te li(ses# de #$(il!l d!mitale< a&a #e.a e
(rea +re! de nd!rat. %ar +)nde&te2te ine9 ($ate #" ,"#)nd #eea #e
#er $amenii "&tia' ,ii#a d!mitale t$t .a ,i #$ndamnat". 3" #e s(!n eiD
stri+" ne.asta l!i Tis$n. 3" #e s(!n eiD
* %ar' mai nt)i' as#!lt" des(re #e e .$ra.
? %es(re #e e .$raA ntre" +ardian#a #! $ #!ri$zitate a(r$a(e
s"lati#".
? 3ii#a d!mitale a .enit ai#i #! $ (rieten".
? %a' e m!n#it$are #a &i ea< n2a .r!t s" .in" sin+!r" din (ri#ina
s$lda-il$r.
* /ietena aceea i2a dat ,ii#ei d!mitale !n ilet< ,ii#a d!mitale la
s#"(at (e 1$s< :aria' #are t$#mai tre#ea (e l)n+" ea' l2a ridi#at. E $
/)rtie ,"r" ni#i $ .al$are' n! n#a(e .$r"' dar #"reia $ameni r"!
inten-i$na-i i2ar +"si $ semni,i#a-ie. N! -i2a s(!s #et"-ean!l m!ni#i(al
#" da#" .rei +"se&ti $ri#!m #e.aA
? Ii d!(" asta' d!(" astaA
? Ei ine' asta e t$t. Vrei s"2-i da! /)rtia a#eeaA Vrei s"2mi
sa#ri,i# !n (rieten &i t$t!&i s" n!2-i re#a(e-i' ($ate' ,ii#aA
? 3" #!m s(!n eiD stri+" iar"&i ,emeia' ," #e s(!n eiD
* Dar da#" /)rtia asta -i #$m(r$mite ,ii#aA st"r!i re+ina. n2
-ele+iA
? 3ii#a mea e' #a &i mine' $ (atri$t" #instit"' r"s(!nse a,!risita de
,emeie. 5la." %$mn!l!i' ,amilia Tis$n e .estit"D 3" #e s(!n eiD
? %$amne2%!mneze!leD #)t a& d$ri s" te ($t #$n.in+eD
* 3ii#"2meaD .rea! s"2mi ,ie dat" ,ii#aD !rm" ,emeia l!i Tis$n'
"t)nd din (i#i$r. %" /)rtia' Ant$aneta' d"2$D
? Iat2$' d$amn"D
Ii re+ina ntinse nen$r$#itei a#eleia de ,"(t!ri $ !#at" de /)rtie
(e #are ea $ ridi#" n #!lmea !#!riei deas!(ra #a(!l!i' stri"$nd4
? Veni-i' .eni-i' #et"-eni m!ni#i(aliD Am #"("tat /)rtia. L!a-i2$ &i
da-i2mi #$(ila.
? Ne2ai sa#ri,i#at (rietenii' s!ri$ar"' s(!se d$amna Elizaet/.
? N!' s!ri$ar"' r"s(!nse trist re+ina' (e n$i ne2am sa#ri,i#at.
B)rtia n! ($ate #$m(r$mite (e nimeni-
La stri+"tele ,emeii l!i Tis$n' :a!ri#e &i #$le+!l s"! i ie&ir"
nainte< ea le ntinse n!maide#)t ilet!l. Ei l des#/iser" &i #itir"9
JLa $rient' !n ami# .e+/eaz" n#".K
Aia &i ar!n#" $#/ii (e /)rtie &i :a!ri#e tres"ri.
5#ris!l i ("r! #!n$s#!t.
KD$amne2%!mneze!leD iz!#ni el' s" ,ie al Cene.iB0ei. Nu& e cu
neputin-"' s!nt ne!nD 5e aseam"n"' ,"r" nd$ial"' dar #!m ar (!tea
a.ea de2a ,a#e Cene.iB0e cu e"ina.C
5e nt$arse &i ."z! #" :aria2Ant$aneta l (ri.ea. 0)t des(re
,emeia l!i Tis$n' n tim( #e a&te(ta s" i se /$t"ras#" s$arta' l s$rea
(e :a!ri#e din $#/i.
? Ai ,"#!t $ ,a(t" !n"' i s(!se ,emeii l!i Tis$n. Ii d!mneata'
#et"-ean"' de asemenea' ad"!+" el #"tre re+in".
? At!n#i' d$mn!le' r"s(!nse :aria2Ant$aneta' !rmeaz"2mi
e6em(l!l9 arde /)rtia asta &i .ei ,a#e $ ,a(t" #aritail".
? Cl!me&ti' a!stria#$' inter.eni A+ri#$la. 5" ard" $ /)rtie #are
($ate ne2ar da (rile1!l s" (!nem m)na (e2!n #!i de arist$#ra-iA N!'
asta ar ,i $ (r$stie #!rat"D
? %a' mai ine arde2$' s(!se &i ,emeia l!i Tis$n' ar (!tea

s2$ (!n"
n (rime1die (e ,ata mea.
? >inen-eles' (e ,ii#"2ta &i (e #eilal-i' #$ntin!" A+ri#$la l!)nd din
m)inile l!i :a!ri#e /)rtia (e #are a#esta #! si+!ran-" ar ,i ars2$ da#"
ar ,i ,$st sin+!r.
%!(" ze#e min!te' ilet!l ,! de(!s (e ir$!l memril$r 0$m!nei'
des#/is n!maide#)t &i #$mentat n t$ate ,el!rile.
? JLa $rient' !n ami# .e+/eaz"K' r$sti $ .$#e. 0e dra#! $ ,i
nsemn)nd astaA
? A' da' desi+!rD ,"#! !n +e$+ra,. JLa $rientK e lim(ede9 L$rient e
!n $r"&el din >retania' sit!at ntre Vannes &i W!im(er. 3ir2ar s" ,ieD Ar
tre!i dat ,$# $ra&!l!i' da#"2i ade."rat #" s!nt n el arist$#ra-i #are
.e+/eaz" as!(ra a!strie#ei.
? E #! at)t mai (rime1di$s' ad"!+" !n alt!l' #! #)t' L$rient ,iind
($rt la mare' a#$l$ se ($t (!ne la #ale #$m(li#it"-i #! en+lezii.
? *r$(!n' s(!se !n al treilea' s" ,ie trimis" $ #$misie la L$rient &i
s" se ntre(rind" $ an#/et".
:a!ri#e ,!sese -in!t la #!rent as!(ra delier"ril$r.
JN2am idee !nde ($ate ,i $rient!l de #are e .$ra' &i zise el' dar
#! si+!ran-" #" n!2i n >retania.K
A d$!a zi' re+ina' #are' d!(" #!m am s(!s' n! mai #$$ra n
+r"din" #a s" n! trea#" (rin ,a-a #amerei !nde ,!sese n#ar#erat s$-!l
ei' #er! s" !r#e (e (lat,$rma t!rn!l!i' #a s" ia (!-in aer' #! ,ii#a ei &i #!
d$amna Elisaet/.
0ererea i ,! n#!.iin-at" n!maide#)t' dar :a!ri#e se !r#" &i el &i'
$(rind!2se n s(atele !n!i s$i de +/eret"' #are ad"($stea (artea de
s!s a s#"rii' a&te(t"' as#!ns' !rmarea ilet!l!i din a1!n.
La n#e(!t re+ina s2a (limat' a,e#t)nd indi,eren-"' #! d$amna
Elisaet/ &i #! ,ii#a ei' (e !rm" s2a $(rit' n tim( #e (rin-esele
#$ntin!a! s" se (lime' s2a nt$rs s(re r"s"rit &i s2a !itat l!n+ #!
aten-ie la $ #as" la ,erestrele #"reia se ar"ta! mai m!lte (ers$ane< !na
dintre (ers$anele a#elea -inea $ atist" al".
Mauice !coa!e un oc1ean din !z!nar &i' n tim( #e2l ($tri.ea'
re+ina ,"#! !n semn .iziil' #a &i #!m i2ar ,i ($,tit (e #!ri$&ii de la
,ereastr" s" dis(ar". %ar :a!ri#e a(!#ase s" .ad" !n #a( de "rat #!
("r!l l$nd' (alid la ,a-"' a #"r!i (le#"#i!ne ,!sese (lin" de res(e#t'
a(r$a(e #/iar de !milin-".
n s(atele t)n"r!l!i a#el!ia' #"#i #!ri$s!l n$str! n! ("rea s" ai"
mai m!lt de d$!"ze#i &i #in#i' d$!"ze#i &i &ase de ani' &edea $ ,emeie
(e 1!m"tate a#$(erit" de sil!eta l!i. :a!ri#e &i ndre(t" $#/ean!l
as!(ra ei &i' #rez)nd #" o ecuno!cu!e pe Gene0iB0e& f"#! $ mi&#are
s!it" #are2l des#$(eri. N!maide#)t ,emeia' #are -inea &i ea !n $#/ean
n m)n"' se trase nd"r"t' l!)nd!2l &i (e t)n"r #! ea. 5" ,i ,$st
Cene.iB0e. S"2l ,i re#!n$s#!t &i ea (e :a!ri#eA *ere#/ea de #!ri$&i s"
se ,i retras $are n!mai la semn!l (e #are2l ,"#!se re+inaA
:a!ri#e a&te(t" $ #li(" s" .ad da#" t)n"r!l &i t)n"ra n2a! s" mai
a(ar". %ar #!m ,ereastra r"m)nea (!stie' l s,"t!i (e #$le+!l s"!
A+ri#$la s" ,ie #! $#/ii n (atr!' #$$r #a $ ,!rt!n" s#ara &i aler+" s"
se a&eze la ()nd" n #$l-!l str"zii *$rte23$in' #a s" .ad" da#" #ei d$i
#!ri$&i din #asa #! (ri#ina n2a! s" ias". 3! ns" n zadar' #"#i nimeni n!
se ar"t".
At!n#i' nemai(!t)nd nd!ra "n!iala #are2i s,)&ia inima n#" de
#)nd ns$-it$area ,etei l!i Tis$n se n#"("-)nase s" stea as#!ns" &i s"
n! s#$at" ni#i !n #!.)nt' :a!ri#e $ ($rni s(re .e#/ea strad"
5aint28a#H!es' !nde a1!nse #! s!,let!l #/in!it de #ele mai #i!date
"n!ieli.
0)nd intr"' Cene.iV.e n #a($t al &edea s! !n !mrar de
ias$mie' !nde a.ea $i#ei!l s" ia masa. i adres"' #a de $i#ei' !n sal!t
#"ld!r$s l!i :a!ri#e &i2l ($,ti s" ea $ #ea&#" de #i$#$lat" #! ea.
*e de alt" (arte' %i6mer' #are ntre tim( .enise &i el' se ar"t"
+r$za. de !#!r$s #"2l .ede (e :a!ri#e la asemenea #eas nea&te(tat
al zilei. %ar mai nainte #a :a!ri#e s" ,i "!t #ea&#a de #i$#$lat" (e
#are $ a##e(tase' %i6mer #er! ami#!l!i s"!' se#retar!l se#-iei
Le(elletier' s"2l ns$-eas#" ntr2$ rait" (rin ateliere. :a!ri#e (rimi.
? %ra+!l me! :a!ri#e' n#e(! s"2i s(!n" %i6mer' l!)nd!2l la ra-
(e t)n"r!l n$str! &i ($rnind #! el' ai s" a,li $ n$!tate de$seit de
im($rtant".
? *$liti#"A l ntre" :a!ri#e' !rm"rit ntr!na de ideea sa.
? EiD dra+" #et"-ene' r"s(!nse %i6mer z)mind' #rezi #" n$i' #ei
de2ai#i' ne $#!("m de ($liti#"A N!' n!' $ n$!tate ind!strial"' sla."
%$mn!l!iD Venerail!l me! (rieten :$rand' #are' d!(" #!m &tii e !n
#/imist dintre #ei mai merit!$&i' t$#mai a des#$(erit se#ret!l de
,ari#are a !n!i mar$#/in de #!l$are r$&ie' #!m n! a-i mai ."z!t ()n"
n zilele n$astre' .rea! s" s(!n $ #!l$are ,i6"' #are n! se de#$l$reaz".
V$(sea! asta .rea! s" -i2$ ar"t. %ealtminieri' ai s"2l .ezi (e :$rand la
l!#r!. Rsta da' zi# &i e!' ade."r artistD
:a!ri#e n! (rea n-ele+ea #!m ($-i ,i artist n mar$#/in r$&!
-
A##e(t" t$t!&i s" mear+"' l !rm" (e %i6mer' str""t! atelierele

&i
ntr2!n s$i de la$rat$r (arti#!lar l ."z! (e #et"-ean!l :$rand la
trea" ? (!rta #a de $i#ei $#/elari .erzi' era mr"#at #! /aine de
l!#r! &i ("rea ntr2ade."r ,$arte (re$#!(at s" s#/ime n (!r(!ri! al!l
m!rdar al !nei (iei de $aie. A.ea m)ne#ile s!,le#ate' m)inile ? r$&ii' la
,el &i ra-ele' ()n" la #$ate. 0!m s(!nea %i6mer' se "l"#ea !#!r$s &i
.esel n #)rm)z.
l sal!t" (e :a!ri#e #! #a(!l' a&a $#!(at #!m era #! tre!rile l!i.
? Ei' #et"-ene :$rand' l ntre" %i6mer' #e zi#iA
? O s" #)&ti+"m $ s!t" de mii de li.re (e an n!mai #! (r$#ede!l
"sta' r"s(!nse :$rand. %ar' iat"' s!nt $(t zile de #)nd n! mai d$rm'
iar a#izii mi2a! ata#at $#/ii.
:a!ri#e l l"s" (e %i6mer #! :$rand &i se nt$arse la Cene.iB0e'
&$(tind!2&i taini#9
? Tre!ie s" re#!n$s# #" ndat$ririle !n!i #et"-ean m!ni#i(al ar
n"!#i #/iar &i (e !n er$!. %!(" $(t zile (etre#!te n n#/is$area
Tem(le' a1!n+i s" te s!s(e#tezi ()n" &i (e tine ns!-i dre(t arist$#rat'
s,)r&ind (rin a te den!n-a sin+!r. >!n!l %i6mer' ra.!l :$randD
+in+a&a Cene.iV.eD Ii e! #are i2am "n!it $ #li(".
Cene.iV.e l a&te(ta (e :a!ri#e' #! s!r)s!l ei n#)nt"t$r' +ata s"2l
,a#" s" !ite ()n" &i !rma "n!ielil$r (e #are &i le n#/i(!ise ade."rate.
Era #a t$tdea!na9 s!a."' (rieten$as"' ,erme#"t$are.
Clipele #n cae Mauice o 0edea pe Gene0iB0e eau !in"uele pe cae
le t"ia #!2ade."rat. T$t rest!l tim(!l!i' era (rad" ,erei a#eleia (e
#are am (!tea2$ n!mi ,era an!l!i 1793' #are s#inda *aris!l n d$!"
taere &i ,"#ea #a e6isten-a s" ,ie $ l!(t" #$ntin!"' de ,ie#are #eas.
0"tre amiaz"' tre!i t$t!&i s2$ ("r"seas#" (e Cene.iV.e &i s" se
nt$ar#" la n#/is$area Tem(le.
La #a("t!l str"zii 5ainte2A.$=e' se nt)lni #! L$rin' #are s#/ima
+arda. L$rin se a,la n #$ada (l!t$n!l!i. 5e des(rinse din r)nd &i .eni la
:a!ri#e' al #"r!i #/i( $+lindea n#" ,eri#irea d!l#e (e #are nt)lnirea #!
Cene.iB0e i-o e0"rsa t$tdea!na n s!,let.
? A/D e6#lam" L$rin' s#!t!r)nd #"ld!r$s m)na (rieten!l!i s"!9
@adarni# #a-i s"2-i as#!nzi d$r!l'
E! &ti! #are -i2e n"z!in-a.
Ta#i m)l#' dar -i ."d s!,erin-a'
n $#/i -i #ites# d$r!l'
Ii2n s!,let t$t am$r!lD
:a!ri#e &i d!se m)na la !z!nar s" #a!te #/eia. Era mi1l$#!l
#are2l ad$(tase #a s" (!n" sta.il" .er.ei ($eti#e a #$le+!l!i s"!. %ar
a#esta i ."z! +est!l &i2$ r!(se la ,!+" r)z)nd.
? AD as#!lt" ad"!+" L$rin' nt$r#)nd!2se d!(" #)-i.a (a&i' ai de
stat n#" trei zile la Tem(le' :a!ri#e. i2l n#redin-ez (e mi#!-!l 0a(et.
Capitolul XII
DRAGOS,E
%e ,a(t' d!(" $ !#at" de .reme :a!ri#e a1!nsese s" d!#" $ .ia-"
,$arte ,eri#it" &i n a#ela&i tim( ,$arte nen$r$#it". T$tdea!na e a&a la
n#e(!t!l maril$r (asi!ni.
:!n#a zilni#" la se#-ia Le(elletier' .izitele (e #are le ,"#ea seara
n .e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es' (rezen-a s($radi#" la #l!!l Term$(ile
i !m(lea! tot timpul-
N!2&i as#!ndea ,a(t!l #"' ."z)nd2$ (e Cene.iB0e #n fiecae !ea"'
n! ,"#ea de#)t s" se mete' n+/i-it!ri rare' dar (line' #! dra+$ste ,"r"
s(eran-".
Cene.iV.e era !na dintre ,emeile timide &i a(arent !&$r de
#)&ti+at' #are ntind sin#er m)na !n!i (rieten' &i a(r$(ie in$#ent
,r!ntea de !zele l!i' #! n#rederea !nei s!r$ri sa! #! i+n$ran-a !nei
,e#i$are n ,a-a #"reia #!.intele de dra+$ste (ar $ ins!lt"' iar d$rin-ele
#arnale !n ade."rat sa#rile+i!.
%a#" e6ist" n .is!rile #ele mai (!re (e #are Ra,ael' n (rima sa
manier"' le2a z!+r".it (e ()nz"' $ :ad$n" #! !ze s!r)z"t$are' #!
(ri.ire #ast"' #! $ e6(resie n+ereas#"' at!n#i t$#mai asemenea
ns!&iri tre!ie l!ate de la di.in!l ele. al l!i *er!+in$ (entr! ,"!rirea
($rtret!l!i Cene.iB0ei-
'n mi1l$#!l ,l$ril$r sale' str"l!#it$are &i nmiresmat" #a ele' de(arte
de a#ti.itatea s$-!l!i ei' de(arte #/iar &i de el' Cene.iB0e #i p"rea l!i
:a!ri#e' de #)te $ri $ .edea' #a $ eni+m" .ie' al #"rei sens n!2l (!tea
+/i#i &i2a #"rei dezle+are n! ndr"znea s" i2$ #ear".
ntr2$ sear" #)nd r"m"sese' #a de $i#ei' sin+!r #! ea &i st"tea!
al"t!ri s! ,ereastra d!l"' (rin #are n alt" sear" ("tr!nsese at)t de
,!rt!n$s' #)nd miresmele lilia#!l!i n ,l$are (l!tea! (e !&$ara adiere
#e se i.e&te n!maide#)t d!(" !n str"l!#it$r a(!s de s$are' :a!ri#e'
d!(" $ l!n+" t"#ere n r"stim(!l #"reia i !rm"rise $#/ii a+eri &i (i$&i'
#are (ri.ea! #!m r"sare $ stea ar+intie (e #er!l de az!r' :a!ri#e
#!tez" s2$ ntree #!m se ,a#e #"2i at)t de t)n"r"' #)nd s$-!l ei
tre#!se de .)rsta mi1l$#ie a .ie-ii< #"2i at)t de n$il" &i deli#at"' #)nd
t$ate ."dea! la s$-!l ei $ ed!#a-ie &i2$ $ri+ine de r)nd #"2i at)t de
(lin" de ($ezie' #)nd s$-!l ei n2are alt -el de#)t s"2&i #)nt"reas#"' s"2&i
ntind" &i s"2&i .$(seas#" (ieile din ,ari#".
* Ce #a!t" la !n me&ter t""#ar' &i #$ntin!" :a!ri#e &ir!l
ntre"ril$r' /ar(a asta' #la.e#in!l de2ai#i &i +astel!rile des(re #are
mi2ai m"rt!risit #" s!nt $(era d!mitaleA n s,)r&it' de #e at)ta
arist$#ra-ie' (e #are $ !r"s# de m$arte la al-ii' dar (e #are o ado la
dumneata.
Cene.iV.e &i a-inti as!(ra l!i :a!ri#e (ri.irile (line de #and$are.
? -i m!l-!mes#' r"s(!nse ea' #"2mi (!i asemenea ntreare< ea
mi d$.ede&te #" e&ti !n $m #! s!,let n$il &i #" n2ai #"!tat s" #!le+i
in,$rma-ii des(re mine de la nimeni-
? Ni#i$dat"' d$amn"' s(!se :a!ri#e. Am !n (rieten de.$tat' #are
&i2ar da .ia-a (entr! mine' am $ s!t" de #amarazi' #are s!nt +ata s"
mear+" $ri!nde i2a& #"l"!zi' dar dintre t$ate s!,letele astea' #)nd e
.$ra de $ ,emeie' &i mai ales de $ ,emeie #!m e Cene.iV.e' n! &ti!
de#)t !n!l sin+!r n #are s" m" n#red' s!,let!l me!.
? :!l-!mes#' :a!ri#e' i r"s(!nse t)n"r". At!n#i ai s" a,li de la
mine t$t #e d$re&ti s" &tii.
? :ai nt)i' #are e n!mele d!mitale de ,at"A ntre" :a!ri#e. N!
te #!n$s# de#)t #! n!mele de ,emeie m"ritat".
Gene0iB0e #n-elese e+$ism!l de ndr"+$stit (e #are l tr"da $
asemenea ntreare &i z)mi.
* Gene0iB0e du ,eill8& #i "s(!nse ea. :a!ri#e re(et"9
* Gene0iB0e du ,eill8+
? 3amilia mea' !rm" Cene.iB0e& fu!e!e uinat" din tim(!l
r"z$i!l!i #! Ameri#a la #are a! l!at (arte tat"l &i ,ratele me! mai
mare.
? Centil$mi am)nd$iA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? N!' n!' r"s(!nse Cene.iV.e' r$&ind.
? T$t!&i' mi2ai s(!s #" n!mele d!mitale de ,at" e Cene.iB0e du
,eill8-
? 3"r" (arti#!l"' d$mn!le :a!ri#e. 3amilia mea a ,$st $+at"' dar
n2a a.!t ni#i !n s$i de le+"t!r" #! n$ilimea.
? N! ai n#redere n mine' r"s(!nse t)n"r!l n$str! z)mind.
* 0!m de n!A !rm" Cene.iB0e- 'n Ameica& tat"l me! s2a
m(rietenit #! tat"l d$mn!l!i :$rand. %$mn!l %i6mer era $m!l de
a,a#eri al d$mn!l!i :$rand. V"z)nd!2ne r!ina-i &i &tiind #" d$mn!l
%i6mer a.ea a.erea l!i (ers$nal" inde(endent"' d$mn!l :$rand l2a
(rezentat tat"l!i me!' #are' la r)nd!l s"!' mi la (rezentat. Am ."z!t #"
$ #"s"t$rie ,!sese dinainte (!s" la #ale &i am
#
n-eles #" era d$rin-a
,amiliei mele. N! i!eam &i ni#i n! i!isem (e nimeni< am (rimit. %e
trei ani de zile s!nt s$-ia l!i %i6mer &i tre!ie s2$ s(!n' de trei ani s$-!l
me! a ,$st at)t de !n #! mine

n#)t' #! t$at" di,eren-a de +!st!ri &i
de .)rst" #e e6ist" ntre n$i &i (e #are d!mneata ai $ser.at2$' n2am
sim-it ni#i m"#ar $ #li(" .re$ ("rere de r"!.
? %ar' !rm" :a!ri#e' #)nd te2ai #"s"t$rit #! d$mn!l %i6mer' el
n! era n#" n ,r!ntea ,ari#ii a#esteiaA
? N!' l$#!iam la >l$is. %!(" 10 a!+!st' d$mn!l %i6mer #!m("r"
#asa de ai#i #! atelierele ane6e. 0a s" n! am ni#i !n s$i de ameste# #!
l!#r"t$rii' #a s" m" s#!teas#" #/iar &i de a .edea !nele l!#r!ri #e2ar ,i
(!t!t s" m" t!l!re n $i#ei!rile mele (!-in #am arist$#rati#e' #!m le
n!meai d!mneata' mi2a d"r!it (a.ili$n!l a#esta' n #are tr"ies#
sin+!r"' retras"' ($tri.it #! +!st!rile mele' ($tri.it #! d$rin-ele mele' &i
,eri#it" #)nd !n (rieten #a d!mneata' :a!ri#e' .ine s" m" aat" de la
.is"rile mele sa! s" le m("rt"&eas#" al"t!ri de mine.
Ii Cene.iV.e i ntinse m)na l!i :a!ri#e' (e #are el' n,$#at' $
s"r!t".
Gene0iB0e !e #m)u3o" (!-in.
? A#!m' (rietene' !rm" ea s"2i s(!n"' tr"+)nd!2&i m)na dintr2ale
l!i' &tii #!m am a1!ns s$-ia d$mn!l!i %i6mer.
? %a' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' !it)nd!2se -int" la Cene.iB0e- Da n!
mi2ai s(!s del$# #!m d$mn!l :$rand a a1!ns s" se as$#ieze #! d$mn!l
%i6mer.
? AD ,$arte sim(l!' r"s(!nse Cene.iB0e- Domnul DiFme& dup"
#!m -i2am s(!s' a.ea $are#are a.ere' dar t$t!&i n! at)t #)t s" ($at"
l!a el sin+!r $ ,ari#" a&a de im($rtant" #!m e asta. 3i!l d$mn!l!i
:$rand' (r$te#t$r!l l!i %i6mer' #!m -i s(!neam' ,i!l a#el!i (rieten al
tat"l!i me!' de #are ($ate #"2-i aminte&ti' a .enit #! 1!m"tate din
#a(ital &i' #!m se (ri#e(e la #/imie' s2a dedi#at e6(l$at"rii' de(!n)nd
$ a#ti.itate #are2l a#a(areaz"' d!(" #!m ai (!t!t $ser.a' &i dat$rit"
#"reia #$mer-!l d$mn!l!i %i6mer' n sar#ina #"r!ia intr" t$at" lat!ra
material"' a l!at $ e6tindere imens".
? Ii' !rm" :a!ri#e' d$mn!l :$rand este de asemenea !n!l dintre
!nii d!mitale (rieteni' n!2i a&a' d$amn"A
? %$mn!l :$rand e $ ,ire n$il"' !n!l dintre s!,letele #ele mai
ele.ate din #)te se +"ses# s! $lta #ereas#"' r"s(!nse #! +ra.itate
Cene.iB0e-
? %a#" n! -i2a dat alte d$.ezi' s(!se :a!ri#e (!-in #am nelini&tit
de marea im($rtan-" (e #are t)n"ra ,emeie $ a#$rda as$#iat!l!i
s$-!l!i ei' de#)t #" m(arte #/elt!ielile de re+ie #! d$mn!l %i6mer &i
#" a n"s#$#it $ .$(sea n$!" (entr! mar$#/in' mi n+"d!i s"2-i atra+
aten-ia #" el$+iile (e #are i le ad!#i s!nt dest!l de e6a+erate.
? :i2a dat &i alte d$.ezi& domnule& #i !pu!e Gene0iB0e-
? %ar e n#" t)n"r' n!2i a&aA ntre" :a!ri#e' #! t$ate #" e +re!
de s(!s #e .)rst" are' din (ri#ina $#/elaril$r .erzi (e #are2i ($art".
? Are treize#i &i #in#i de ani.
? V" #!n$a&te-i de m!lt" .remeA
? %in #$(il"rie.
Mauice &i m!&#" !zele. %e la n#e(!t "n!ise #" :$rand $
i!e&te (e Cene.iB0e-
? AD e6#lam" :a!ri#e' a&a se e6(li#" ,amilaritatea l!i #!
d!mneata.
? n+r"dit" n limitele n #are ai ."z!t2$' d$mn!le' r"s(!nse
Cene.iB0e %$m)ind& #mi pae c" asemenea ,amiliaritate' #are n! e
de#)t #ea a !n!i (rieten' n! are ne.$ie de e6(li#a-ii.
? OD iart"2m"' d$amn"' ri($st" :a!ri#e' d!mneata &tii #" $ri#e
a,e#-i!ne (!terni#" &i are +el$ziile ei &i (rietenia mea era +el$as" (e
(rietenia (e #are d!mneata ("reai #2$ n!tre&ti (entu domnul Moand-
A($i t"#!. Cene.iB0e p"str" &i ea t"#ere. n zi!a a#eea n! mai .eni
.$ra de :$rand' &i :a!ri#e se des("r-i de Cene.iB0e mai #nd"+$stit
#a ni#i$dat"' #"#i era +el$s.
A($i' $ri#)t de $rit ar ,i ,$st t)n"r!l n$str!' $ri#)t de le+at la
$#/i' $ri#)t" t!l!rare i2ar ,i (!s (atima n s!,let' n ($.estirea
Cene.iB0ei eau multe lacune& multe e%it"ri' m!lte reti#en-e' #"r$ra n
(rim!l m$ment n! le d"d!se ni#i !n (i# de aten-ie' dar #are' d!("
a#eea' i re.enea! n minte &i2l t!l!ra! ntr2!n #/i( at)t de #i!dat'
n#)t n!2l (!tea lini&ti ni#i marea liertate (e #are i2$ n+"d!ia %i6mer
de2a sta de .$r" #! Cene.iV.e $ri de #)te $ri &i $ri#)t de m!lt ar ,i
($,tit' ni#i sin+!r"tatea n #are era! l"sa-i ei am)nd$i n ,ie#are sear".
>a' mai m!lt9 :a!ri#e' a1!ns $as(etele zilni# al #asei' n! n!mai #"
st"tea #! Cene.iB0e& netul)uat de nimeni& puitatea ei #n"eea!c"
("r)nd dealtminteri s!,i#ient" (entr! a $ a("ra m($tri.a d$rin-el$r
t)n"r!l!i' dar $ ns$-ea &i la t$ate mi#ile #!m("r"t!ri (e #are era silit"
s" le ,a#" din tim( n tim(' (rin #artier.
n#$n1!rat de t$at" ,amiliaritatea (e #are $ #)&ti+ase n #as"' l
!imea &i2l nelini&tea t$t!&i !n l!#r!9 #! #)t #"!ta mai m!lt ($ate' #e2i
dre(t' #! s#$(!l de2a (!tea s!(ra.e+/ea sentimentele (e #are #redea
&i se temea #" :$rand le are (entr! Cene.iB0e * cu c$t c"!ta'
s(!neam' s" ad)n#eas#" #!n$&tin-a #! a#est $m a #"r!i inteli+en-"' n
#i!da (re1!de#"-il$r sale' l sed!#ea' ale #"r!i maniere alese l
atr"+ea! din zi n zi mai m!lt' #! at)t :$rand' $m!l a#esta izar' ("rea
a se (re,a#e #" .rea s" se nde("rteze de :a!ri#e. Er$!l n$str! se
(l)n+ea #! am"r"#i!ne Cene.iB0ei& deoaece ea !i"u c" :$rand
+/i#ise n el !n ri.al &i #" din +el$zie l -inea la distan-".
? 0et"-ean!l :$rand m" !r"&te' i s(!se el ntr-o %i Gene0iB0ei-
? *e d!mneataA l ntre" Cene.iV.e (ri.ind!2l #! ,r!m$&ii ei $#/i
mira-i< (e d!mneata te !r"&te d$mn!l :$randA
* Da& !unt !i"u-
? Ii de #e te2ar !rA
? Vrei s"2-i s(!nA iz!#ni :a!ri#e.
? 3"r" nd$ial"' #$ntin!" Cene.iB0e-
* Ei )ine& pentr! #"...
:a!ri#e se $(ri. Era #)t (e #e s" s(!n"9 J*entr! #" te i!es#.K
? N!' n! ($t s"2-i s(!n de #e' zise el' r$&ind. n ,a-a Cene.iB0ei&
c$ncenul epu)lican de0enea deodat" !n $m s,i$s &i &$."ielni# #a $
,at".
Gene0iB0e %$m)i-
* Spune mai cu$nd& %ise ea' #" ntre .$i n! e6ist" a,init"-i'
&i2at!n#i ($ate am s" te #red. %!mneata e&ti $ ,ire n,l"#"rat"' $ minte
a+er"' !n "rat (reten-i$s &i ra,inat< :$rand n!2i de#)t !n ne+!st$r
alt$it (e2!n #/imist. E s,i$s' m$dest... &i n!mai s,ii#i!nea &i m$destia l
m(iedi#" s" ,a#" (rim!l (as #"tre d!mneata.
? Ei' naD %ar #ine2i #ere s" ,a#" (rim!l (as #"tre mineA Am ,"#!t
.re$ #in#ize#i e! #"tre el< ni#i$dat" n! mi2a r"s(!ns. N!' !rm" :a!ri#e'
#l"tin)nd din #a(' n!' si+!r #" n!2i asta.
* Da& atunci& ce e.
Maui#e (re,er" s" ta#".
A d$!a zi d!(" #e a.!sese e6(li#a-ia de mai s!s #! Cene.iB0e&
Mauice 0eni la ea pe la oele dou" d!("2amiaz". O +"si mr"#at"' +ata
s" ias".
? AD ,ii ine.enit' l nt)m(in" Cene.iB0e& ai !"2mi sl!1e&ti de
#a.aler ns$-it$r.
* Da unde te d!#iA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? :" d!# ()n" la A!te!il. E $ .reme n#)nt"t$are. A& d$ri s" mer+
(!-in (e 1$s< tr"s!ra are s" ne d!#" din#$l$ de ariera' !nde ne .a
a&te(ta' (e !rm" a1!n+em la A!te!il (e 1$s &i' d!(" #e .$i ,i terminat
#e am de ,"#!t la A!te!il' ne nt$ar#em t$t (e 1$s ()n" la tr"s!ra.
? A/D e6#lam" :a!ri#e n#)ntat' #e zi min!nat" mi d"r!ie&tiD
0ei d$i tineri ($rnir". %in#$l$ de *ass=' tr"s!ra i l"s" n dr!m.
A#$l$' am)nd$i s"rir" s(rinten (e mar+inea dr!m!l!i &i2&i #$ntin!ar"
(limarea (e 3o!-
0)nd s$sir" la A!te!il' Cene.iB0e !e opi-
? A&tea(t"2m" la mar+inea (ar#!l!i' i s(!se ea' d!(" #e termin'
.in s" te ia!.
? %ar la #ine te d!#iA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? La $ (rieten".
? Ii n! te ($t ns$-iA
Gene0iB0e cl"tin" din #a(' z)mind.
* Cu neputin-"' r"s(!nse ea.
:a!ri#e &i m!&#" !zele.
? At!n#i ine' zise el' am s2a&te(t.
? Ei' #e eA ntre" Cene.iB0e-
? Nimi#' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' stai m!ltA
? %a#2a& ,i #rez!t #" te stin+/eres#' :a!ri#e' da#" a& ,i &ti!t #"
zi!a -i2e (rins" #! alte tre!ri' i !pu!e Gene0iB0e& nici nu mi-a fi tecut
pin "$nd !" te r$+ s"2mi ,a#i mi#!l ser.i#i! de2a .eni #! mine< m2a& ,i
l"sat ns$-it" de...
? %e d$mn!l :$randA ntre" (r$m(t :a!ri#e.
? Ni#ide#!m. %$ar &tii #" d$mn!l :$rand se a,l" la ,ari#a
Ram$!illet &i #" n! se nt$ar#e de#)t desear".
? At!n#i iat" #"rei m(re1!r"ri i dat$rez ,a(t!l de2a ,i ,$st
(re,erat.
* Mauice& #i !pu!e Gene0iB0e cu )l$nde-e' n! ($t s2$ ,a# s2a&te(te
(e (ers$ana #are mi2a dat nt)lnire. %a#" te stin+/ere&te s" m"
ns$-e&ti la na($iere' at!n#i nt$ar#e2te la *aris' n!mai s"2mi trimi-i
tr"s!ra na($i.
? N!' n!' d$amn"' r"s(!nse #! .$i#i!ne :a!ri#e' ." sta! la
dis($zi-ie.
Ii2i adres" !n sal!t Cene.iV.ei' #are s#$ase !n s!s(in !&$r &i intr"
n A!te!il.
:a!ri#e se ndre(t" s(re l$#!l /$r"r)t nt)lnirii' &i n#e(! s" se
(lime n l!n+ &i2n lat' #!l#)nd la ("m)nt #! ast$n!l' #a TarH!ini!s'
t$ate #a(etele de ier!ri' de ,l$ri sa! de s#aie-i #are i &edea! n #ale.
%ealt,el' dr!m!l l!i se limita la !n s(a-i!9 #a t$-i $amenii ,$arte
n+)nd!ra-i' :a!ri#e aia ,"#ea #)-i.a (a&i &i se &i2nt$r#ea.
l (re$#!(a mai #! seam" s" a,le da#" Cene.iV.e l i!e&te sa!
n!. 3el!l ei de2a se (!rta #! el era #el al !nei s!r$ri sa! al !nei
(rietene. :a!ri#e sim-ea ns" #" at)ta n!2i era de2a1!ns... $ iu)ea
ne)une&te. A1!nsese s"2i ,ie +)nd!l .e&ni# din tim(!l zilei &i .is!l
mere! re(etat din tim(!l n$(-ii. Alt"dat" n! #erea alt#e.a de#)t s2$
re.ad" (e Cene.iV.e. A#!ma n!2i mai era de2a1!ns at)t' tre!ia #a &i
Cene.iV.e s"2l i!eas#".
Gene0iB0e lip!i un cea!& cae2i ("r! l!i :a!ri#e #)t !n se#$l. *e
!rm" $ ."z! .enind #"tre d)ns!l' #! s!r)s!l (e !ze. El' dim($tri."' $
nt)m(in" #! s(r)n#enele n#r!ntate. 5"rmana n$astr" inim" e ast,el
,"#!t" n#)t se tr!de&te s" s$ar" d!rere din miez!l ,eri#irii #/iar.
Gene0iB0e l l!" la ra-' s!r)z)nd.
? Iart"2m"' (rietene' zise ea' #" te2am ,"#!t s" m" a&te(-i...
:a!ri#e i r"s(!nse #! $ n#linare a #a(!l!i &i am)nd$i $ a(!#ar"
(e $ #"r"r!ie n#)nt"t$are' neted"' !mrit"' st!,$as"' #are' #! !n $#$l'
tre!ia s"2i s#$at" n &$sea-
Era $ sear" de (rim".ar" dintre #ele mai ,erme#"t$are' n #are
t$ate (lantele &i trimit s(re #er miresmele' n #are t$ate ("s"rile'
nemi&#ate (e #ren+i sa! s"lt)nd (rin t!,i&!ri de m"r"#ini' &i nal-"
imn!rile de dra+$ste s(re %!mneze!' n s,)r&it' !na dintre serile a#elea
#e (ar /"r"zite s" r"m)n" .ii n amintire.
:a!ri#e &edea m!t' Cene.iV.e' d!s" (e +)nd!ri' sm!l+ea #!2$
m)n" (etalele ,l$ril$r dintr2!n !#/et (e #are2l -inea n #ealalt"' #ea
s(ri1init" (e ra-!l l!i :a!ri#e.
? 0e aiA ntre" de$dat" :a!ri#e' &i #ine te ,a#e s" ,ii trist"
ast"ziA
Gene0iB0e i-a fi putut "s(!nde9 J3eri#irea mea.K Ea se !it" la el
#! (ri.irea2i l)nd"' (lin" de ($ezie' &i2l ntre"9
? Oare d!mneata n! e&ti mai trist #a de $i#eiA
? E!' s(!se el' e! am de #e s" ,i! tri!tJ eu !unt nenoocit& da
dumneata.
* Dumneata& nenoocit.
? 3"r" nd$ial". N2ai "+at de seam"' !ne$ri' #" s!,"r d!(" ,el!l
n #are mi trem!r" +las!lA 0)te$dat"' #)nd sta! de .$r" #!
d!mneata sa! #! s$-!l d!mitale' mi .ine s" m" s#$l a&a de$dat" &i s"
,!+ s" #er aer #er!l!i' #"#i simt #" are s"2mi #ra(e (ie(t!lD
? %ar' l ntre" Cene.iB0e !t$n3enit"' #are e #a!za s!,erin-ei
d!mitaleA
? %a#a2& ,i $ ,eti&#an" ,and$sit"' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e r)z)nd' !n r)s
amar' -i2a& s(!ne #" sta! (r$st #! ner.ii.
? Ii n #li(a de ,a-" s!,eriA
* ,ei)il& #i !pu!e Mauice-
? At!n#i s" ne nt$ar#em.
? At)t de re(ede' d$amn"A
? >inen-eles.
? A/D da' e2ade."rat' m!rm!r" t)n"r!l n$str!' !itasem #" d$mn!l
:$rand tre!ie s" se nt$ar#" de la Ram$!illet la #"derea n$(-ii &i
iat" #" se las" n$a(tea.
Gene0iB0e !e uit" la d)ns!l #! $ (ri.ire (lin" de m!strare.
? VaiD iar"&iA e6#lam" ea.
? %e #e de!n"zi i2ai ad!s d$mn!l!i :$rand ni&te el$+ii at)t de
+r$za.e' .$rind!2mi de elA i s(!se :a!ri#e. E .ina d!mitale.
* De c$nd oae& #n ,a-a $amenil$r (e #are2i stimezi' ntre"
Cene.iB0e& n-ai deptul !" s(!i #eea #e +)nde&ti des(re !n $m demn
de t$at" stimaA
? E (!terni#" stima #are te ,a#e s" +r"e&ti (as!l' a&a #!m l
+r"e&ti d!mneata n #li(a de ,a-"' de team" s" n! nt)rzii #)te.a
minute-
? Ast"zi e&ti #)t se ($ate de nedre(t' :a!ri#e. Oare n2am
(etre#!t $ (arte din zi #! d!mneataA
? Ai dre(tate' s!nt (rea (reten-i$s' !rm" :a!ri#e' l"s)nd!2se
#!(rins de t!m!lt!l im(et!$s al ,irii sale. Baide s"2l .edem (e d$mn!l
:$rand' /aideD
Gene0iB0e !im-i #!m s!("rarea &i m)nia i #!(rind inima' n! n!mai
s!,let!l.
? %a' s(!se ea' /aide s"2l .edem (e d$mn!l :$rand. El' #el (!-in'
e !n (rieten #are n! m2a ne#"1it ni#i$dat".
? 0e (re-i$&i s!nt (rietenii de2asemenea s$i' ad"!+" :a!ri#e'
s!+r!mat de +el$zie. n #eea #e m" (ri.e&te' a& d$ri s" #!n$s# &i e!
!nii #a ei.
n m$ment!l a#ela se a,la! (e &$sea' zarea se m(!r(!ra' s$arele
n#e(!se s" dis(ar"' ,"#)nd s" s#li(eas#" !ltimele2i raze (e
$rnamentele a!rite ale %$m!l!i In.alizil$r. O stea' #ea dint)i' #ea #are
ntr2alt" sear" atr"sese (ri.irile Cene.iB0ei& !clipea #n a%uul fluid al
ceului-
Cene.iV.e &i trase m)na de (e ra-!l l!i :a!ri#e' #! $ triste-e
resemnat".
? 0e ai de m" ,a#i s" s!,"rA l ntre" ea.
? EiD ,"#! :a!ri#e' #e s" amA :" simt mai (!-in dia#i de#)t
$amenii (e #are2i #!n$s#. V"d #" n! s!nt n stare s" m" ,a# i!it.
? :a!ri#eD e6#lam" Cene.iB0e-
? O/D d$amn"' da#" d!mneal!i este ntr!na !n' ntr!na la ,el'
nseamn" #" d!mneal!i n! s!,er".
Gene0iB0e !e pin!e din nou cu m$na-i al)" de ra-!l (!terni# al l!i
:a!ri#e.
? Te r$+' s(!se ea #e .$#e s#/imat"' n! mai .$ri' n! mai

0o)i-
? Ii de #e s" n! mai .$res#A
? *entr! #" +las!l d!mitale mi ,a#e r"!.
? A&adar' nimi# n!2-i (la#e la mine' ni#i m"#ar +las!lA
* ,aci& te con3u+
* Voi a!#!lta' d$amn".
Ii a(ri+!l n$str! t)n"r &i &terse ,r!ntea de s!d$are #! m)na.
Cene.iV.e &i d"d! seama #" t)n"r!l s!,erea #! ade."rat. 3irile de
nat!ra l!i :a!ri#e s!nt .i#timele !n$r d!reri ne#!n$s#!te.
? E&ti (rieten!l me!' :a!ri#e' i s(!se Cene.iV.e' !itind!2se la el
#! $ e6(resie #ereas#"' !n (rieten (re-i$s (entr! mine. 3" n a&a ,el'
:a!ri#e' #a s" n!2mi (ierd (rieten!l.
? VaiD n2ai s"2l re+re-i m!lt" .remeD iz!#ni :a!ri#e.
? Te n&eli' zise Cene.iV.e' am s" te re+ret m!lt de t$t' t$t2
dea!na.
* Gene0iB0e+ Gene0iB0e+ eFclam" :a!ri#e' ,ie2-i mil" de mineD
Gene0iB0e !e #nfio".
*rima $ar" i r$stea :a!ri#e n!mele #! $ e6(resie at)t de
semni,i#ati." &i ad)n#".
? Ei ine' !rm" :a!ri#e' de .reme #e m2ai +/i#it< las"2m" s"2-i
s(!n t$t' Cene.iB0e- C"#i' #/iar de2ar ,i s" m" !#izi n!mai #2$ (ri.ire...
de (rea m!lt" .reme ta#< am s" .$res#' Cene.iB0e-
? %$mn!le' l ntrer!(se t)n"ra ,emeie' te2am #$n1!rat n n!mele
(rieteniei n$astre s" ("strezi t"#erea. %$mn!le' te mai #$n1!r $ dat"'
m"#ar de dra+!l me!' da#" n! de2al d!mitale' ni#i !n #!.)nt mai m!lt'
n n!mele #er!l!i' ni#i !n #!.)nt mai m!ltD
? *rietenia' (rieteniaD A/D da#" (entr! d$mn!l :$rand ai $
(rietenie aid$ma #elei (e #are mi2$ ($r-i mie' at!n#i a,l" #" n! am
ne.$ie de asemenea (rietenie' Cene.iB0e< mie mi tre!ie mai m!lt
de#)t #el$rlal-i.
? %est!l' s(!se d$amna %i6mer' #! !n +est de re+in"< dest!l'
d$m!le Linde=. Iat" tr"s!ra' ine.$ie&te s" m" ns$-e&ti ()n" la s$-!l
me!.
:a!ri#e trem!ra de em$-ie. 0)nd Cene.iB0e pu!e m$na pe )a-!l
l!i' #a s" a1!n+" la tr"s!ra #are de ,a(t era d$ar la #)-i.a (a&i t)n"r!l!i
n$str! i se ("r! #" m)na ei era ,ierinte #a 1ar!l. 5e !r#ar" am)nd$i n
tr"s!r". Cene.iV.e se a&ez" n s(ate. :a!ri#e l!" l$# n ,a-". A!
str""t!t t$t *aris!l ,"r" #a ni#i !n!l ni#i #elalalt s" s#$at" .re$ .$r".
N!mai #" t$t tim(!l dr!m!l!i Cene.iB0e !t"t!se #! atista la $#/i.
0)nd intrar" n ,ari#"' %i6mer era $#!(at n ir$!l s"!. :$rand
t$#mai s$sise de la Ram$!illet' &i era (e #ale de a2&i s#/ima /ainele.
Cene.iB0e #i #ntin!e m$na l!i :a!ri#e' +ata s" intre n #amera ei' &i2i
s(!se9
? Adi$' :a!ri#e' d!mneata ai .r!t s" ,ie a&aD
:a!ri#e n! r"s(!nse nimi#' se d!se ntins la #"min!l l)n+" #are
at)rna $ miniat!r" #! ($rtret!l Cene.iB0ei& o !"r!t" #! n,l"#"rare' $
str)nse tare la (ie(t' a($i $ (!se la l$#!l ei &i (le#".
:a!ri#e s2a nt$rs a#as" ,"r" s" &tie #!m a a1!ns< a str""t!t
*aris!l ,"r" s" ,i ."z!t nimi#' ,"r" s" ,i a!zit nimi#< #ele #e se
(etre#!ser" i se (erindaser" (e dinainte #a ntr2!n .is' ,"r" s"2&i ,i
(!t!t da seama ni#i de ,a(tele' ni#i de .$rele l!i' ni#i de sim-"mintele
#are le ins!,laser". 5!nt #li(e n #are ()n" &i s!,let!l #el mai senin' #el
mai st"()n (e el ns!&i' se ded" !n$r .i$len-e la #are l m(in+e
(!terea s!$rd$nat" ima+ina-iei.
A&a #!m am s(!s' nt$ar#erea l!i :a!ri#e n2a ,$st !n mers lini&tit'
#i $ +$an". 5e dezr"#" ,"r" a1!t$r!l sl!1it$r!l!i< n! r"s(!nse
!#"t"resei sale' #are l mia #! $ #in" +ata (re+"tit"< a($i' l!)nd de
(e mas" s#ris$rile (rimite n tim(!l zilei' le #iti (e t$ate' !na d!(" alta'
,"r" s" n-elea+" !n sin+!r #!.)nt. Ne+!rile +el$ziei' starea de
ame-eal" a min-ii n! se risi(iser" n#".
La $ra ze#e' :a!ri#e se #!l#" ma&inali#e&te' a&a #!m ,"#!se t$ate
#elelalte l!#r!ri din #li(a n #are se des("r-ise de Cene.iB0e-
%a#" l!i :a!ri#e n stare n$rmal" i s2ar ,i ($.estit (!rtarea #i!dat"
(e #are $ a.!sese' #a &i #!m ar ,i ,$st a alt!i ins' n2ar ,i n-eles2$ &i l2ar
,i #$nsiderat ne!n (e #el #are ,!sese n stare s" s".)r&eas#"
asemenea a#-i!ni dis(erate' (e #are n! le2ar ,i ndre(t"-it ni#i $
rezer." e6a+erat"' ni#i #/iar $ indi,eren-" e6a+erat" din (artea
Cene.iB0ei- Da el nu mai !im-i de#)t l$.it!ra #!m(lit" #e2i s(!lerase
s(eran-ele de #are ni#i m"#ar n!2&i d"d!se seama .re$dat" &i (e #are'
a&a nesi+!re &i nedesl!&ite #!m era!' se spi3ineau toate 0i!ele lui de
feicie& cae& a!emenea unui fum& pluteau necontuate la oi%ont-
A&a #" i se nt)m(l" &i l!i :a!ri#e #eea #e se nt)m(l" mai
t$tdea!na n asemenea #az!ri9 !l!it de l$.it!ra (rimit"' ad$rmi
n!maide#)t #e se sim-i n (at' !nde z"#! a(r$a(e ,"r" s" &tie de el
ns!&i ()n" a d$!a zi.
Un z+$m$t l de&te(t" t$t!&i. Era z+$m$t!l (e #are2l ,"#!se
Jndat$rit$r!lK s"! des#/iz)nd !&a. Venise' #a de$i#ei' s" des#/id"
,erestrele #amerei de #!l#are a l!i :a!ri#e' #are d"dea! s(re $ +r"din"
mare' &i s"2i ad!#" ,l$ri.
n 1793 se #!lti.a! +r$za. de m!lt ,l$rile &i :a!ri#e le ad$ra. %ar
a#!m n! ar!n#" ni#i m"#ar $ (ri.ire as!(ra #el$r ad!se' &i'
s(ri1inind!2&i ntr2$ m)n" #a(!l !im"#it' ridi#)nd!2se ntr2$ r)n"'
n#er#" s"2&i aminteas#" #e se petecu!e #n a3un-
:a!ri#e se ntrea' ,"r" s"2&i ($at" da seama' #are era! (ri#inile
am"r"#i!nii sale. 5in+!ra (ri#in" era +el$zia l!i (e :$rand' dar era
(r$st ales m$ment!l de2a +el$zi !n $m' #)nd $m!l a#ela se a,la la
Ram$!illet' iar t!' ntre (atr! $#/i #! ,emeia i!it"' te !#!ri' ntr2!na
din #ele dint)i zile ,r!m$ase de (rim".ar"' de intimitatea ei &i de
d!l#ea-a nat!rii #e se de&tea(t".
Ni#i .$r" de .re$ "n!ial" n (ri.in-a #el$r (etre#!te n #asa din
A!te!il' ()n" la #are $ ns$-ise (e Cene.iV.e &i n #are ea st"t!se mai
m!lt de2!n #eas. N!' t$rt!ra ,"r" de s,)r&it a .ie-ii sale era n!mai
+)nd!l #" :$rand era ndr"+$stit de Cene.iB0e- Da c$t de ciudat"
(!tea ,i $ atare n#/i(!ire a min-ii' #"#i ni#i#)nd as$#iat!l l!i %i6mer
n! d"d!se (rin .re$ (ri.ire sa! (rin .re!n #!.)nt $ a(aren-" de
realitate !nei asemenea (res!(!neriD
Vocea !lu3itoului #l !mul!e din 0i!ae-
? 0et"-ene' zise a#esta' ar"t)nd!2i s#ris$rile des#/ise #e se a,la!
(e mas"' ai ales (e #ele (e #are le ("strezi' sa! ($t s" le da! pe foc pe
toate.
? 5" dai (e ,$# #eA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? *"i' s#ris$rile (e #are #et"-ean!l le2$ ,i #itit ieri' nainte de
#!l#are.
:a!ri#e n!2&i amintea s" ,i #itit ni#i !na m"#ar.
? %"2le (e ,$# (e t$ate' s(!se el.
? Iat"2le (e #ele de ast"zi' zise ndatoitoul-
i nm)n" l!i :a!ri#e !n tean# de s#ris$ri &i se d!se s" le2ar!n#e
(e #elelalte n #"min.
:a!ri#e l!" tean#!l #are i se nm)n"' sim-i s! de+ete +r$simea
!nei (e#e-i de #ear" &i i se ("r! #" re#!n$a&te nel"m!rit !n (ar,!m (e
#are2l &tia.
0"!t" (rintre s#ris$ri &i ."z! $ (e#ete &i !n s#ris #e2l ,"#!r" s"
tresar".
>"rat!l a#esta' at)t de (!terni# n ,a-a (rime1diei' ("lea #/iar &i
n!mai la mireasma s#ris$rii.
ndat$rit$r!l se a(r$(ie de el s"2l ntree #e are' dar :a!ri#e i
,"#! semn #! m)na s" ias".
T)n"r!l n$str! nt$r#ea &i iar"&i nt$r#ea s#ris$area9 a.ea (re2
sim-irea #" n ea st" n#/is" $ nen$r$#ire #e2l a&tea(t"' &i tres"ri la
+)nd!l a#esta a&a #!m tresari n ,a-a ne#!n$s#!t!l!i.
T$t!&i' &i ad!n" t$t #!ra1!l' $ des#/ise &i #iti #ele #e !rmeaz"9
J0et"-ene :a!ri#e'
Tre!ie s" r!(em le+"t!rile' #are n #eea #e te (ri.e&te (ar s"
de("&eas#" le+ile (rieteniei. E&ti !n $m de $n$are' #et"-ene' &i a#!m
d!(" #e s2a s#!rs $ n$a(te de la #ele (etre#!te ieri sear" ntre n$i'
tre!ie s" n-ele+i #" (rezen-a d!mitale n #asa n$astr" a de.enit
im($siil". :" iz!i (e ,a(t!l #" d!mneata .ei +"si $ s#!z"' #!m $ .ei
#rede de #!.in-"' ,a-" de s$-!l me!. V"z)nd ast"zi #" s$se&te $
s#ris$are de la d!mneata (entr! d$mn!l %i6mer' .$i n-ele+e #" tre2
!ie s" re+ret !n (rieten din nen$r$#ire (ierd!t' dar (e #are t$ate
#$n.enien-ele s$#iale m" m(iedi#" s"2l re."d.
Adio pentu totdeauna-
Gene0iB0e
*. 5. Ad!#"t$r!l a&tea(t" r"s(!ns!l.K
:a!ri#e stri+"< sl!1it$r!l se i.i la #/emare.
* Cine a adu! !ci!oaea.
? Un #et"-ean comi!iona-
? E n#" ai#iA
* Da-
:a!ri#e ni#i n! s!s(in"' ni#i n! &$."i. 5"ri 1$s din (at' &i trase $
(ere#/e de (antal$ni l!n+i' se a&ez" n ,a-a (!(itr!l!i' l!" (rima ,$aie
de /)rtie #e2i sta la ndem)n" Lse nt)m(l" s" ,ie $ /)rtie #! antet!l
ti("rit al se#-ieiF &i s#rise9
J0et"-ene %i6mer'
Te2am ndr"+it &i2mi e&ti n#" dra+' dar e #! ne(!tin-" s" te mai
."d.K
:a!ri#e #"!t" #a!za (entr! #are n!2l (!tea .edea (e #et"-ean!l
%i6mer' &i n!2i .eni n minte de#)t !na sin+!r"9 era #ea #are (e2at!n#i
i2ar ,i .enit n minte $ri#!i. A&a #" !rm"9
JAn!mite z.$n!ri !ml" n (ri.in-a li(sei de interes &i de zel (e
#are d!mneata $ ."de&ti ,a-" de tre!rile (!li#e. Ni#i (rin minte
n!2mi tre#e s" te n.in!ies#' dar n2am ni#i m(!terni#irea d!mitale
de2a te a("ra. *rime&te ("rerile mele de r"! &i ,ii n#redin-at #" tainele
d!mitale r"m)n n+r$(ate n s!,let!l me!.K
:a!ri#e ni#i m"#ar n! re#iti s#ris$area (e #are $ s#risese' #!m am
mai s(!s' s! im(!ls!l (rim!l!i +)nd #e2i .enise n minte. N! a.ea
nd$ieli n (ri.in-a e,e#t!l!i (e #are !rma s"2l (r$d!#". %i6mer'
admirail (atri$t' d!(" #!m :a!ri#e #$nstatase' #el (!-in din ,el!l n
#are .$rea' s2ar (!tea s!("ra' (rimind2$. 5$-ia sa &i #et"-ean!l
:$rand l .$r nd!(le#a s" n! #edeze' el ni#i m"#ar n2are s" r"s(!nd"
&i !itarea .a .eni d!(" a#eea #a !n ."l ne+r!' s" se ntind" (este
tre#!t!l .esel' #a s"2l (re,a#" ntr2!n .iit$r l!+!r!. :a!ri#e semn"' li(i
s#ris$area' $ d"d! ndat$rit$r!l!i &i #$misi$nar!l (le#".
A)ia atunci un !u!pin !la) !e de!pin!e din inima ep!li#an!l!i'
&i l!" m"n!&ile' ("l"ria &i (le#" la se#-ie.
*!s n ,a-a tre!ril$r (!li#e n"d"1d!ia' s"rman >r!t!s' s"2&i
re+"seas#" st$i#ism!l.
Tre!rile (!li#e era! n+r$zit$are9 se (re+"tea zi!a de 31 mai.
Ter$area #are' asemenea !n!i t$rent' se (r"."lea de s!s din r)nd!rile
m$nta+narzil$r' n#er#a s" (rind" n .)lt$area ei (e a#ei ndr"zne-i
m$dera-i #are a! #!tezat s" #ear" r"z!nare (entr! masa#rele din
se(temrie &i a! ndr"znit s" l!(te $ #li(" #a s" sal.eze .ia-a re+el!i.
'n timp ce Mauice luca #! at)ta n,$#are' iar ,era (e #are .$ia
s2$ al!n+e i mist!ia mintea n l$#!l inimii' mesa+er!l se rent$arse n
.e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es' &i !m(l! l$#!in-a de !imire &i s(aim".
5#ris$area' d!(" #e tre#! (e s! $#/ii Cene.iB0ei& fu #nm$nat" l!i
%i6me-
%i6mer $ des#/ise &i $ #iti ,"r" s" n-elea+" nimi# la n#e(!t< (e
!rm" $ #iti #et"-ean!l!i :$rand' #are' as#!lt)nd2$' &i l"s" #a(!l' #!
,r!ntea2i al" #a ,ilde&!l' (e2$ m)n".
n sit!a-ia n #are se +"sea! %i6mer' :$rand &i t$.ar"&ii l$r'
sit!a-ie t$talmente ne#!n$s#!t" de :a!ri#e' dar (e #are #itit$rii n$&tri
desi+!r #" a! n-eles2$' asemenea s#ris$are era #a $ l$.it!r" de
tr"snet.
? E $m sin#erA ntre" %i6mer n+r$zit.
? %a' r"s(!nse :$rand ,"r" s" &$."ie.
* N-ae a face+ e#ncepu cel ce fu!e!e pentr! met$dele e6treme'
.ezi ine #2am ,"#!t r"! #" n! l2am !#is.
? %ra+" (rietene' i s(!se :$rand' n$i l!(t"m m($tri.a .i$len-ei'
$ n,ier"m' n!mind2$ #rim". Ori#e ar rez!lta din asemenea ,a(t' am
,"#!t ine #" n! am !#is !n $m. A($i' -i s(!n n#" $ dat"' e! #red #"
:a!ri#e este !n s!,let n$il &i sin#er.
? %a' dar da#" s!,let!l n$il &i sin#er e al !n!i re(!li#an e6altat'
($ate #" &i el' da#" a s!r(rins #e.a d!i$s' .a #$nsidera #" e $ #rim"
s" n!2&i sa#ri,i#e sin#eritatea (e altari!l (atriei' #!m s(!n ei-
? %ar' !rm" :$rand' d!mneata #rezi #" el &tie #e.aA
? Ei' d!mneata n2ai n-elesA V$re&te de taine #e .$r r"m)ne
n+r$(ate n s!,let!l s"!.
? Tainele a#elea s!nt e.ident #ele (e #are i le2am n#redin-at e!'
#! (ri.ire la #$ntraanda (e #are $ ,a#em n$i< n! &tie altele.
? %ar' ntre" :$rand' n2a "n!it el $are nimi# des(re ntre2
.ederea de la A!te!ilA Itii d$ar #" a ns$-it2$ (e s$-ia d!mitale.
* C1ia eu i-am !pu! Gene0iB0ei !"2l ia (e :a!ri#e #! ea' #a s2$
$#r$teas#".
? As#!lt"' zise :$rand' a.em s" .edem da#" asemenea "n!ieli
s!nt ntemeiate. R)nd!l de +ard" al atali$n!l!i n$str! #ade (e zi!a de
7 i!nie la Tem(le' asta nseamn" (este $(t zile< d!mneata' %i6mer'
e&ti #"(itan!l' iar e! l$#$tenent!l. %a#" atali$n!l sa! #/iar #$m(ania
n$astr" (rime&te #$ntra$rdin' a&a #!m a (rimit de!n"zi atali$n!l
>!tte2des2:$!lins' (e #are 5anterre l2a nl$#!it #! atali$n!l
Cra.illiers' at!n#i nseamn" #" t$t!l e des#$(erit &i n! ne mai r"m)ne
de#)t s" ,!+im din *aris sa! s" m!rim l!(t)nd. %ar da#" l!#r!rile &i
!rmeaz" #!rs!l...
? Ii a&a t$t s!ntem (ierd!-i' re(li#" %i6mer.
* De ce.
? Ei' dr"#ieD N! se s(ri1inea t$t!l (e #$$(erarea #! #et"-ean!l
a#esta m!ni#i(alA N! e el #el #are' ,"r" s" &tie' tre!ia s" ne des#/id"
#alea la re+in"A
? E2ade."rat' r"s(!nse :$rand a"t!t.
? Vezi' a&adar' !rm" %i6mer' n#r!nt)nd s(r)n#enele' #" tre!ie
#! $ri#e (re- s" rel!"m le+"t!rile #! a#est t)n"rD
? %ar da#" n! .reaA %a#" se teme s" n! se #$m(r$mit"A s(!se
:$rand.
? As#!lt"' zise %i6mer' am s2$ ntre (e Cene.iB0e& !-a de!("r-it
de el !ltima< ea ($ate #" &tie #e.a.
? %i6mer' inter.eni :$rand' ."d #! n+ri1$rare #" $ ameste#i (e
Cene.iB0e #n toate uneltiile noa!te- Nu c" m2a& teme de .re$
indis#re-ie din (artea ei' ,ereas#" %!mneze!D' dar (artida (e #are2$
1!#"m n$i este +r$azni#"' &i mi2e r!&ine &i mil" t$t$dat" s" miz"m (e
#a(!l !nei ,emei.
? 0a(!l !nei ,emei' r"s(!nse %i6mer' tra+e la #)ntar t$t at)t #)t
&i #a(!l !n!i "rat' at!n#i #)nd &iretenia' #and$area sa! ,r!m!se-ea
($t ,a#e t$t at)t &i !ne$ri #/iar mai m!lt de#)t ,$r-a' t"ria &i #!ra1!l.
Cene.iB0e ne #mp"rt"&e&te &i #$n.in+erile &i sim(atiile &i .a m("rt"&i
&i s$arta n$astr".
? At!n#i' ," a&a' dra+" (rietene' zise :$rand' e! am s(!s
#e2a.eam de s(!s. 3" a&a. Cene.iB0e e demn" din t$ate (!n#tele de
.edere de misi!nea (e #are i2$ n#redin-ezi sa!' mai #!r)nd' (e #are
&i2a atri!it2$ sin+!r". :artirele din s,inte se nas#.
Ii2i ntinse m)na al" &i deli#at" l!i %i6mer' #are i2$ str)nse n
m)inile sale (!terni#e.
A($i %i6mer' s,"t!ind (e :$rand &i (e ns$-it$rii s"i s" nte-eas#"
s!(ra.e+/erea mai m!lt #a $ri#)nd' se d!se la Cene.id.e.
Ea &edea la $ mas"' #! (ri.irile a-intite (e $ r$derie &i #! ,r!ntea
a(le#at".
La z+$m$t!l !&ii #are se des#/isese' Cene.iV.e se nt$arse &i2l
."z! (e %i6mer.
* A1+ Dumneata eai& pietene. #i !pu!e ea-
? %a' r"s(!nse %i6mer' #! $ e6(resie #alm" &i #! !n z)met. Am
(rimit de la (rieten!l n$str! :a!ri#e $ s#ris$are din #are n! n-ele+
nimi#. Iat2$' #ite&te2$ &i s(!ne2mi &i mie #e #rezi.
Gene0iB0e lu" s#ris$area #! $ m)n"' #"reia' #! t$at" st"()nirea de
sine' n!2i (!t! as#!nde trem!r!l' &i #iti.
%i6mer !rm"ri din $#/i9 (ri.irea l!i (ar#!r+ea ,ie#are r)nd.
? Ei ine' #e zi#iA $ ntre" el d!(" #e termin" #itit!l s#ris$rii.
? 0e s" zi#A 0red #" d$mn!l Linde= e !n $m sin#er' r"s(!nse
Cene.iB0e& cu un calm de!".)r&it' &i #" din (artea l!i n! a.em a ne
teme de nimi#.
? 0rezi #" n! &tie #ine s!nt (ers$anele (e #are le2ai .izitat la
A!te!ilA
? 5!nt as$l!t si+!r".
? %e #e at!n#i /$t"r)rea asta r!s#"A i s2a ("r!t ieri #" e mai
re#e sa! mai em$-ionat ca de o)icei.
? N!' r"s(!nse Cene.iB0e& ced c" era la ,el.
? C)nde&te2te ine #e2mi r"s(!nzi' Cene.iB0e& c"#i r"s(!ns!l
d!mitate .a a.ea $ mare in,l!en-" as!(ra t!t!r$r (r$ie#tel$r n$astre.
? 5tai (!-in' s(!se Cene.iB0e cu o emo-ie #e str""tea n #i!da
e,$rt!ril$r ei de a2&i ("stra s)n+ele re#e' stai (!-in...
? >ine' sta!D r"s(!nse %i6mer' n#le&t)nd!2&i (!-in ,"l#ile.
Ad!n"2-i t$ate amintirile' Cene.iB0e-
? %a' !rm" t)n"ra n$astr"' da' mi2amintes#... ieri era m$r$#"n$s'
d$mn!l :a!ri#e e (!-in #am tiran n sentimentele sale de (rietenie... &i
!ne$ri am stat $s!m,la-i s"(t"m)ni de2a r)nd!l.
? 5" n! ,ie de#)t $ sim(l" $s!m,lareA ntre" %i6mer.
? A&a2mi (are.
* Gene0iB0e& #n !itua-ia n #are ne a,l"m' te r$+ s" n-ele+i #" n!
a.em ne.$ie de $ ("rere' de (r$ailit"-i' #i de #ertit!dini.
? Ei ine' dra+!l me!... s!nt si+!r".
? 5#ris$area de ,a-" n2ar ,i n #az!l a#esta de#)t !n (rete6t #a s"
n! mai .in" la n$i n #as"A
? %ra+!l me!' #!m .rei d!mneata s"2-i s(!n asemenea l!#r!riA
* Spune-mi& Gene0iB0e' i r"s(!nse %i6mer' ,iind#" ni#i !nei ,emei
n a,ar" de d!mneata n! i2a& (!ne asemenea ntreare.
? %a' e !n (rete6t' s(!se Cene.iV.e' (le#)nd!2&i $#/ii.
? A/D ,"#! %i6mer.
A($i' d!(" #)te.a #li(e de t"#ere' s(ri1inind!2se de s(eteaza
s#a!n!l!i s$-iei sale' #$$r de la (ie(t m)na #! #are2&i st"()nise
"t"ile inimii &i zise9
? 3"2mi !n ser.i#i!' dra+a mea.
? 0areA ntre" Cene.iB0e& #ntoc$ndu-!e !pe el& miat".
? nl"t!r" ,ie #/iar !mra !nei (rime1dii< ($ate #" :a!ri#e e m!lt
mai la #!rent #! #eea #e t"in!im n$i de#)t (!tem "n!i. 0eea #e #rezi
#"2i n!mai !n (rete6t e ($ate $ realitate. 5#rie2i #)te.a r)nd!ri.
? E!A ntre" Cene.iB0e& te!"rind.
? %a' d!mneata. 5(!ne2i #" s#ris$area ai des#/is2$ d!mneata &i
#" d$re&ti $ e6(li#a-ie. At!n#i are s" .in"' ai s"2i (!i ntre"ri &i .ei
+/i#i ,$arte !&$r des(re #e e .$ra..
? A/D n!' e6#lam" Cene.iV.e' n! ($t ,a#e #eea #e2mi s(!i' &i ni#i
n2am s2$ ,a#.
? 5#!m(a mea Cene.iV.e' #)nd interese at)t de (!terni#e' #a
a#elea #e2&i a! s(ri1in n n$i' s!nt n 1$#' #!m ($-i s" dai nd"r"t n ,a-a
!n$r nen$r$#ite #$nsiderente de am$r2(r$(ri!A
? i2am s(!s ("rerea mea des(re :a!ri#e' d$mn!le' r"s(!nse
Cene.iV.e< e #instit' e #a.aler' dar e #a(ri#i$s &i n! am de +)nd s"
s!($rt alte $li+a-ii de#)t #ele dat$rate s$-!l!i meu-
R"s(!ns!l ,! dat #! at)ta #alm &i n a#ela&i tim( at)t de ,erm'
n#)t %i6mer n-elese #" da#" ar insista' n m$ment!l a#ela #el (!-in'
ar ,i in!til. N! mai ad"!+" ni#i !n #!.)nt' se !it" la Cene.iB0e f"r" a
("rea #" $ .ede' &i &terse #! m)na ,r!ntea 1ila." de s!d$are &i ie&i.
:$rand l a&te(ta #! ner"dare. %i6mer i ($.esti #!.)nt #!
#!.)nt #eea #e se (etre#!se.
? >ine' s(!se :$rand' s" r"m)nem ai#i &i s" n! ne mai +)ndim.
%e#)t s"2i (rile1!im $ !mr" de n+ri1$rare s$-iei d!mitale' de#)t s"2i
r"nim am$r!l2(r$(ri!' mai #!r)nd a& ren!n-a...
%i6mer i (!se m)na (e !m"r.
? 5a! e&ti ne!n' d$mn!le' i s(!se el !it)nd!2se -int" la :$rand'
sa! n! #rezi $ i$t" din #eea #e s(!i.
* Cum& DiFme& ce%i---
? 0red' #a.alere' #" n! e&ti de,el mai ndre(t"-it de#)t mine s"2-i
la&i sentimentele n .$ia ($rniril$r inimii. Ni#i d!mneata' ni#i e! &i ni#i
Cene.iB0e nu ne mai apa-inem. 5!ntem ni&te (rete6te #/emate s"
a("r"m !n (rin#i(i! &i (rin#i(iile se s(ri1in" (e (rete6te' zdr$ind!2le.
:$rand tres"ri &i t"#!< t"#erea l!i era #a $ medita-ie d!rer$as".
3"#!r" #)te.a $#$l!ri (rin +r"din" ,"r" s" s#/ime ni#i !n #! .)nt.
A($i %i6mer se des("r-i de :$rand' s(!n)nd!2i #! .$#e ,$arte
#alm"9
? Tre!ie s" da! #)te.a $rdine. Te las' d$mn!le :$rand.
:$rand i ntinse m)na &i l (ri.i' de("rt)nd!2se. J5"rman!l
%i6mer' &i s(!se el' tare m" tem #" n t$at" treaa asta el ris#" #el
mai m!lt.K
%i6mer intr"' ntr2ade."r' n atelier la d)ns!l' d"d! #)te.a $rdine'
re#iti +azetele' (l"n!i s" se distri!ie ()ine &i ($r-ii de !nt s"ra#il$r din
#artier &i' nt$r#)nd!2se a#as"' se dezr"#" de /ainele de l!#r! &i &i
(!se !n #$st!m de strad".
%!(" !n #eas' :a!ri#e' #!,!ndat ()n" (este #a( n le#t!rile &i n
reda#tarea #!.)nt"ril$r sale' ,! ntrer!(t de +las!l ndat$rit$r!l!i s"!'
#are' a(le#$ndu-!e la uec1ea lui& #i !pu!e #ncet de tot4
? 0et"-ene Linde=' #ine.a #are' d!(" #)te (retinde #el (!-in' are
a2-i s(!ne l!#r!ri ,$arte im($rtante' te a&tea(t" a#as".
:a!ri#e se nt$arse a#as" &i' intr)nd' ,! ,$arte !imit #"2l +"se&te
(e %i6mer instalat la d)ns!l' r"s,$ind 1!rnalele. 0)t -in!se dr!m!l' &i
des#!s!se sl!1it$r!l' #are' ne#!n$s#)nd!2l del$# (e me&ter!l t""#ar'
n! (!t!se s"2i dea ni#i $ in,$rma-ie.
@"rind!2l (e %i6mer' :a!ri#e se $(ri (e (ra+!l !&ii &i r$&i ,"r" s"
.rea.
%i6mer se s#!l" &i-i #ntin!e m$na& !u$%$nd4
? 0e -i s2a nt)m(lat de mi2ai s#ris a&aA l ntre" el (e t)n"r!l
n$str!. ntr2ade."r' mi2ai dat $ l$.it!r" seri$as"' dra+" :a!ri#e. E! ?
indi,erent &i ,als (atri$t' a&a mi s#riiA Baide' d$ar n2ai s"2mi ($-i re(eta
asemenea n.in!iri n ,a-"9 mai ine m"rt!rise&te #"2mi #a!-i +)l#ea.".
? Am s"2-i m"rt!rises# t$t #e .rei' dra+" %i6mer. 0"#i (r$#edeele
d!mitale a! ,$st dint$tdea!na (entr! mine #ele ale !n!i $m de l!me<
dar n!2i mai (!-in ade."rat #" am l!at $ /$t"r)re &i /$t"r)rea mea e
ire.$#ail"...
? 0!m a&aA ntre" %i6mer. %!(" (r$(ria2-i m"rt!risire' n! ai
nimi# a ne im(!ta &i t$t!&i ne ("r"se&tiA
? %ra+!l me! %i6mer' #rede2m" #" tre!ie s" am m$ti.e ,$arte
ine ntemeiate #a s" (r$#edez a&a #!m am (r$#edat &i #a s" m"
li(se!c de-un pieten ca dumneata-
? %a' dar n $ri#e #az' inter.eni %i6mer' (re,"#)nd!2se #"
z)me&te' m$ti.ele n! ($t ,i ni#ide#!m #ele (e #are mi le2ai s#ris.
A#elea n! s!nt de#)t !n (rete6t.
:a!ri#e r"mase (e +)nd!ri #)te.a #li(e.
? As#!lt"' %i6mer' zise el' tr"im ntr2$ e($#" n #are nd$iala
e6(rimat" ntr2$ s#ris$are ($ate &i tre!ie s" ne t!l!re' n-ele+i. N!
s2ar #!.eni del$# din (artea !n!i $m #instit s" te lase s! ($.ara !nei
asemenea n+ri1$r"ri. %a' %i6mer' e2ade."rat' m$ti.ele (e #are le2am
in.$cat n-au fo!t dec$t un peteFt-
:"rt!risirea' #are s2ar ,i #!.enit s" nsenineze ,r!ntea ne+!s2
t$r!l!i' ("r!' dim($tri."' #" $ nt!ne#".
? %ar at!n#i' #are2i ade."rat!l m$ti.A ntre" %i6mer.
? N! ($t s" -i2l s(!n' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e< &i' t$t!&i' da#" l2ai &ti' l2ai
n#!.iin-a' s!nt si+!r.
%i6mer st"r!i.
? Vrei s"2l &tii nea("ratA l ntre" :a!ri#e.
? %a' r"s(!nse el.
? Ei ine' !rm" :a!ri#e' #are n#er#a $ $are#are !&!rare'
a(r$(iind!2se de ade."r' iat" #e este9 d!mneata ai $ s$-ie t)n"r" &i
,r!m$as"' iar .irt!tea at)t de ine #!n$s#!t" a a#estei ,emei tinere &i
,r!m$ase n2a iz!tit t$t!&i s" nl"t!re +re&itele &i ,alsele inter(ret"ri
ale .izitel$r mele la .$i.
%i6mer ("li !&$r.
? 0/iar a&aA ntre" el. At!n#i' dra+" :a!ri#e' s$-!l tre!ie s"2-i
m!l-!meas#" pentu neca%ul pe cae i-l faci pietenului-
? n-ele+i' #$ntin!" :a!ri#e' #" n! s!nt at)t de n#rez!t n#)t
s"2mi n#/i(!i #" (rezen-a mea n #asa .$astr" ar (!tea ,i (rime1di$as"
(entr! lini&tea d!mitale sa! a s$-iei d!mitale' dar ar (!tea ,i t$t!&i !n
iz.$r de #al$mnii &i &tii d$ar (rea ine !rm"t$r!l l!#r!9 #! #)t
#al$mniile s!nt mai as!rde' #! at)t mai !&$r s!nt #rez!te.
? 0$(il!leD e6#lam" %i6mer' ridi#)nd din !meri.
? 0$(il' t$t #e se ($ate' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e. %ar de la distan-" .$m
,i t$t at)t de !ni (rieteni' #"#i n! .$m a.ea nimi# s" ne im(!t"m' (e
#)nd ,iind iar"&i m(re!n"' dim($tri."...
? Ei' ,iind iar"&i m(re!n" #e ar ,iA
* Lucuile !-a putea #n0enina-
? 0rezi $are' :a!ri#e' #" e! m2a& ,i (!t!t +)ndi...A
? Ei' %$amne2%!mneze!leD e6#lam" t)n"r!l.
? %ar de #e mi2ai s#ris t$ate astea n l$# s" mi le ,i s(!s' :a!ri#eA
? Iat"' t$#mai #a s" e.it #eea #e se (etre#e ntre n$i n #li(a de
,a-".
? Te2ai s!("rat' a&adar' (entr! #" mi e&ti at)t de dra+' n#)t am
.enit s"2-i #er $ e6(li#a-ieA ntre" %iFme-
? %im($tri."' iz!#ni :a!ri#e' s!nt ,eri#it' -i2$ 1!r' #" te2am (!t!t
.edea n#" $ dat"' nainte de2a n#eta s" te mai ."d.
? 5" n#etezi s" m" mai .ezi' #et"-eneD N$!" t$t!&i ne e&ti dra+'
i re(li#" %i6mer' l!)nd &i str)n+)nd m)na t)n"r!l!i ntr2ale !ale-
:a!ri#e tres"ri.
? :$rand ? #$ntin!" %i6mer' #"r!ia n!2i s#"(ase tres"rirea
t)n"r!l!i' dar #are' t$t!&i' n! s(!se nimi# ? :$rand mi s(!nea a#ela&i
l!#r! #/iar azi2diminea-"9 J3" t$t #e ($-i' zi#ea el' #a s"2l read!#i (e
s#!m(!l n$str! d$mn :a!ri#e-C
? A/D d$mn!le' r"s(!nse t)n"r!l' n#r!nt)nd din s(r)n#ene &i
tr"+)nd!2&i m)na dintr2ale l!i %i6mer' n2a& ,i #rez!t s" ,i #)&ti+at
ntr2at)t sentimentele de (rietenie ale #et"-ean!l!i :$rand.
? Te nd$ie&tiA l ntre" %i6mer.
? E!' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' ni#i n! #red' ni#i n! m" nd$ies#' n2am
ni#i !n m$ti. s"2mi (!n ntre"ri #! (ri.ire la asemenea s!ie#t9 #)nd
.eneam la .$i' %i6mer' .eneam (entr! d!mneata &i (entr! s$-ia
d!mitale' dar ni#ide#!m (entr! #et"-ean!l :$rand.
? N!2l #!n$&ti' :a!ri#e' i s(!se %iFmeJ Moand ae un !uflet
no)il-
? 0red #"2i a&a' n#!.in-" :a!ri#e' z)mind #! am"r"#i!ne.
? A#!m' !rm" %i6mer' /ai s" ne2nt$ar#em la $ie#t!l .izitei mele.
:a!ri#e se n#lin" #a $m!l #are n! mai are nimi# de s(!s &i
a&te(t".
? @i#i' a&adar' #2a! ie&it 0o)e.
? %a' #et"-ene' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e.
? Ei ine' /ai s" .$rim (e ,a-". %e #e s" dai aten-ie !n$r (ala.re
,"r" n$im" ale #)t$r.a .e#ini #are n2a! de l!#r!A %!mneata' :a!ri#e'
n! ai $ #$n&tiin-"' &i Cene.iB0e nu !t" la ad"($st!l #instei saleA
* Sunt mai t)n"r #a d!mneata' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' #are n#e(!se
s" ,ie mirat de at)ta st"r!in-"' &i ($ate ."d l!#r!rile #! !n $#/i mai
sensiil &i mai s!s#e(tiil. Iat" de #e -i de#lar #" as!(ra re(!ta-iei !nei
,emei #!m e Cene.iB0e nu te)uie !" a(ese ni#i m"#ar (ala.rele ,"r"
n$im" ale !n$r .e#ini #are n2a! de l!#r!' n+"d!ie2mi' a&adar' dra+"
%i6mer' s" st"r!i n (rima mea /$t"r)re.
? Bai at!n#i' !rm" %i6mer' ,iind#" s!ntem (e #alea m"rt!risiril$r'
s" mai m"rt!risim n#" #e.a.
? 0eA...' ntre" :a!ri#e. 0e .rei s" mai m"rt!rises#A
? 0" n!2i ni#i ($liti#a &i ni#i z.$n!rile .izitel$r d!mitale insistente
la mine #are te ndeamn" s2$ r!(i #! n$i.
* Atunci ce e!te.
* ,aina pe cae ai de!copeit-o-
? 0are tain"A ntre" :a!ri#e' ."dind $ #!ri$zitate nai." #are2l
lini&ti (e t""#ar.
? Treaa asta #! #$ntraanda' (e #are ai des#$(erit2$ #/iar n
seara #)nd ne2am #!n$s#!t ntr2!n ,el at)t de #i!dat. N! mi2ai iertat &i
n2ai s"2mi ier-i ni#i$dat" asemenea ,ra!d"' &i m" n.in!ie&ti #" s!nt !n
re(!li#an ne#instit (entr! #" m" sl!1es# de (r$d!se en+leze&ti n
t""#"rie la mine.
? %ra+" %i6mer' s(!se :a!ri#e' -i 1!r #" !itasem #! des".)r&ire'
#)nd .eneam la d!mneata' #" m" a,l! la !n #$ntraandist.
? 0/iar e2ade."ratA
? E2ade."rat.
? Ii n2ai' a&adar' alt m$ti. s"2mi $#$le&ti #a!a dec$t cel pe cae
l-ai in0ocat-
* /e cu0$nt de onoae-
? Ei ine' :a!ri#e' !rm" %i6mer' s#!l)nd!2se &i str)n+)nd m)na
t)n"r!l!i' n"d"1d!ies# #" ai s" te mai +)nde&ti &i #" ai s" re.ii as!(ra
!nei /$t"r)ri #are ne ,a#e (e t$-i s" s!,erim at)t de m!lt.
Ma!ri#e se n#lin" ,"r" s" r"s(!nd" ni#i !n #!.)nt' #eea #e
nsemna !n !ltim re,!z.
%i6mer ie&i dis(erat #" n!2&i (!t!se ("stra &i asi+!ra le+"t!rile #!
$m!l a#esta de #are n an!mite m(re1!r"ri n! n!mai #" a.ea ne.$ie'
dar i era indis(ensail.
Mai ea tim(. :a!ri#e se sim-ea ,r"m)ntat de mii de d$rin-e &i
($,te #$ntrarii. %i6mer l r!+a s" se nt$ar#". Cene.iB0e a fi putut !"2l
ierte. %e #e at!n#i s" ,ie at)t de dis(eratA L$rin' n l$#!l s"!' ar ,i a.!t
#! si+!ran-" la ndem)n" $ m!l-ime de a,$risme e6trase din a!t$rii s"i
,a.$ri-i. %ar mai era s#ris$area Cene.iB0ei& #ndep"rtarea a#eea
,$rmal"' (e #are $ ad!sese #! el la se#-ie' &i (e #are $ -inea la inim"
m(re!n" #! ilet!l (e #are2l (rimise de la ea a d$!a zi d!(" #e2$
s#$sese din m)inile $amenil$r a#el$ra #are $ amenin-a! &i $
at1$#$rea!' n s,)r&it' mai era n#" #e.a' #e.a mai (res!s de t$ate
#elelalte9 era +el$zia n#"("-)nat" a t)n"r!l!i n$str! (e nes!,erit!l
:$rand' adi#" (rima #a!z" a r!(t!rii l!i #! Cene.iB0e-
:a!ri#e r"mase a&adar nend!(le#at n /$t"r)rea l!i.
%ar' tre!ie s2$ s(!nem' (entr! el ren!n-area la .izitele zilni#e n
.e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es a nsemnat !n +$l imens. 0)nd .enea
#eas!l la #are a.ea $i#ei!l s" se2ndre(te s(re #artier!l 5aint2Vi#t$r'
#"dea ntr2$ melan#$lie (r$,!nd" &i din #li(a a#eea tre#ea (rin t$ate
,azele a&te(t"rii &i2ale ("reril$r de r"!.
n ,ie#are diminea-"' #)nd se trezea' se a&te(ta s" +"seas#" $
s#ris$are de la %i6mer &i' n asemenea e.ent!alitate' re#!n$&tea #" el'
#are rezistase !n$r st"r!in-e ,"#!te (rin .i! +rai' ar #eda n ,a-a !nei
s#ris$ri' n ,ie#are zi ie&ea #! s(eran-a #" are s2$ nt)lneas#" (e
Cene.iV.e &i +"sise dinainte mii de mi1l$a#e de a2i .$ri' da#" ar ,i ,$st
s2$ nt)lneas#". n ,ie#are sear" se nt$r#ea a#as" #! s(eran-a #" .a
+"si (e a#el trimis #are ntr2$ !n" diminea-" i ad!sese (e
nea&te(tate d!rerea #are de2at!n#i i -inea .e&ni#" t$."r"&ie.
3$arte adesea' n #eas!rile sale de dezn"de1de' $m!l "sta (!terni#
r"#nea la +)nd!l #" nd!r" !n asemenea #/in' ,"r" s"2l ($at" aate
as!(ra a#el!ia #are l ,"#!se s" s!,ere9 $r' (rima #a!z" a t!t!r$r
am"r"#inil$r sale era :$rand. At!n#i (l"n!ia s" se d!#" s"2i #a!te
(ri#in" l!i :$rand. %ar as$#iat!l l!i %i6mer era at)t de ,ira.' at)t de
in$,ensi.' n#)t ar ,i ,$st $ la&itate din (artea !n!i #$l$s #a :a!ri#e s"2l
ins!lte sa! s"2l (r$.$a#e.
L$rin .enise desi+!r s" m(r"&tie #! +l!me &i .$re de d!/
s!,erin-ele (rieten!l!i s"!' (e #are a#esta se n#"("-)na s" n! i le
m("rt"&eas#"' ,"r" s" le ne+e t$t!&i e6isten-a. El ,"#!se t$t #e2i
st"t!se n (!tin-"' (ra#ti# &i te$reti#' #a s" redea (atriei a#el s!,let
nd!rerat din (ri#ina altei dra+$ste. %ar' #! t$ate #" sit!a-ia era +ra."'
#! t$ate #" n $ri#e alt" stare de s(irit' $ asemenea sit!a-ie l2ar ,i
as$rit (e :a!ri#e #! des".)r&ire' m)n)nd!2l n .)rte1!l ($liti#' de
data a#easta n! (!t!se s"2i ins!,le t)n"r!l!i re(!li#an n,l"#"rarea
,"r" de #are n2ar ,i (!t!t de.eni !n er$! al zilei la1M i!lie &i al #elei de
10 a!+!st.
%e ,a(t' #ele d$!" sisteme' #$n,r!ntate de a(r$a(e ze#e l!ni de
zile' #are n!2&i adresaser" ()n" at!n#i de#)t ata#!ri $are#!m slae &i
n! se2n#er#aser" de#)t (rin /"r-!ieli' se (re+"tea! (entr! $ n#"ierare
.i$lent" &i era e.ident #"' $dat" ($rnit"' l!(ta a.ea s" ,ie m$rtal"
(entr! !n!l dintre ele. 0ele d$!" sisteme' n"s#!te #/iar din s)n!l
Re.$l!-iei' era! !n!l al m$dera-iei' re(rezentat de +ir$ndini' adi#" de
>riss$t' *Eti$n' Ver+nia!d' Valeze' Lan1!inais' >arar$!6' &i #el"lalt' al
ter$ri&til$r &i al m$nta+narzil$r' re(rezenta-i de %ant$n' R$es(ierre'
0/enier' 3are' :arat' 0$llot& dGHe)oi!& H()et etc-& etc-
%!(" 10 a!+!st' #a d!(" $ri#e a#-i!ne (!terni#"' #!.)nt!l
/$t"r)t$r ("r!se #" tre!ie s" re.in" (artid!l!i m$derat. Un #$nsili!
de mini&tri ,!sese re$r+anizat din r"m"&i-ele .e#/i!l!i #ainet' #!
#)te.a ada$s!ri. R$land' 5er.ien &i 0la.iVres' mini&tri .e#/i' ,!seser"
re#$n,irma-i. %ant$n' :$n+e &i Ler!n ,!seser" n$ii n!mi-i. 0!
e6#e(-ia !n!ia sin+!r' #are n mi1l$#!l #$le+il$r s"i re(rezenta
element!l d)rz &i ener+i#' t$-i #eilal-i mini&tri ,"#ea! (arte din +r!2
(area m$derat".
0)nd s(!nem m$derat" e de la sine n-eles #" $ s(!nem n m$d
relati..
%ar data de 10 a!+!st a.!sese e#$! n str"in"tate &i #$ali-ia se
+r"ise s" a#-i$neze' n! n s(ri1in!l (ers$nal al l!i L!d$.i# al 4VI2lea' #i
n s(ri1in!l (rin#i(i!l!i &i ideii re+aliste' zdr!n#inate din temelie. At!n#i
r"s!naser" #!.intele amenin-"t$are ale l!i >r!nsXi#; &i' #a $ re!&it"
teriil"' L$n+X= &i Verd!n #"z!ser" n m)inile inami#!l!i. At!n#i
a.!sese l$# &i rea#-i!nea ter$rist"< at!n#i .isase %ant$n s"
n,"(t!ias#" zilele din se(temrie &i &i realizase .is!l s)n+er$s #are
ar"ta inami#!l!i $ ntrea+" 3ran-" #$m(li#e la !n imens asasinat' +ata
s" l!(te (entr! e6isten-a2i #$m(r$mis"' #! t$at" ener+ia dezn"de1dii.
5e(temrie sal.ase 3ran-a' dar' sal.)nd2$' $ s#$sese de s! !cutul
le"ii-
Odat" 3ran-a sal.at"' .i+$area &i t"ria de.eniser" in!tile &i2at!n#i
(artid!l m$derat re#"("tase $are#are ,$r-". At!n#i .$ise a#el (artid s"
a#!ze (e #ei .in$.a-i de zilele a#elea #!m(lite. 5e r$stiser" #!.inte
+rele' #a' de (ild"' !#i+a& &i asasin. V$#a!lar!l n$! al na-i!nii se
m$+"-ise #! n#" !n #!.)nt' #el de se(temrist.
%ant$n l n#!.iin-ase #! ra.!r". 0a &i 0l$.is' (le#ase $ #li("
#a(!l s! $tez!l s)n+el!i' #a a($i s"2l nal-e mai s!s &i mai ame2
nin-"t$r. 5e i.ea !n alt (rile1 (entr! a (!ne iar"&i n mi&#are ter$area9 e
.$ra de (r$#es!l re+el!i. Vi$len-a &i m$dera-ia n! intraser" n#" n
l!(te (ers$nale' #i ntr2$ l!(t" de (rin#i(ii. E6(erien-a ,$r-el$r relati.e
,!sese ,"#!t" #/iar n #az!l re+el!i arestat. :$dera-ia ,! n.ins"' iar
#a(!l l!i L!d$.i# al 4VI2lea #"z! (e e&a,$d.
0a &i data de 10 a!+!st' #ea de 1 ian!arie redase #$ali-iei t$at"
ener+ia. Iar"&i i ,! $(!s a#ela&i $m' dar n! #! a#elea&i &anse.
%!m$!riez' m(iedi#at n demers!rile sale (r$+resiste de dez$rdinea n
#are se a,la! t$ate ser.i#iile administrati.e' #are ,"#ea! #a a1!t$arele
n $ameni &i ani s" a1!n+" +re! ()n" la el' se de#lar" m($tri.a
ia#$inil$r (e #are2i a#!z" de dez$rdinile a#elea' tre#e n (artid!l
+ir$ndinil$r &i2i (ierde' de#lar)nd!2se (rieten!l lo-
At!n#i s2a r"s#!lat Vandeea' iar de(artamentele (rinser" a
amenin-a< n,r)n+erile da! l$# la tr"d"ri' iar tr"d"rile ad!# n,r)n+eri.
Ia#$inii a#!z" (e m$dera-i &i .$r s"2i l$.eas#" la 10 martie' adi#"
t$#mai n seara n #are n#e(e ($.estirea n$astr". %ar z$r!l (rea mare
al ad.ersaril$r i sal.eaz" &i ($ate #" &i (l$aia a#eea t$ren-ial"' #are l2a
,"#!t (e *elli$n' s!til anat$mist al s(irit!l!i (arizian' s" s(!n"9 J*l$!"'
n n$a(tea asta n2are s" ,ie nimi#.K
Da cu #ncepee din 2E matie& toate cele #e s2a! (etre#!t a! ,$st
(entr! +ir$ndini (re.estiri ale (r"!&irii9 :arat (!s s! a#!zare &i
a#/itat< R$es(ierre &i %ant$n m("#a-i' #el (!-in a&a #!m se m(a#"
!n ti+r! #! !n le! #a s" d$$are !n ta!r (e #are tre!ie s"2l s,)&ie<
Benri$t' se(temrist!l' n!mit #$mandant +eneral al tr!(el$r din Carda
na-i$nal" ? t$ate (re.estea! zi!a a#eea #!m(lit"' #e tre!ia s" ia #!
asalt &i s" d$$are !ltim!l meterez (e #are Re.$l!-ia l mai m($tri.ea
ter$arei.
Iat" marile e.enimente la #are' n $ri#e alt" m(re1!rare' :a!ri#e
ar ,i l!at (arte a#ti."' a&a #!m ar ,i ,$st ,ires#' dat$rit" al#"t!irii sale
r$!ste &i (atri$tism!l!i s"! e6altat. %ar din ,eri#ire sa! din ne,eri#ire
(entr! :a!ri#e' ni#i ndemn!l l!i L$rin' ni#i nelini&tea #!m(lit" a
$amenil$r de (e strad" n2a! ,$st n stare s"2i al!n+e din minte sin+!r!l
+)nd #e2l $seda. Ii #)nd n s,)r&it .eni zi!a de 31 mai' asediat$r!l
teriil de la >astilia &i de la (alat!l T!ileries &edea l!n+it (e (at' s,)&iat
de ,ierin-eala a#eea #are2i !#ide ()n" &i (e #ei mai (!terni#i &i (entr!
#are e de2a1!ns d$ar $ (ri.ire #a s2$ al!n+e' !n #!.)nt #a s2$ .inde#e.
Capitolul XIII
92 MAI
n #!rs!l ,aim$asei zile de 31 mai' #)nd #l$($tele &i tr$m(etele de
alarm" (rinser" a s!na #/iar de #)nd mi1iser" z$rile' atali$n!l de
+ard" al s!!riei 5aint2Vi#t$r ("tr!ndea n n#/is$area Tem(le.
%!(" #e t$ate ,$rmalit"-ile de ri+$are ,!seser" nde(linite &i
santinelele re(artizate la ($st!ri' s$sir" #et"-enii m!ni#i(ali de ser.i#i!
&i (atr! t!n!ri (entr! nt"rirea (azei .enir" s" se ada!+e celo di!pu!e
#n )ateie la poata #nc1i!oii-
Odat" #! t!n!rile s$si &i 5anterre' ntr2$ -in!t" #! e($le-i de l)n"
+alen"< (e /ain" i se (!tea #iti (atri$tism!l n ni&te mari (ete de
+r"sime.
Tre#! n re.ist" atali$n!l' l s$#$ti a(t &i n!m"r" #et"-enii
municipali& cae nu eau dec$t tei-
? %e #e n!mai trei #et"-eni m!ni#i(aliA ntre" el' &i #are2i
#et"-ean!l mizerail #are li(se&teA
? 0el #are li(se&te' #et"-ene +eneral' n!2i !n!l dintre #ei lene&i'
r"s(!nse A+ri#$la' .e#/ea n$astr" #!n$&tin-"< e se#retar!l se#-iei
Le(elletier' e &e,!l .ite1il$r din !nitatea Term$(ile' #et"-en!l :a!ri#e
Linde=.
? >ine' ine' ,"#! 5anterre. Ii e! #a &i tine re#!n$s# (atri$tism!l
#et"-ean!l!i :a!ri#e Linde=' dar asta n! m" m(iedi#" s"2l (!n (e lista
asen-il$r' da#" n! se (rezint" n ze#e min!te.
Ii 5anterre tre#! la alte (r$leme.
La #)-i.a (a&i de +eneral' n #li(a n #are a#esta (r$n!n-ase
#!.intele de mai s!s' !n #"(itan de .)n"t$ri &i !n s$ldat &edea!
de$(arte' !n!l s(ri1init de (!&#"' #el"lalt &ez)nd (e !n t!n.
? Ai a!zitA s(!se (e &$(tite #"(itan!l s$ldat!l!i' :a!ri#e n2a s$sit
n#".
? %a#" n2$ s" .in"' zise #"(itan!l' te2a& (!ne (e tine de santinel"
(e s#ar" &i #!m ea .a !r#a (r$ail n t!rn (e (lat,$rm"' ai (!tea s"2i
stre#$ri !n #!.)nt.
'n momentul acela& un "rat' #et"-ean m!ni#i(al d!(" e&ar,a
tri#$l$r" (e #are2$ (!rta' intr". N!mai #" $m!l a#ela era !n ne#!n$s#!t
(entr! #"(itan &i (entr! .)n"t$r' dre(t #are (ri.irile l$r se ,i6ar"
as!(ra l!i.
? 0et"-ene +eneral' s(!se n$!2.enit!l' adres)nd!2se l!i 5anterre'
te r$+ s" m" (rime&ti n l$#!l #et"-ean!l!i :a!ri#e Linde=' #are e
$lna.. Iat" ai#i &i #erti,i#at!l medi#!l!i. R)nd!l me! de +ard" #ade
(este $(t zile &i s#/im #! d)ns!l' (este $(t zile are s" ,a#" el de
ser.i#i! in l$#!l me!' a&a #!m ast"zi ,a# e! n locul lui-
? N!mai da#" ,amilia 0a(et' ,emei &i "ra-i' .a mai ,i n .ia-"
(este $(t zile' s(!se !n!l dintre #et"-enii m!ni#i(ali.
5anterre r"s(!nse #! !n z)met .a+ la +l!ma (e #are $ ,"#!se
zel$s!l a#ela< a($i' nt$r#)nd!2se s(re nl$#!it$r!l l!i :a!rice& %i!e4
? >ine' d!2te de semneaz" n #$ndi#" n l$#!l l!i :a!ri#e Linde=
&i #$nsemneaz" n #$l$ana $ser.a-i!nil$r (ri#inile a#estei s#/im"ri.
0"(itan!l &i .)n"t$r!l s2a! (ri.it #! $ e6(resie de s!r(rindere
!#!r$as".
? *este $(t zile' &i s(!ser" ei.
? 0"(itane %i6mer' stri+" 5anterre' ia ($st!l n (rimire n +r"din"
m(re!n" #! ns$-it$r!l (e #are2l ai.
? Bai' :$rand' s(!se #"(itan!l .)n"t$r!l!i #are2l nt$."r"&ea.
5e a!zi t$a "t)nd' iar #$m(ania de s! #$manda me&ter!l!i
t""#ar se de("rta n dire#-ia indi#at".
%!(" #e (!&tile ,!r" (!se n (iramid"' #$m(ania se des("r-i n
+r!(!ri' #are n#e(!r" s" se (lime n l!n+ &i2n lat' #are #!m l t"ia
#a(!l.
L$#!l (lim"rii l$r era t$#mai +r"dina !nde' (e .remea l!i L!d$.i#
al 4VI2lea' ,amilia re+al" .enea !ne$ri s" ia aer. Cr"dina era +$al"'
arid"' dez$lat"' li(sit" #! des".)r&ire de ,l$ri' ar$ri sa! .erdea-".
La .re$ d$!"ze#i &i #in#i de (a&i de ($r-i!nea de zid #e d"dea s(re
strada *$rte23$in' se n"l-a !n ,el de #aan" a #"rei #$nstr!ire' dat$rit"
(re.ederil$r m!ni#i(alit"-ii' ,!sese n+"d!it" (entr! !n #)t mai
m!l-!mit$r #$n,$rt al +"rzil$r na-i$nale #e sta-i$na! la Tem(le &i #are'
n zilele de r"zmeri-" #)nd le era interzis" ie&irea' +"sea! a#$l$ de
"!t &i de m)n#at. 0$nd!#erea mi#ii l$#ante interi$are ,!sese +r$za.
de r).nit". n s,)r&it' #$n#esi!nea a ,$st dat" !nei (atri$te de n"de1de'
."d!.a !n!ia din #artier' !#is la 10 a!+!st' &i an!me 1!()nesei
*l!mea!.
C/ereta a#eea mi#"' #$nstr!it" din s#)nd!ri &i #/ir(i#i' era
a&ezat" n mi1l$#!l !n!i r"z$r' #"r!ia i se (!tea! re#!n$a&te mar+inile'
dat$rit" !n!i +ard .i! de meri&$r (iti#. Era al#"t!it" dintr2$ n#"(ere de
.re$ d$!"s(reze#e (i#i$are ("trate' s! #are se ntindea $ (i.ni-"'
!nde #$$rai (e ni&te tre(te +r$s$lane t"iate #/iar n ("m)nt. A#$l$
."d!.a *l!mea! -inea s! #/eie "!t!rile &i merindele' (e #are le
.e+/ea! (e r)nd ea &i #! ,ii#"2sa' $ #$(il" ntre d$is(reze#e &i
#in#is(reze#e ani.
Aia instala-i n i.!a#!l l$r' #ei din +"rzile na-i$nale s2a! a(!#at'
(re#!m am mai s(!s' !nii s" se (lime (rin +r"din"' al-ii s" stea de
.$r" #! ($rt"resele< !nii se !ita! la desenele s#/i-ate (e (ere-i #are
re(rezenta!' t$ate' s!ie#te (atri$ti#e' #!m ar ,i re+ele s()nz!rat' #!
ins#ri(-ia9 J%$mn!l Vet$ l!)nd $ aie de aerK' sa! re+ele +/il$tinat' #!
ins#ri(-ia9 J%$mn!l Vet$ s#!i()nd n (anerK' iar #eilal-i ,"#ea!
(r$(!neri d$amnei *l!mea! n (ri.in-a !n$r (r$ie#te +astr$n$mi#e'
s!+erate de ($,tele l$r' mai mari sa! mai mi#i.
n r)nd!l a#est$ra din !rm" se a,la! #"(itan!l &i .)n"t$r!l des(re
#are am l!at #!n$&tin-".
? AD #"(itane %i6mer' e6#lam" #antiniera' am !n .in +r$za. de
5a!m!r' e/eiD
? *rea ine' #et"-ean" *l!mea!' dar .in!l de 5a!m!r' d!("
("rerea mea #el (!-in' n! ,a#e ni#i d$i ani ,"r" r)nza de >rie'
r"s(!nse #"(itan!l' #are nainte de2a en!n-a asemenea #$mina-ie se
!itase #! +ri1" n 1!r!l l!i &i "+ase de seam" #" dintre merindele
,el!rite #! #are se ,"lea! te1+/elele #antinei li(sea t$#mai aliment!l
a#esta at)t de a(re#iat de d)ns!l.
? VaiD #"(itane' (ar#"2i !n ,"#!t' dar t$#mai am dat !ltima
!#at".
? At!n#i' s(!se #"(itan!l' !nde n!2i r)nza de >rie' ni#i .in!l de
5a!m!r n! mer+e. Ii ia aminte' #et"-ean" *l!mea!' #$ns!ma-ia ar ,i
meritat tr!da' mai ales #" inten-i$nam s" ,a# #inste ntre+ii #$m(anii.
? 0"(itane' n!2-i #er de#)t #in#i min!te' #)t da! $ ,!+" s" #a!t la
#et"-ean!l ($rtar' #are2mi ,a#e #$n#!ren-" &i #are are t$tdea!na< am
s2$ (l"tes# mai s#!m(' dar t! e&ti !n (rea !n (atri$t #a s" n! m"
des("+!e&ti.
? %a' da' d!2te' r"s(!nse %i6mer' iar n$i n tim(!l "sta a.em s"
#$$r)m n (i.ni-" #a s" ne ale+em sin+!ri .in!l.
? 0a la tine a#as"' #"(itane' #/iar a&a.
Ii ."d!.a *l!mea! n#e(! s2aler+e #)t $ -inea! (i#i$arele s(re
+/ereta ($rtar!l!i' n tim( #e #"(itan!l &i .)n"t$r!l' narma-i #! $
l!m)nare a(rins"' ridi#a! #/e(en+!l &i #$$ra! n (i.ni-".
? >ine' zise :$rand' d!(" #)te.a #li(e de #er#etare' (i.ni-a

se
(rel!n+e&te n dire#-ia str"zii *$rte23$in. E ad)n#" de n$!a ze#e
(i#i$are &i n2are ni#i !n s$i de zid"rie.
? 0!m este s$l!lA ntre" %i6mer.
? T!, #al#ar$s. *"m)nt!ri de !m(l!t!r". T$ate +r"dinile de2ai#i

a!
,$st nt$arse de mai m!lte $ri' (iatr" n! +"se&ti ni#"ieri.
? I!te' s(!se re(ezit %i6mer' a!d sa$-ii .i.andierei n$astre. Ia
d$!" sti#le de .in &i /ai s" !r#"m.
Am)nd$i &i ,"#!r" t$#mai a(ari-ia n des#/iz"t!ra #/e(en+!l!i'
#)nd 1!()neasa *l!mea! se nt$arse' ad!#)nd ,aim$asa r)nz" de
>rie' #er!t" #! at)ta st"r!in-".
n !rma ei .enea! mai m!l-i .)n"t$ri' ademeni-i de n,"-i&area
stra&ni#" a r)nzei #! (ri#ina.
%i6mer ,"#! #inste' $,eri .re$ d$!"ze#i de sti#le de .in #$m(aniei
sale' n tim( #e :$rand ($.estea s$lda-il$r des(re de.$tamen!l l!i
0!rti!s' des(re m$destia l!i 3ari#i!s &i des(re (atri$tism!l l!i >r!t!s
&i 0asisi!s' ($.e&ti #are ,!r" #am t$t at)t de +!state #)t &i r)nz" de
>rie &i .in!l de An1$!' $,erite de %i6mer' #eea #e n! e (!-in l!#r!.
>"t!r" !ns(reze#e #eas!ri. La !ns(reze#e &i 1!m"tate se
s#/ima! santinelele n ($st!ri.
? %e $i#ei a!stria#a n! se (lim" de la d$!"s(reze#e ()n" la
!n!A ntre" %i6mer (e Tis$n' #are t$#mai tre#ea (rin ,a-a #aanei-
? >a da' #/iar de la amiaz" la !n!. Ii se a(!#" s" #)nte9
0!#$ana !r#"2n t!rn'
Mioton& tonton& miontum-
N"z)tia asta ,! (rimit" #! r)setele !nanime ale s$lda-il$r din
+"rzile na-i$nale.
N!maide#)t d!(" a#eea %i6mer ,"#! a(el!l $amenil$r din #$m2
(ania sa #are tre!ia! s" intre de +ard" de la !ns(reze#e 1!m"tate la
!n! 1!m"tate' i s,"t!i s" se +r"eas#" #! (r)nz!l &i l!i :$rand i d"d!
armele' #a s"2l (!n" de +ard"' a&a #!m #$n.eniser"' la !ltim!l eta1 al
t!rn!l!i' #/iar n +/ereta n s(atele #"reia se as#!nsese :a!ri#e n zi!a
#)nd inter#e(tase semnalele #e2i ,!seser" ,"#!te re+inei' de la
,ereastra !nei #ase de (e strada *$rte23$in.
%a#" te2ai ,i !itat la :$rand' n #li(a n #are (rimise dis($zi-ia de
mai s!s' at)t de ,ireas#" &i at)t de a&te(tat"' ai ,i ."z!t #!m ("le&te
,a-a l!i n#adrat" de l!n+ile &!.i-e de ("r ne+r!.
%e$dat" !n z+$m$t s!rd z+!d!i #!r-ile n#/is$rii Tem(le &i n
de("rtare se a!zi !n ,el de .i1elie de stri+"te &i !rlete.
? 0e2$ mai ,i &i astaA l ntre" %i6mer (e Tis$n.
* Ei+ "s(!nse temni#ier!l' nimi#. 5e .ede #"2i .re!n (!i de
r"zmeri-" (e #are ar .rea s" ne2$ ,a#" ti#"l$&ii #eia de (artizani ai l!i
>riss$t' nainte de2a mer+e la +/il$tin".
5tri+"tele de.enea! din #e n #e mai amenin-"t$are' se a!zea
d!r!it!l artileriei n mers &i $ #eat" de $ameni' #are !rla!' tre#!
(e2a(r$a(e de n#/is$area Tem(le' stri+)nd9
JTr"ias#" se#-iileD Tr"ias#" Benri$tD 8$s #! riss$tiniiD 8$s #!
r$landi&tiiD 8$s #! #$#$ana Vet$DK
? >ineD >ineD ,"#! Tis$n' ,re#)nd!2&i m)inile' m" d!# s"2i da!
dr!m!l #$#$anei Vet$' s" se !#!re ,"rG de mar+ini de dra+$stea (e
#are i2$ ($art" ($($r!l.
Ii se a(r$(ie de .izeta t!rn!l!i.
? EiD Tis$nD stri+" $ .$#e t!n"t$are.
? %a' #et"-ene +eneral' r"s(!nse #el stri+at' $(rind!2se s#!rt n
l$#.
* A%i nu-i plim)ae+ !pu!e 5anterre. Arestatele n2a! .$ie s" ias"
din #el!l".
Ordin!l era ,"r" a(el.
? 3ieD ,"#! Tis$n' mai (!-in" "taie de #a(.
%i6mer &i :$rand s#/imar" $ (ri.ire s!mr". A&te(t)nd a($i #a
semnal!l de s#/imare a +"rzii' a#!m de (ris$s' s" s!ne' (le#ar"
am)nd$i s" se (lime ntre #antin" &i zid!l #e da s(re strada *$r2
te23$in. A#$l$' :$rand se a(!#" s" m"s$are distan-a' ,"#)nd ni&te (a&i
re+!la-i' adi#" de #)te trei (i#i$are.
? 0are2i distan-aA ntre" %i6mer.
? ntre &aize#i &i &aize#i &i !n! de (i#i$are' r"s(!n!e Moand-
* C$te %ile ne-a te)ui.
:$rand se +)ndi' s#/i-" (e nisi( #! $ .er+ea #)te.a semne +e$2
metri#e &i matemati#e' (e #are le &terse n!maide#)t.
? Ia(te zile #el (!-in' s(!se el.
? :a!ri#e e de +ard" (este $(t zile' m!rm!r" %i6mer. Tre!ie
a&adar nea("rat #a de azi n $(t zile s" ,im m("#a-i #! :a!ri#e.
0eas!l "t! !ns(reze#e 1!m"tate. :$rand a(!#" (!&#a'
s!s(in)nd' &i' ndr!mat de #a($ral' se d!se s" s#/ime santinela #are
se (lima (e (lat,$rma t!rn!l!i.
Capitolul XIV
DEVO,AMEN,
n zi!a !rm"t$are #elei n #are se (etre#!ser" t$ate s#enele (e
#are .i le2am ($.estit' adi#" la 2 i!nie' la #eas!rile ze#e diminea-a'
Cene.iV.e &edea la l$#!l ei $i&n!it' de s! ,ereastr"' &i se ntrea de
#e de trei s"(t"m)ni n#$a#e zilele n#e(ea! at)t de trist (entr! ea' de
#e tre#ea! at)t de n#et &i' n s,)r&it' de #e n l$# s2a&te(te seara #!
ner"dare' $ a&te(ta a#!ma #! temere.
:ai #! seam" n$(-ile i era! triste. N$(-ile ei de alt"dat" era! at)t
de ,r!m$ase' n$(-ile a#elea (e #are &i le (etre#ea .is)nd la #e se
nt)m(lase n a1!n &i la #e a.ea s" ,ie a d$!a zi.
%e$dat"' (ri.irile i #"z!r" as!(ra !n$r min!nate +lastre #!
+ar$a,e r$&ii (e #are n#" din tim(!l iernii le s#$sese din sera #ea mi#"'
!nde :a!ri#e ,!sese n#/is' &i le -inea n #amera ei' #a s" n,l$reas#".
:a!ri#e $ n."-ase s" le #!lti.e (e r"z$r!l din #!tia de lemn de
ma/$n' n #are era! r"s"dite< a#$l$ le str$(ise' le r"rise &i le le+ase (e
ara#i' #)t tim( .enea :a!ri#e' de$are#e i (l"#ea s"2i arate (r$+resele
(e #are n#)nt"t$arele ,l$ri le ,"#!ser" n tim(!l n$(-ii' dat$rit"
n+ri1iril$r atente de #are se !#!ra!. %ar de #)nd :a!ri#e n#etase a
mai .eni' s"rmanele +ar$a,e ,!seser" l"sate n ("r"sire &i iat" #"' da-i
!it"rii' ie-ii $$#i m$le&i-i r"m"seser" se#i &i se a(le#a!'
n+"lenind!2se' (este mar+inile #!tiei' (e 1!m"tate .e&te1i-i.
Gene0iB0e& la !impla lo 0edee& a #n-eles &i m$ti.!l triste-ii sale. &i
s(!se #" se nt)m(l" #! ,l$rile #!m se nt)m(l" &i #! !nele (rietenii' (e
#are le /r"ne&ti' le #!lti.i #! (asi!ne &i #are -i ,a# inima s" n,l$reas#"<
(e !rm"' ntr2$ !n" diminea-"' $ t$an" sa! !n nea1!ns reteaz"
(rietenia din r"d"#in"' iar inima (e #are (rietenia a#eea $ ns!,le-ea se
n#/ir#e&te m$le&it" &i se $,ile&te.
T)n"ra n$astr" sim-i at!n#i t$at" +r$aza (e #are2$ a.ea n inim".
5entiment!l (e #are a .r!t s"2l n,r!nte &i (e #are n"d"1d!ise s"2l
r"(!n" se z"tea nl"!ntr!l #$n&tiin-ei &i +)nd!ril$r sale' mai (!terni#
#a $ri#)nd stri+)nd #" n! m$are de#)t $dat" #! inima.
Urm" $ #li(" de dis(erare' #"#i sim-ea #" n! mai ($ate nd!ra
l!(ta. &i a(le#" !&$r #a(!l' mr"-i&" !n!l dintre $$#ii a#eia
.e&te1i-i.
T$#mai n #li(a n #are &i &ter+ea $#/ii' intr" s$-!l ei.
%ar &i %i6mer' (e de alt" (arte' era at)t de (re$#!(at &i as$rit
de (r$(iile2i +)nd!ri' n#)t ni#i .$r" s" +/i#eas#" t!l!rarea
d!rer$as" (e #are t$#mai $ n#er#ase s$-ia l!i' &i n! $ser." del$#
r$&#ata tr"d"t$are a (le$a(el$r ei.
E dre(t #" Cene.iB0e& %"rind!2&i s$-!l' se ridi#" n +ra" &i'
aler+)nd s(re el' ast,el n#)t s" ,ie #! s(atele s(re ,ereastr"' l ntre".
* Ei& cum e.
? 0!m s" ,ieA Nimi# n$!. 0! ne(!tin-" s"2i stre#$ri #e.a' #!
ne(!tin-" s2$ .ezi m"#ar.
* Cum. i%)ucni Gene0iB0e& c1ia cu toate %0onuile cae )$ntuie
pin /ai!.
? Ei' .ezi' t$#mai z.$n!rile de #are .$re&ti a! s($rit
nen#rederea (azni#il$r< s2a! tem!t s" n! se (r$,ite de n."lm"&eala
+eneral" &i s" se !rzeas#" tentati.a de2a (!ne m)na (e n#/is$area
Tem(le. %e a#eea' n #li(a n #are ma1estatea2sa a.ea s" !r#e (e
(lat,$rm"' 5anterre a dat $rdin s" n! ,ie l"sate s" ias" ni#i re+ina' ni#i
doamna Eli!a)et1& nici pincipe!a-
? 5"rman!l #a.aler' #)t de am"r)t tre!ie s" ,i ,$stD
? Era dis(erat #)nd a ."z!t #" ne s#a(" !n asemenea (rile1. 52a
,"#!t at)t de al la ,a-" n#)t' de ,ri#" s" n! se tr"deze' l2am l!at &i
l2am d!s de2a#$l$.
* Da& #ntre" #! s,ial" Cene.iB0e& nu !e afla la ,emple nici un
cet"-ean m!ni#i(al dintre #!n$&tin-ele d!mitaleA
? Tre!ia s" ,ie !n!l' dar a#ela n2a .enit del$#.
* Cine.
? 0et"-ean!l :a!ri#e Linde=' s(!se %i6mer #! !n +las (e #are se
silea s" &i2l (re,a#" indi,erent-
? Ii de #e n2a .enitA ntre" Cene.iB0e& f"#)nd &i ea a#ela&i e,$rt
de2a ("rea ne("s"t$are.
* E )olna0-
* 5olna0& el.
? %a' a #/iar dest!l de +ra.. *atri$t' #!m l &tii' s2a ."z!t t$t!&i
silit s"2&i #edeze r)nd!l alt!ia. O' %$amne2%!mneze!leD dar #/iar
da#2ar ,i ,$st a#$l$' !rm" %i6mer' ar ,i ,$st a#ela&i l!#r!' n-ele+iA
0erta-i #!m s!ntem' ($ate #" s2ar ,i ,erit s" stea de .$r" #! mine.
? 0red' dra+!l me!' #" d!mneata e6a+erezi +ra.itatea sit!a-iei.
52ar (!tea #a d$mn!l :a!ri#e s" n! mai .in" (e2ai#i dintr2!n #a(ri#i!'
din #ine &tie #e m$ti.e nentemeiate. %ar asta n! nseamn" #" e
d!&man!l n$str!. R"#eala n! nl"t!r" ($lite-ea &i' da#" te2ar ,i ."z!t
.enind #"tre el' s!nt si+!r" #2ar ,i ,"#!t &i el 1!m"tate de dr!m #"tre
d!mneata.
* Gene0iB0e& #i r"s(!nse %i6mer' (entr! #eea #e a&te(t"m n$i de
la :a!ri#e' ar tre!i mai m!lt de#)t $ sim(l" ($lite-e9 n2ar ,i (rea m!lt
ni#i #/iar $ (rietenie ade."rat" &i ad)n#". %ar (rietenia n$astr" e
zdr$it". N2a mai r"mas ni#i $ s(eran-" n a#east" (ri.in-".
Ii %i6mer s#$ase !n s!s(in ad)n#' (e #)nd ,r!ntea l!i' de $i#ei
senin"' se n#re-i (lin" de triste-e.
* Da& !pu!e Gene0iB0e cu !fiiciune& dac" s$#$te&ti #" d$mn!l
:a!ri#e este at)t de ne#esar (r$ie#tel$r .$astre...
* At$t de nece!a #nc$t& inte0eni DiFme& m" #!(rinde dez2
n"de1dea ."z)nd #" n! .$r iz!ti ,"r" el.
? Ei ine' at!n#i de #e n! n#er#i !n n$! demers (e l)n+"
#et"-ean!l Linde=A
I se ("rea #" da#"2i r$stea n!mele de ,amilie' int$na-ia .$#ii i era
mai (!-in m)n+)iet$are de#)t at!n#i #)nd l r$stea pe cel de )ote%-
? N!' r"s(!nse %i6mer' #l"tin)nd din #a(' n!< am ,"#!t t$t #e
(!team ,a#e' !n n$! demers ar ("rea #i!dat &i i2ar trezi #! si+!ran-"
"n!ielile< n!' &i a($i' &tii #e.a' Cene.iB0e& eu 0"d (!-in mai de(arte n
t$at" ($.estea asta de#)t d!mneata' n ad)n#!l inimii l!i :a!ri#e e $
ran".
? O ran"A ntre" Cene.iB0e& foate emo-i$nat". VaiD %$amneD #e
.rei s" s(!iA V$re&te' dra+!l me!.
? Vrea! s" s(!n' &i dealt,el &i d!mneata e&ti n#redin-at" #a &i
mine' #" (ri#ina r!(t!rii n$astre #! #et"-eanul Linde8 e mai mult dec$t
un capiciu-
? Ii2at!n#i #"r!i ,a(t i atri!i d!mneata r!(t!raA
* O"oliului& poate& !pu!e DiFme cu pomptitudine-
* O"oliului.---
? %a' d!(" ("rerea l!i #el (!-in' ne ,"#ea $ $n$are' el' !r+/ez!l
din *aris' el' (e 1!m"tate n$il' ("str)nd!2&i s!s#e(tiilit"-ile s!
s#!t!l (atri$tism!l!i< ne ,"#ea $ $n$are' el' re(!li#an!l at$t(!terni# n
se#-ia l!i' n #l!!l &i2n m!ni#i(alitatea l!i' a#$rd)nd (rietenie !n$r
,ari#an-i (ielari. *$ate #2am ,$st (rea rezer.a-i' ($ate #2am ,$st
ne#!.iin#i$&i...
* Da& inte0eni Gene0iB0e& dac" am ,$st (rea rezer.a-i' da#" am
,$st ne#!.iin#i$&i' mi (are #" demers!l (e #are l2ai ,"#!t d!mneata (e
l)n+" el a r"s#!m("rat t$t!l.
? %a' (res!(!n)nd #" ne#az!l a .enit de la mine< dar da#"'
dim($tri."' s!("rarea i .ine de la d!mneataA
? %e la mineA Ii #!m #rezi $are' dra+!l me!' #" i2a& ,i (!t!t
(rile1!i $ s!("rare d$mn!l!i :a!ri#eA ntre" Cene.iB0e miat".
? EiD #ine &tie' #! $ ,ire #a a l!iD N! l2ai n.in!it d!mneata' &i n#"
#ea dint)i' #" e #a(ri#i$sA Iat"' m" nt$r# iar"&i la (rim!l me! +)nd.
Cene.iV.e' #red #2ai +re&it #" n! i2ai s#ris l!i :a!ri#e.
* Eu+ i%)ucni Gene0iB0e& c1ia ce%i.
? N! n!mai #" #red' r"s(!nse %i6mer' dar #/iar m2am +)ndit
m!lt &i seri$s n r"stim(!l #el$r trei s"(t"m)ni de c$nd !-a petecut
uptua dinte noi-
? IiA...'ntre" timid Cene.iB0e-
? Ii s$#$t #" !n asemenea demers este as$l!t indis(ensail.
? O/D iz!#ni din n$! Cene.iV.e' n!' n!' %i6mer' n!2mi #ere a&a
#e.a.
? Itii d$ar' Cene.iV.e' #" n! #er ni#i$dat" nimi# de la d!mneata<
te r$+ n!mai. Ei ine' n-ele+iA' te r$+ s"2i s#rii #et"-ean!l!i :a!ri#e.
? %ar...' ,"#! Cene.iB0e-
? As#!lt"' dra+a mea' n#e(! iar"&i %i6mer' ntrer!()nd2$' sa!
ntre d!mneata &i :a!ri#e s!nt m$ti.e +ra.e de #eart"' de$are#e' n #e
m" (ri.e&te' ni#i$dat" n! s2a (l)ns de ,el!l me! de2a ,i &i de2a
(r$#eda' sa! #earta dintre .$i e !rmarea .re!nei #$(il"rii.
Gene0iB0e nu "s(!nse ni#i !n #!.)nt.
? %a#" #earta e (rile1!it" de2$ #$(il"rie' ar ,i #!rat" ne!nie din
(artea d!mitale s2$ l!n+e&ti la nes,)r&it< da#" t$t!&i are !n m$ti.
seri$s' n sit!a-ia n #are ne a,l"m se #ade' ia aminte ine la #ele #e
s(!n' s" n! mai -inem at)t de m!lt la demnitatea sa! la
am$r!l2(r$(ri!. @"!' #rede2m"' $ #eart" dintre d$i tineri tra+e mai
(!-in n #!m("n" de#)t ni&te interese !ria&e. 3" !n e,$rt' #al#"2-i (e
s!,let' s#rie2i !n #!.)nt #et"-ean!l!i :a!ri#e Linde= &i2at!n#i are s"
se2nt$ar#".
Gene0iB0e "mase $ #li(" (e +)nd!ri.
? %ar' s(!se ea' n! s2ar (!tea +"si !n mi1l$# mai (!-in #$m2
(r$mi-"t$r de2a restaili !na n-ele+ere dintre .$i &i d$mn!l :a!ri#eA
? 0$m(r$mi-"t$r zi#iA %ar' dim($tri."' s"2i s#rii mi se (are !n
mi1l$# ,$arte ,ires#.
* Mie nu& da"ul meu-
? E&ti tare nd"r"tni#"' Cene.iB0e-
? 0el (!-in d"2mi .$ie s"2-i s(!n #" (entr! (rima $ar" $ser.i la
mine un a!emenea cu!u-
%i6mer' #are de #)te.a #li(e &i t$t m$t$t$lea atista n m)ini' &i
&terse ,r!ntea (lin" de s!d$are.
? %a' r"s(!nse el' &i t$#mai de2a#eea mirarea mea #re&te.
? %$amne' %$amneD ,"#! Cene.iB0e& e oae cu putin-"' %i6mer'
s" n! ,i n-eles m$ti.ele m($tri.irii mele &i s" .rei s" m" sile&ti s"
.$res#A
Ii' ,"r" ni#i $ .la+"' #a &i #!m ar ,i a1!ns la #a("t!l (!teril$r' l"s"
s"2i #ad" #a(!l (e (ie(t &i ra-ele n l"t!ri.
%i6mer ("r! #a ,a#e !n e,$rt (!terni# s" se st"()neas#"' $ a(!#"
pe Gene0iB0e de m$n"' $ sili s" ridi#e #a(!l' &i (ri.ind2$ n ad)n#!l
$#/il$r' iz!#ni n r)s' ntr2!n /$/$t #e i s2ar ,i ("r!t silit Cene.iB0ei&
dac" ea ns"&i n! ar ,i ,$st t!l!rat" n m$mentele a#elea.
? A#!m ."d #e s2a nt)m(lat' s(!se el. La dre(t .$rind' ai
dre(tate. Am ,$st $r. 0! inteli+en-a d!mitale' dra+" Cene.iB0e& cu
fine-ea &i dis#re-ia de #are te !#!ri' te2ai l"sat ,!rat" de !n +)nd
anal' te2ai tem!t #a :a!ri#e s" n! se ndr"+$steas#" de d!mneata.
Gene0iB0e !im-i #!m !n ,i$r de ,ri+ !#i+"t$r i ("tr!nde n inim".
Ir$nia s$-!l!i ei #! (ri.ire la dra+$stea (e #are i2$ (!rta :a!ri#e'
dra+$ste a #"rei a(ri+" (!tere $ (!tea lesne #)nt"ri d!(" t$ate #)te
&tia ea des(re ,irea t)n"r!l!i n$str!' dra+$ste (e #are' n s,)r&it' &i ea $
m("rt"&ea n ad)n#!l inimii ,"r" s" &i2$ m"rt!riseas#" alt,el de#)t (rin
m!lte rem!&#"ri' ir$nia a#eea $ !l!i. N2a.! ni#i m"#ar (!terea de2a se
!ita la el. 5im-i #" i2ar ,i #! ne(!tin-" s" r"s(!nd".
? Am +/i#it' n!2i a&aA !rm" %i6mer. Ei ine' lini&te&te2te'
Cene.iB0e' e! l #!n$s# (e :a!ri#e' e !n re(!li#an n.er&!nat' #are
n2are n s!,let!l l!i alt" dra+$ste de#)t #ea (entr! (atrie.
? %$mn!le' ntre" Cene.iV.e' e&ti as$l!l si+!r de #ele #e s(!iA
? %aD 3"r" nd$ial"' !rm" %i6mer' da#" :a!ri#e te2ar ,i i!it' n
l$# s" se #erte #! mine' &i2ar ,i nd$it n!m"r!l aten-iil$r &i2al
amailit"-il$r ,a-" de #el (e #are a.ea t$t interes!l s"2l n&ele. %a#"
:a!ri#e te2ar ,i i!it' n2ar ,i ren!n-at #! at)ta !&!rin-" la titl!l de
(rieten al #asei' #! a1!t$r!l #"r!ia' de $i#ei' se ($t a#$(eri asemenea
in,idelit"-i.
? @"!' iz!#ni Cene.iB0e& nu "lumi deloc& te o"& cu a!emenea
lucui-
? %ar n! +l!mes# del$#' d$amn"< -i s(!n n!mai #" :a!ri#e n! te
i!e&te' asta2i t$t.
* Ia eu& eu& !e epe%i Gene0iB0e& #-i s(!n #" te n&eli.
* n #az!l a#esta' zise %i6mer' :a!ri#e' #are a a.!t mai #!r)nd
(!terea de2a se nde("rta de#)t de2a n&ela n#rederea +azdei sale' e
!n $m #instit< $r' $amenii #insti-i s!nt rari' Cene.iV.e' &i ai dat$ria s"
,a#i t$t #e tre!ie #a s"2i read!#i #)nd a! (le#at de l)n+" tine.
Cene.iB0e& ai !"2i s#rii l!i :a!ri#e' n!2i a&aA
? OD %$amneD e6#lam" t)n"ra n$astr".
Ii2&i l"s" #a(!l s"2i #ad" ntre m)ini9 #el (e #are tre!ia s" se
s(ri1ine n #li(a (rime1diei i li(sea #! des".)r&ire' a mai #!r)nd $
m(in+ea n (r"(a!tie& #n loc !-o apee-
%i6mer $ (ri.i $ #li("' (e !rm"' silind!2se s"2i z)meas#"' i
s(!se9
? Baide' dra+a mea' las" la $ (arte am$r!l2(r$(ri! de ,emeie.
%a#" :a!ri#e d$re&te s"2-i ,a#" iar"&i de#lara-ii n,$#ate' r)zi &i de
astea #!m ai r)s de #ele dint)i. Te #!n$s#' Cene.iV.e' ai !n s!,let
demn &i n$il. 5!nt si+!r de d!mneata.
? VaiD e6#lam" Cene.iB0e& l"s)nd!2se s2al!ne#e a&a n#)t a1!nse
#! !n +/en!n#/i 1$s' .aiD %$amneD' #!m ($-i ,i si+!r de alt!l #)nd n!
e&ti si+!r de tineA
%i6mer ("li de (ar#" t$t s)n+ele i s2ar ,i ad!nat n inim".
? Cene.iV.e' s(!se el' am +re&it ,"#)nd!2te s" tre#i (rin t$ate
#/in!rile (e #are le2ai n#er#at. Ar ,i tre!it s"2-i s(!n #/iar de la
n#e(!t9 Cene.iB0e& ne afl"m n e($#a maril$r d"r!iri< Cene.iB0e& i-am
d"r!it re+inei' ine,"#"t$area n$astr"' n! n!mai ra-!l' n! n!mai
#a(!l' dar &i ,eri#irea mea. Al-ii a! s"2i d"r!ias#" .ie-ile l$r. V$i ,a#e
mai m!lt de#)t s"2i da! .ia-a' mi .$i ris#a $n$area< &i $n$area mea'
da#" (iere' n! .a nsemna de#)t $ la#rim" #e se r$st$+$le&te n
$#ean!l s!,erin-el$r #are e +ata s" n+/it" 3ran-a. %ar $n$area mea n!
ris#" nimi# #)nd se a,l" s! (aza !nei ,emei #a Cene.iB0e a mea-
*entr! nt)ia $ar" %i6mer se dez."l!ise n ntre+ime. Cene.iB0e
#n"l-" #a(!l' &i (ir$ni as!(ra l!i $#/ii ei ,r!m$&i' (lini de admira-ie' se
s#!l" n#eti&$r &i2i ntinse ,r!ntea #a s" i2$ s"r!te.
? %!mneata #/iar .rei s"2i s#ri!A l ntre" ea.
%i6mer ,"#! !n semn a,irmati. #! #a(!l.
? At!n#i di#teaz". Ii l!" $ (an".
? N!' ni#ide#!m' s(!se %i6mer' e dest!l #" !zez' #" a!zez ($ate
de t)n"r!l a#esta at)t de demn. Ii de .reme #e se .a m("#a #! n$i n
!rma !nei s#ris$ri (e #are $ .a ,i (rimit de la Cene.iB0e& !ci!oaea
te)uie !" ,ie #/iar de la Cene.iV.e &i n! de la d$mn!l %i6mer.
Ii %i6mer &i s"r!t" a d$!a $ar" s$-ia (e ,r!nte' i m!l-!mi &i
(le#".
Atunci Gene0iB0e& cupin!" de2!n trem!r' s#rise9
J 0et"-ene :a!ri#e'
Ai &ti!t #)t de m!lt -ine s$-!l me! la d!mneata. Trei s"(t"m)ni de
des("r-ire' trei s"(t"m)ni #e ne2a! ("r!t #)t !n se#$l' te2a! ,"#!t s"2l
!i-iA Vin$' te a&te(t"mD nt$ar#erea d$mniei2tale .a ,i $ ade."rat"
s"r"t$are (entr! n$i.
Gene0iB0eC
Capitolul XV
@EIA RAIUNE
:a!ri#e era ntr2ade."r seri$s $lna.' a&a #!m trimisese .$r" n
a1!n +eneral!l!i 5anterre.
%e #)nd n! mai ie&ea din #as"' L$rin .enise re+!lat s"2l .ad" &i
,"#!se t$t #e (!t!se #a s"2l nd!(le#e s" mai (etrea#" (!-in. %ar
:a!ri#e rezistase #! t$at" t"ria. 5!nt $li de #are n! d$re&ti s" te
.inde#i.
n zi!a de 1 i!nie .eni #"tre $ra !n!.
? 0e n$!t"-i de seam" (e zi!a de aziA l ntre" :a!ri#e. E&ti
+r$za. de im(!n"t$r.
ntr2ade."r' L$rin (!rta #$st!m!l de zile mari9 $neta r$&ie'
#armani$la &i #ent!ra tri#$l$r" m($d$it" #! #ele d$!" instr!mente
#are' (e .remea a#eea' era! n!mite ($#al!rile aatel!i :a!r=' dar
#are mai nainte &i d!(" a#eea s2a! #/emat (!r &i sim(l! (ist$ale.
? :ai nt)i' r"s(!nse L$rin' are l$# (r"!&irea +eneral" a
+ir$ndei' #are e (e #ale de2a se des".)r&i' dar &tii' i!te' #)t ai zi#e
(e&te' n #li(a de ,a-"' de e6em(l!' se (re+"te&te m"#el!l n *ia-a
0arr$!sel. A($i' -i s(!n n m$d s(e#ial -ie' se (!ne la #ale $ mare
s$lemnitate la #are te ($,tes# ($im)ine.
? %ar ast"zi' #e se (etre#e ast"ziA @i#i #2ai .enit s" m" in.i-i
!nde.a.
? %a' ast"zi a.em re(eti-ia.
? 0are re(eti-ieA
? Re(eti-ia marii s$lemnit"-i.
* Da"ul me!' s(!se :a!ri#e' d$ar &tii #" de $(t zile n2am mai
ie&it' #a atare n! mai s!nt la #!rent #! as$l!t nimi# &i -in nea("rat s"
,i! n#!n$&tin-at.
? 0!mD n#" n! -i2am s(!sA
* Nu mi-ai !pu! nimic-
? :ai nt)i' dra+!l me!' &tiai d$ar #" l2am des,iin-at (e %!mneze!
(entr! $ !#at" de .reme &i l2am nl$#!it #! 3iin-a 5!(rem".
? %a' asta $ &ti!.
? Ei ine' se (are #" s2a "+at de seam" #e.a9 s2a ."z!t #" 3iin-a
5!(rem" e !n indi.id m$derat' !n r$landist' !n +ir$ndin.
? L$rin' ,"r" +l!me #)nd e .$ra de l!#r!ri s,inte. %$ar stii #"
asemenea l!#r!ri n!2mi (la# del$#.
? 0e .rei' dra+"A Tre!ie s" ,ii $m!l se#$l!l!i n #are tr"ie&ti. Ii
mie mi2era dest!l de dra+ %!mneze!l #el .e#/i' mai nt)i de t$ate
,iind#" eram $i&n!it #! el. 0)t des(re 3iin-a 5!(rem" ? ar ("rea #"
are ntr2ade."r ("#ate &i #" de #)nd a a1!ns a#$l$ s!s t$ate mer+
ana($da. n s,)r&it' le+islat$rii n$&tri i2a! de#retat diz+ra-ierea.
:a!ri#e ridi#" din !meri.
? Ridi#" t! din !meri #)t ($,te&ti' s(!se L$rin.
0!m ne2a2n."-at ,il$s$,ia'
Noi& mai ade(-i ai l!i :$m!s'
%e#ret"m #a ne!nia
5"2&i ai" #!lt!l in (arti!s.
A&a #"' !rm" L$rin' de2ai#i nainte a.em s2$ ad$r"m #)te (!-in (e
zei-a Ra-i!ne.
? Ii t! te a+i n t$ate mas#aradele asteaA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? VaiD dra+!l me!' da#" ai #!n$a&te2$ &i t! (e zei-a Ra-i!ne a&a
#!m $ #!n$s# e!' ai ,i !n!l dintre (artizanii ei #ei mai n,l"#"ra-i.
As#!lt"' .rea! s2$ #!n$&ti &i t!' am s" i te (rezint.
? Las"2m" n (a#e #! t$ate ne!niile tale< s!nt trist' d$ar &tii.
* Cu at$t mai mult& ce nai)a+& ea ae !" te n.eseleas#". E ,at"
!n"... EiD dar t! $ #!n$&ti (e s$ra zei-" (e #are (arizienii a! s2$
n#!n!neze #! la!ri &i2a! s2$ (lime ntr2!n #ar n.elit de /)rtie a!rit".
E... ia +/i#e&te...
? 0!m .rei s" +/i#es#A
* E At1(mi!e-
? Art/EmiseA re(et" :a!ri#e #$ntr$l)nd!2&i mem$ria ,ar" #a
n!mele de mai s!s s"2i aminteas#" #)t de #)t #e.a.
? %a' $ r!net" nalt"' (e #are am #!n$s#!t2$ an!l tre#!t' la al'
la O(er"' dre(t #are t! ai .enit s" iei s!(e!l #! n$i &i ai ame-it2$.
? AD da' e2ade."rat' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e& acum mi-aduc aminte- Ea
e.
? %a' are #ele mai m!lte &anse. Am (rezentat2$ la #$n#!rs. T$-i
#ei din #l!!l Term$(ile mi2a! ,"+"d!it .$t!l. *este trei zile ? ale+erea
+eneral". Ast"zi ? $s("- (re+"tit$r' azi ."rs"m .in!l de 0/am(a+ne'
($ate ($im)ine se .a ."rsa s)n+eD %ar s" se .erse #e se .ars"' n!mai
Art/Emise s" ,ie zie-"< de n!' s" m" ia dra#!D !,' .in$D $ mr"#"m n$i
#! t!ni#a.
? :!l-!mes#. %e #)nd m" &ti! mi2a ,$st sil" de2asemenea l!#r!ri.
? 5il" s" mra#i zei-eleA La naiaD' dra+!l me!' dar di,i#il mai
e&tiD Bai s" .edem da#" a&a te2n.$ie&ti9 e! am s"2i (!n t!ni#a si t! ai
s" i2$ s#$-i.
? L$rin' s!nt $lna. &i n! n!mai #" .eselia m2a ("r"sit' dar #/iar
&i .eselia alt$ra mi ,a#e r"!.
? Ei' asta eD &tii #" m" s(erii' :a!ri#eD N! te mai l!(-i' n! mai
r)zi... n! #!m.a (!i la #ale $ #$ns(ira-ie' a&a din nt)m(lareA
? E!A 3ereas#" %!mneze!D
? Vrei s" zi#i ,ereas#" zei-a Ra-i!neD
? Las"2m" n (a#e' L$rin. N! ($t &i ni#i n! .rea! s" ies din #as".
5ta! n (at &i n (at r"m)n.
L$rin se s#ar(in" d!(" !re#/e-
? >ineD ,"#! el' a#!ma ."d e! #e este.
? Ii #e .eziA
? V"d #2$ a&te(-i (e zei-a Ra-i!ne.
? Ei' dr"#ia dra#!l!iD iz!#ni :a!ri#e' (rietenii s(irit!ali m"
stin+/eres#. *lea#" sa! te da! dra#!l!i #! zei-a ta #! t$t.
? A&a' ata#"' ata#"...
Mauice ea "ata s" ridi#e m)na &i s"2l dea dra#!l!i #)nd ,! $(rit
de ndat$rit$r!l s"!' #are intr" t$#mai n #li(a a#eea' -in)nd n m)na $
s#ris$are (entr! #et"-ean!l ,ratele s"!.
? 0et"-ene A+esila!' inter.eni L$rin' ai intrat t$#mai #)nd n!
tre!ia< st"()n!l t"! era (e (!n#t!l de2a tr"i $ #li(" s!lim".
:a!ri#e #$$r m)na &i $ ntinse #! ne("sare s(re s#ris$are' dar
aia $ atinse' &i tres"ri< a($i' a(r$(iind2$ #! l"#$mie de $#/i' i s$ri
dintr2$ (ri.ire s#ris!l &i (e#etea' &i' ("lind tre(tat la ,a-"' de (ar#" a.ea
s" i se ,a#" r"!' r!(se (e#etea.
? VaiD &$(ti L$rin' iat" #" n ,ine ni se treze&te interes!l' d!(" #)t
se (are.
%ar :a!ri#e n! mai as#!lta' #itea #! nesa- #ele #)te.a r)nd!ri de
la Cene.iV.e. Le2 a #itit &i le2a re#itit de d$!"' de trei' de (atr! $ri. *e
!rm" &i &terse ,r!ntea' l"s" m)inile s"2i #ad" &i se !it" la L$rin n"!#it.
? Ei' dra#eD zise L$rin' iat" $ s#ris$are #are' (are2se' #!(rinde
ni&te .e&ti stra&ni#e.
:a!ri#e re#iti s#ris$area (entr! a #in#ea $ar" &i se m!1$r". O#/ii
s"i se#i se !mezir"' !n s!s(in ad)n# i !m,l" (ie(t!l. A($i' !it)nd
dintr2$ dat" de $al" &i de sl"i#i!nea #are $ ns$-ise' s"ri 1$s din (at.
? BaineleD stri+" el #"tre ndat$rit$r!l s"! !l!it. Bainele' dra+"
A+esila!D A/D iet!l L$rin' !n!l me! L$rin' $ a&te(tam n ,ie#are zi'
dar' dre(t s"2-i s(!n' n! mai a.eam ni#i $ s(eran-a s2$ (rimes#. %"2mi
!n (antal$n al &i $ #"ma&" #! 1a$!' (ia(t"n"2mi ("r!l &i rade2m"
n!maide#)t.
ndat$rit$r!l se ($rni s" e6e#!te n +ra" ($r!n#ile l!i :a!ri#e< l
(ie(t"n" &i l "rieri ntr2$ #li(".
? 52$ ."d iar"&iD s2$ ."d iar"&iD iz!#ni t)n"r!l n$str!' &tii t!'
L$rin' #" /aar n2am a.!t ()n" a#!m #e nseamn" ,eri#ireaAD
? >iet!l de tine' :a!ri#e' s(!se L$rin' e! #red #" ai ne.$ie s" te
d!#i s" .ezi (e #ine te s,"t!iam.
? %ra+!l me!' e6#lam" :a!ri#e' iart"2m"' dre(t s"2-i s(!n mi2am
(ierd!t ra-i!nea.
? Bai s" -i2$ da! e! (e2a mea' r"s(!nse L$rin' r)z)nd de $riil!l
#alam!r.
L!#r! tare de mirare' ()n" &i :a!ri#e r)se. Odat" #! ,eri#irea i
re.enise #/e,!l de2a +!sta +l!mele. Ii n! n!mai at)t.
* /oftim' zise el' t"ind $ ram!r" de ($rt$#al (lin" de ,l$ri' d! din
(artea mea !#/et!l "sta demnei ."d!.e a l!i :a!s$le!s.
? >ra.$D e6#lam" L$rin' $ +alanterie #a asta mai zi# &i e!. Te iert
dealt,el. Ii (e !rm"' mi se (are #" e&ti ndr"+$stit de2a inelea &i
tre!ie s"2-i s(!n #" t$tdea!na am a.!t #el mai (r$,!nd res(e#t
(entr! marile ne,eri#iri.
? Ei' da' a&a e' s!nt ndr"+$stit' s(!se /$t"r)t :a!ri#e' a #"r!i
inim" (lesnea de !#!rie' s!nt ndr"+$stit &i a#!m ($t s2$ m"rt!rises#
(entr! #" &i ea m" i!e&te. %e .reme #e m" #/eam"' nseamn" #" m"
i!e&te' n!2i a&a L$rinA
? 3"r" nd$ial"' r"s(!nse #! #$m(lezen-" ad$rat$r!l zei-ei
Ra-i!ne. %ar' ia seama' :a!ri#e' ,el!l #!m n-ele+i t! l!#r!l a#esta m"
ns("im)nt"...
0)nd te i!e&te2$ E+erie
N! e de#)t $2n&el"#iune
De la tianul Cupidon&
Iar n-elea(t" te ia2n al$n'
ndr"+$ste&te2te de Ra-i!ne
3"r" s" ,a#i .re$ ne!nieD
? >ra.$' ra.$D stri+" :a!ri#e' "t)nd din (alme.
Ii l!)nd2$ la (i#i$r' #$$r s#ara n +$an"' a1!nse (e #/ei &i se
re(ezi n dire#-ia at)t de #!n$s#!t" a .e#/ii str"zi 5aint28a#H!es.
? Ei' A+esila!' #rezi #" m2a a(la!datA i #er! L$rin ("rerea.
? %a' #! si+!ran-"' #et"-ene' &i ni#i n!2i de mirare' #"#i #eea #e ai
s(!s d!mneata era tare ,r!m$sD
? At!n#i e mai $lna. de#)t #redeam' ad"!+" L$rin. A($i' la
r)nd!l s"!' #$$r s#ara' dar #! !n (as mai lini&tit.
At1(mi!e nu ea Gene0iB0e-
Aia a1!nsese #! ,l$rile l!i de ($rt$#al (e strada 5aint2B$n$rE'
#)nd $ #eat" de tineri #et"-eni #"r$ra L$rin $i&n!ia s" le m(art"'
d!(" starea de s(irit n #are se a,la' ,ie #)te ze#e #entime' ,ie #)te !n
+en!n#/i (e s! #armani$l"' se ($rnir" s"2l !rm"reas#"' (lini de
res(e#t' l!)nd!2l' ,"r" nd$ial"' dre(t !n!l dintre $amenii a#eia
.irt!$&i' #"r$ra 5aint28!st (r$(!sese s" li se dea /aine ale &i !#/ete
de ,loi de potocal-
0!m #$rte+i!l #re&tea ,"r" n#etare' !n $m .irt!$s ,iind #/iar &i2n
e($#a a#eea #e.a rar de ."z!t' $ +l$at" de #)te.a mii de tineri se
ad!nase #)nd !#/et!l ,! $,erit ArtEmisei. A ,$st !n $ma+i! la .ederea
#"r!ia m!lte alte Ra-i!ni' #are se alinia! n ,r$nt' se sim-ir" r"!'
a(!#)nd!2le #/iar &i d!rerea de #a(.
n a#eea&i sear" s2a r"s()ndit n t$t *aris!l ,aim$asa #antat"9
Tr"ias#" zei-a Ra-i!ne'
3la#"r" (!r"' d!l#e l!min"'
0ea mai ,r!m$as" din l!me.
Ii #!m nt)m(larea ,a#e s" ,i a1!ns ()n" la n$i ,"r" a se #!n$a&te
n!mele a!t$r!l!i' #eea #e a dat m!lt de ,!r#" ar/e$l$+il$r Re.$l!-iei'
a(r$a(e #" am ndr"zni s" a,irm"m #" ,aim$asa #antat" a ,$st
#$m(!s" (entr! ,r!m$asa Art/Emise #/iar de #"tre ami#!l n$str!
B=a#int/e L$rin.
Capitolul XVI
AIUL RISI/I,OR
:a!ri#e n2ar ,i (!t!t mer+e mai re(ede' #/iar da#" ar ,i a.!t ari(i.
5tr"zile era! (line de l!me' dar el n! "+a de seam" m!l-imea
de#)t n m"s!ra n #are l ,"#ea s" nt)rzie. Umla .$ra' n +r!(!ri' #"
,!sese asediat" 0$n.en-ia' #" ma1estatea2sa ($($r!l era 1i+nit (rin
re(rezentan-ii s"i' #" era $(rit" liera #ir#!la-ie' &i ,a(tele (!tea! ,i
ade."rate #"#i se a!zea s!n)nd #l$($t!l de alarm" &i !!ind t!n!l.
%ar #e2i ("sa l!i :a!ri#e n #li(a a#eea de t!n!l &i de #l$($t!l
de2alarm"A 0e2l (ri.ea #" de(!ta-ii (!tea! sa! n! ie&i' #)t" .reme
$(reli&tea n2a1!n+ea ()n" la elA El aler+a' &i asta era t$t.
n tim( #e aler+a' &i n#/i(!ia #" Cene.iV.e l a&te(ta la ,e2
restr!i#a #e da as!(ra +r"dinii' #a s"2i ($at" trimite' din de("rtare' de
#!m l .a .edea' s!r)s!l ei #el mai ,erme#"t$r.
%i6mer &i el tre!ie s" ,i ,$st (re.enit de ,eri#ita rent$ar#ere' &i
are s"2i ntind" l!i :a!ri#e m)na l!i mare &i !n"' at)t de sin#er" &i de
leal" n str)ns$area2i #ald".
'i ea da" DiFme #n %iua aceea& #i era dra+ ()n" &i :$rand' #!
("r!l l!i ne+r! &i $#/elarii .erzi' n d$s!l #"r$ra #rez!se ()n" at!n#i #a
.ede l!#ind !n $#/i .i#lean &i i($#rit.
i era dra+ t$t #e se a,la s! s$are' ,iind#" era ,eri#it< ar ,i ar!n#at
!#!r$s ,l$ri as!(ra #a(etel$r t!t!r$r $amenil$r' #a t$-i $amenii s" ,ie
,eri#i-i #a el.
T$t!&i' iet!l :a!ri#e se n&ela n s(eran-ele sale' da' se n&ela
#!m se nt)m(l"' de n$!"s(reze#e $ri din d$!"ze#i' $m!l!i #are
+)nde&te d!(" #!m l mie inima' &i se ia d!(" #e2i s(!ne ea.
'n locul !u$s!l!i d!l#e (e #are2l a&te(ta :a!ri#e &i #are tre!ia
s"2l nt)m(ine de de(arte' de #!m .a ,i ,$st z"rit' Cene.iB0e !e
1ot"r)se s" n!2i arate er$!l!i n$str! de#)t $ ($lite-e re#e' r"+az
&!red #! #are .$ia s" st".ileas#" t$rent!l #e amenin-a s"2i #$2
(le&eas#" inima.
5e retr"sese n #amera ei de la (rim!l eta1 &i n2a.ea s" #$$are
de#)t at!n#i #)nd .a ,i ($,tit". VaiD &i ea se n&ela.
N!mai %i6mer ni#i +)nd s" se n&ele< l ()ndea (e :a!ri#e de
d!(" !n +rila1 &i z)mea ir$ni#.
0et"-ean!l :$rand .$(sea lini&tit n ne+r! ni&te #$zi mi#i (e are
!rma s" le (rind" de ni&te (ieli#ele ale de (isi#"' #a s" ,a#" din ele
/ermin".
:a!ri#e m(inse ($rti-a aleii #a s" intre sim(l! &i (rietene&te (rin
+r"din". 0a alt"dat"' ($rti-a d"d! +las #l$($-el!l!i' n ,el!l a#ela
an!mit #are ar"ta #" :a!ri#e e #el #e $ des#/ide.
Gene0iB0e& cae !t"tea n (i#i$are n ,a-a ,erestrei n#/ise' tres"ri.
L"s" s" #ad" (erdea!a (e #are $ #r"(ase.
*rima senza-ie (e #are $ n#er#" :a!ri#e' reintr)nd a#$l$ !nde
,!sese ($,tit' ,!' a&adar' $ dezam"+ire. N! n!mai #" Cene.iV.e n!2l
a&te(ta la ,ereastra ei de la (arter' dar' intr)nd n sal$na&!l n #are se
des("r-ise de ea' n2$ +"si &i ,! silit s"2&i an!n-e (rezen-a' #a &i #!m' n
#!rs!l #el$r trei s"(t"m)ni n #are li(sise' a1!nsese s" ,ie !n str"in.
Inima i !e !t$n!e-
*e %i6mer l2a ."z!t :a!ri#e #el dint)i< %i6mer d"d! ,!+a &i2l
str)nse (e :a!ri#e n ra-e' #! e6#lama-ii de !#!rie.
At!n#i #$$r &i Cene.iV.e. &i (lesnise $ra1ii #! #!-it!2i de side,'
#a s"2&i read!#" s)n+ele n $ra1i' dar ni#i m"#ar n! #$$r)se #ele
d$!"ze#i de tre(te &i #armin!l a#ela ne,ires# (ieri' nt$r#)nd!2se n
.al!ri s(re inim".
:a!ri#e $ ."z! (e Cene.iB0e ap"r)nd n (en!mra !&ii' se
ndre(t" s(re ea s!r)z)nd' #a s"2i s"r!te m)na. Aia at!n#i &i d"d!
seama #)t de m!lt !e !c1im)a!e-
Ii ea' (e de alt" (arte' $ser." starea de sl"i#i!ne a l!i :a!ri#e
&i l!#irea ,eril" din $#/ii s"i.
? A&adar' iat"2te' d$mn!leD l nt)m(in" #! $ .$#e din #are n!2&i
(!t! st"()ni em$-ia.
5e /$t"r)se s"2i s(!n" #! !n +las indi,erent9
* K>!n" zi!a' #et"-ene :a!ri#e. %e #e te ar"-i at)t de rarAK
Varianta i ("r! &i a&a re#e l!i :a!ri#e' &i t$t!&i' #e n!an-"D
%i6mer (!se #a("t #er#et"ril$r (rea (rel!n+ite &i re(r$&!ril$r
re#i(r$#e. *$r!n#i s" li se ser.eas#" (r)nz!l' #"#i era a(r$a(e $ra
d$!".
Intr)nd n s!,ra+erie' :a!ri#e "+" de seam" #" ta#)m!l s"!
,!sese (!s.
At!n#i s$si &i #et"-ean!l :$rand' mr"#at #! a#eea&i /ain"
#a,enie &i #! a#eea&i .est". *!rta t$t $#/elari .erzi' a.ea a#elea&i (lete
mari' ne+re' &i a#ela&i 1a$! al. :a!ri#e se ar"t" #)t (!t! de a,e#t!$s
#! t$t +r!(!l' #are i ins(ira in,init mai (!-in" temere #)nd l a.ea s!
$#/i de#)t #)nd era de(arte.
ntr2ade."r' #e l2ar (!tea ndemna s" #read" #" Cene.iB0e l-a iu)i
pe c1imi!tul acela m"r!ntA Tre!ie s" ,ii +r$za. de ndr"+$stit &i' #a
atare' ne!n' #a s"2-i trea#" asemenea tr"snaie (rin #a(.
%ealt,el' m$ment!l ar ,i ,$st #!m n! se ($ate mai (r$st ales #a s"
,ii +el$s. :a!ri#e -inea n !z!nar!l .estei s#ris$area (rimit" de la
Cene.iV.e &i inima2i tres"lta de !#!rie.
Gene0iV.e &i re#"("tase senin"tatea. 3emeile se !#!r" de a#ea
tr"s"t!r" a(arte' dat$rit" #"reia (rezent!l ($ate a(r$a(e t$tdea!na s"
&tear+" n ele !rmele tre#!t!l!i sa! amenin-"rile .iit$r!l!i.
Rede.enind ,eri#it"' Cene.iB0e !e !im-i iar"&i st"()n" (e ea' adi#"
re#e &i #alm"' t$t!&i a,e#t!$as"' alt" n!an-" (e #are :a!ri#e n2a ,$st
dest!l de ("tr!nz"t$r s(re a $ n-ele+e. L$rin i2ar ,i +"sit e6(li#a-ia n
*arn=' >erlin sa! n Centil2>ernard.
0$n.ersa-ia se $(ri as!(ra zei-ei Ra-i!ne. 0"derea +ir$ndinil$r &i
n$!l #!lt #are tre#ea m$&tenirea (!terii #eleste n m)inile ,emeil$r era!
#ele d$!" e.enimente ale zilei. %i6mer (retinse #" n! i2ar ,i ("r!t del$#
r"! s" .ad" asemenea #inste de ne(re-!it $,erind!2i2se Cene.iB0ei-
Mauice d"d! a r)de' dar Cene.iB0e fu de ("rerea s$-!l!i ei' a&a #"
:a!ri#e i (ri.i (e am)nd$i !imit #" (atri$tism!l a (!t!t r"t"#i ()n"
ntr2at)t !n s(irit rez$nail #!m era #el al l!i %i6mer &i $ ,ire (lin" de
($ezie #!m era #ea a Cene.iB0ei-
:$rand dez.$lt" te$ria ,emeii ($liti#e' ($rnind de la T/Er$i+ne de
:eri#$!rt' er$ina zilei de 10 a!+!st' &i a1!n+)nd la d$amna R$land'
s!,let!l Cir$ndei. *e !rm"' n trea#"t' l"s" s"2i s#a(e #)te.a .$re
m($tri.a ,emeil$r #e asist" tri#$t)nd la &edin-ele 0$n.en-iei. 0!.intele
l!i l ,"#!r" (e :a!ri#e s" z)meas#". %e ,a(t' era! ir$nii amare
m($tri.a a#el$r ,emele (atri$te' #"r$ra mai t)rzi! li s2a dat ($re#la
/id$as" de Jlin+e2+/il$tin"K.
? VaiD #et"-ene :$rand' s(!se %i6mer' s" res(e#t"m (atri$tism!l
#/iar &i2at!n#i #)nd #ade n r"t"#ire.
* C$t de!pe mine' inter.eni :a!ri#e' +"ses# #" ,emeile s!nt
t$tdea!na ndea1!ns de (atri$te #)nd n! s!nt (rea arist$#rate.
? Ai ,$arte mare dre(tate' zise :$rand. E! m"rt!rises# #! t$at"
sin#eritatea #" +"ses# t$t at)t de demn" de dis(re- ,emeia #are2&i d"
aere de "rat' (e #)t de la& "rat!l #are ins!lt" $ ,emeie' #/iar da#"
,emeia a#eea i este #ea mai n.er&!nat" d!&man#".
0!m era &i ,ires#' :$rand #"!t" s"2l atra+" (e :a!ri#e (e !n teren
deli#at. La r)nd!l l!i' :a!ri#e r"s(!nsese (rintr2!n semn a,irmati..
Arena de l!(t" era des#/is". At!n#i' %i6mer' (re#!m /erald!l #are d"
semnal!l' ad"!+"9
? O #li("' $ #li("' #et"-ene :$rand' e6#e(tezi' s(er' ,emeile #are
s!nt d!&man#ele na-i!nii.
O t"#ere de #)te.a se#!nde !rm" d!(" a#east" ri($st" la re(li#a
l!i :$rand &i la semn!l a,irmati. al l!i :a!ri#e. T"#erea ,! r!(t" de
:a!ri#e.
? >a s" n! e6#e(t"m (e nimeni' s(!se el #! triste-e. 3emeile #are
a! ,$st d!&man#ele na-i!nii s!nt ast"zi' (are2mi2se' tare (ede(site.
? Te +)nde&ti la (riz$nierele de la Tem(le' a!stria#a' #!mnata ei
&i ,ata 0a(et' iz!#ni %i6mer #! $ re(ezi#i!ne &i .$l!ilitate #are
al!n+a! din .$rele l!i $ri#e e6(resie.
:$rand ("li n a&te(tarea r"s(!ns!l!i t)n"r!l!i m!ni#i(al &i
$ri#ine l2ar ,i $ser.at ar ,i zis #" a.ea s"2&i sa(e razde (e (ie(t'
ntr2at)t de ad)n# &i n,i(sese !n+/iile n #arne.
? T$#mai de ele .$res#' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e.
? 0!mD e6#lam" :$rand #! .$#ea +)t!it"' #eea #e se s(!ne e
ade."rat' #et"-ene :a!ri#eA
? %ar #e se s(!neA ntre" t)n"r!l.
? 0" (riz$nierele s!nt tratate #! #r!zime' #)te$dat" #/iar de #ei a
#"r$r dat$rie ar ,i s" le a(ere.
? E6ist" $ameni' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' #are n! merit" n!mele de
$ameni. 5!nt #ei la&i #are n! s2a! l!(tat ni#i$dat" &i #are simt ne.$ia
s"2i t$rt!reze (e #ei n.in&i #a s" se n#redin-eze #" s!nt n.in+"toi-
? %!mneata' :a!ri#e' n! ,a#i (arte dintre $amenii a#eia' s!nt
si+!r"' iz!#ni Cene.iB0e-
? %$amn"' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' e!' #el #are ." .$re&te' am ,$st
de +ard" l)n+" e&a,$d #)nd a (ierit r"($sat!l re+e. A.eam saia n
m)n" &i eram ($stat a#$l$ #a s" !#id #! m)na mea (e $ri#ine ar ,i
#"!tat s"2l sal.eze. T$t!&i' n #li(a n #are a a1!ns l)n+" mine' mi2am
s#$s ,"r" s" .rea! ("l"ria &i nt$r#)nd!2m" #"tre $amenii mei le2am
s(!s9 J0et"-eni' ." (!n n .edere #" .$i str"(!n+e #! saia tr!(!l
(rim!l!i #are ar ndr"zni s2ar!n#e in1!rii re+el!i ai#i de ,a-".K Ei ineD
des,id (e $ri#ine #!teaz" s" s(!n" #" m"#ar !n sin+!r stri+"t s2a
n"l-at din r)nd!rile #$m(aniei mele. T$t e! am s#ris #! m)na mea
(rima dintre #ele ze#e mii de l$zin#i a,i&ate n *aris' #)nd re+ele ,!
read!s de la Varennes9 JOri#ine .a sal!ta (e re+e' .a ,i "t!t< $ri#ine l
.a ins!lta' .a ,i s()nz!rat.K Ei ine' !rm" :a!ri#e' ,"r" s" $ser.e #e
(!terni# e,e#t ,"#!ser" .$rele l!i n r)nd!rile #el$r de ,a-"' ei ine'
am d$.edit' a&adar' #" s!nt !n (atri$t !n &i sin#er' &i #" detest re+ii &i
(e s(ri1init$rii l$r. Ii' n #i!da ("reril$r (e #are le am &i #are n! s!nt
de#)t e6(resia #$n.in+eril$r mele ad)n#i' #! t$at" #ertit!dinea mea #"
a!stria#a are $ !n" (arte de .in" n nen$r$#irile #are m)/nes# &i
t!l!r" 3ran-a' de#lar #" ni#i$dat"' dar ni#i$dat" !n $m' $ri#are ar ,i el'
,ie #/iar 5anterre' n2$ .a ins!lta (e ,$sta re+in" n (rezen-a mea.
? 0et"-ene' l ntrer!(se %i6mer' #l"tin)nd din #a(' #a !n!l #are
deza(r$" asemenea ndr"zneal"' &tii d!mneata #2ar tre!i s" ,ii tare
si+!r de n$i #a s" s(!i asemenea l!#r!ri n ,a-a n$astr"A
? Le s(!n n ,a-a d$mniil$r2.$astre &i n ,a-a t!t!r$r' %i6mer. A&
mai ad"!+a9 ($ate #" &i ea .a (ieri (e e&a,$d!l (e #are a (ierit s$-!l ei'
&i e! n! s!nt dintr2a#eia #are s" se team" de2$ ,emeie' &i t$tdea!na i
.$i #r!-a (e t$-i #ei mai slai #a mine.
? Ii re+ina' ntre" #! s,ii#i!ne Cene.iB0e& -i2a ar"tat .re$dat" n
.re!n ,el' d$mn!le :a!ri#e' #" ar ,i ,$st mi&#at" de asemenea
deli#ate-e' #! #are a#!m e de(arte de2a ,i $i&n!it"A
? Arestata mi2a m!l-!mit de mai m!lte $ri (entr! mena1amentele
mele ,a-" de ea' d$amn".
? At!n#i tre!ie s" a&te(te #! (l"#ere #)nd e r$nd!l d!mitale de
+ard"...
? A&a #red' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e.
* Deci& !pu!e Moand& temu$nd ca o femeie& de .reme #e ,a#i
d$.ada #" e&ti !n s!,let +ener$s' #!m nimeni n! mai ,a#e d$.ad"
a#!m' #red #" n! (erse#!-i ni#i #$(iii.
? E!A ,"#! :a!ri#e. ntrea-i2l (e nele+i!it!l de 5im$n #e
+re!tate are ra-!l #et"-ean!l!i m!ni#i(al n ,a-a #"r!ia a a.!t
ndr"zneala s"2l l$.eas#" (e mi#!-!l 0a(et.
R"s(!ns!l de mai s!s a st)rnit $ rea#-ie s($ntan" la masa l!i
%i6mer. T$-i #$mesenii se s#!lar" n semn de res(e#t.
N!mai :a!ri#e r"mase (e s#a!n' nend$ind!2se #" l!i i se dat$ra
elan!l de admira-ie.
* Ei )ine& ce e. #nte" mirat.
? Am #rez!t #2a stri+at #ine.a din atelier' r"s(!nse %i6mer.
? N!' n!' s(!se Cene.iV.e. Ii e! am #rez!t la n#e(!t la ,el' dar
ne2am n&elat.
Ii #! t$-ii se rea&ezar".
? AD de#i d!mneata' #et"-ene :a!ri#e' s(!se :$rand #! !n
trem!r n +las' e&ti #et"-en!l m!ni#i(al des(re #are s2a .$rit at)t de
m!lt &i #are a a("rat !n #$(il ntr2!n #/i( at)t de n$ilA
? 52a .$ritA ntre" :a!ri#e #! $ nai.itate a(r$a(e s!lim".
? O/D iat" !n s!,let n$il' s(!se :$rand' s#!l)nd!2se de la mas"'
#a s" n! se tr"deze' &i retr"+)nd!2se n atelier' #a &i #!m $ l!#rare
+rani#" l2ar ,i #/emat a#$l$.
? %a' #et"-ene' r"s(!nse %i6mer' da' s2a .$rit' &i tre!ie s"
re#!n$s# #" t$-i $amenii #! s!,let &i (lini de #!ra1 te2a! l"!dat ,"r" s"
te #!n$as#".
? Bai s"2l l"s"m s" r"m)n" ne#!n$s#!t' ad"!+" Cene.iB0e- Gloia
pe cae i-a aduce-o a!emenea fapte a fi pea pime3dioa!".
Ast,el' n #!rs!l a#elei #i!date #$n.$riri' ,ie#are' ,"r" s" &tie' &i
s(!sese #!.)nt!l #! (ri.ire la er$ism' la de.$tament' la a,e#-i!ne &i
!n"tate.
A1!nseser" ()n" a(r$a(e de e6#lama-ia de dra+$ste.
Capitolul XVII
MINERII
n #li(a n #are se s#!la! de la mas"' %i6mer ,! n&tiin-at #"
n$tar!l s"! l a&te(ta n ir$!. 0er)nd!2i s#!ze l!i :a!ri#e' de #are
$i&n!ia s" se des(art" n a#est ,el' se d!se a#$l$ !nde l a&te(ta
n$tar!l.
Era .$ra de #!m("rarea !nei mi#i #ase din strada 0$rderie'
sit!at" n ,a-a +r"dinii n#/is$rii Tem(le. %ealt,el' s2ar ,i (!t!t s(!ne #"
%i6mer #!m("ra !n l$# de #as"' &i n! $ #as"' ,iind#" im$il!l e6istent
n! era de#)t $ r!in". El ns" a.ea inten-ia s2$ re#l"deas#".
%e a#eea ni#i t)r+!l #! (r$(rietar!l n2a d!rat m!lt. 0/iar n
diminea-a a#eea n$tar!l $ ."z!se &i #"z!se de a#$rd #! (re-!l de
n$!"s(reze#e mii #in#i s!te de li.re' i s!(!sese (r$(ietar!l!i #$n2
tra#t!l s(re semnare &i !rma s"2i nm)neze s!ma #$n.enit" n
s#/im!l im$il!l!i. *r$(rietar!l era $li+at s" eliereze #/iar n #!rs!l
zilei #asa n #are a.ea! s" intre l!#r"t$rii a d$!a zi.
0$ntra#t!l $dat" semnat' %i6mer &i :$rand se d!ser" m(re!n"
#! n$tar!l n strada 0$rderie' +r"i-i s" .ad" n$!a a#/izi-ie ,iind#"
,!sese ,"#!t" J(e ne."z!teK.
Era $ #as" a&ezat" #am (e !nde se a,l" ast"zi n!m"r!l 70' #! trei
eta1e' a.)nd &i $ mansard". *arter!l ,!sese n#/iriat #)nd.a !n!i
ne+!st$r de .in!ri &i a.ea ni&te (i.ni-e stra&ni#e.
*r$(rietar!l l"!d" #! de$seire (i.ni-ele< era! (artea #ea mai
.al$r$as" a #asei. %i6mer &i :$rand ("rea! #" arat" (rea (!-in interes
(i.ni-el$r a#el$ra &i t$t!&i' am)nd$i' #a din #$m(lezen-"' #$$r)r" n
Js!teraneK' #!m le n!mea (r$(ietar!l.
'n p$,ida $i#ei!l!i (r$(rietaril$r' a#esta ntr2ade."r n! min-ise9
(i.ni-ele era! +r$za.e' !na dintre ele se ntindea ()n" s! strada
0$rderie' deas!(ra se a!zea d!r!it!l tr"s!ril$r.
%i6mer &i :$rand n! ("r!r" a (!ne mare (re- (e2!n asemenea
a.anta1' e6(rim)nd!2&i #/iar d$rin-a s" ast!(e #a.it"-ile a#elea #are'
min!nate (entr! !n ne+!st$r de .in!ri' se d$.edea! a ,i de (ris$s
(entr! ni&te !r+/ezi de trea"' #are +)ndea! s" $#!(e #asa2ntrea+".
%!(" (i.ni-e' .izitar" (arter!l' a($i eta1!l nt)i &i (e !rm" eta1!l
d$i' de !nde d"deai #! $#/ii dre(t n +r"dina Tem(le' in.adat" #a de
$i#ei de s$lda-ii din Carda na-i$nal"' #are se !#!ra! din (lin de ea
de #)nd re+ina n! se mai (lima (e2a#$l$.
%i6mer &i :$rand &i re#!n$s#!r" (rietena' (e ."d!.a *l!mea!'
#are' aler+)nd n#$a#e &i2n#$l$' ,"#ea $n$r!rile #antinei. >inen-eles'
d$rin-a l$r de2a ,i re#!n$s#!-i de ea n! era (rea mare' de .reme #e se
as#!ndea! n d$s!l (r$(rietar!l!i' #are le dem$nstra #)t e de
a.anta1$s s" ai $ asemenea .edere' (e #)t de .ariat"' (e at)t de
(l"#!t".
0!m("r"t$rii #er!r" s" .ad" mansarda.
*r$(rietar!l n! se a&te(tase la $ asemenea (reten-ie' &i n! a.ea
#/eia. %ar' nd!i$&at de tean#!l de an#n$te #e2i ,! ar"tat' d"d! ,!+a
1$s s2$ #a!te.
? N! m2am n&elat' s(!se :$rand' #asa asta ne #$n.ine de
minune-
? %ar de (i.ni-" #e ai de s(!sA
? 0" e !n a1!t$r al (r$.iden-ei #are ne s#!te&te de d$!" zile de
m!n#".
? 0rezi #" e $rientat" ns(re #antin"A
? O a(!#" (!-in s(re st)n+a' dar n2are a ,a#e.
? %ar ine' ntre" %i6mer' #!m ai s" ($-i -ine linia s!teran" #!
t$at" si+!ran-a #" .ei a1!n+e !nde -inte&tiA
? 3ii (e (a#e' dra+!l me!' asta m" (ri.e&te.
? %a#" am da t$t!&i de ai#i semnal!l #" .e+/emA
? %e la (lat,$rm" re+ina n2ar (!tea s"2l .ad"' #"#i n!mai
mansardele s!nt' #red' la ni.el!l (lat,$rmei' &i n! s!nt si+!r ni#i de
asta.
? N2are a ,a#e< T$!lan sa! :a!n= ar (!tea s"2l .ad" (rintr2$
des#/iz"t!r" $are#are' &i2$ .$r (re.eni (e ma1estatea2sa.
%i6mer ,"#! ni&te n$d!ri la #a("t!l !nei (erdele de stam"' &i
s#$ase (erdea!a (rin ,ereastr" de (ar#" a fi #mpin!-o 0$ntul-
*e !rm"' am)nd$i' #a &i #!m ar ,i ,$st ner"d"t$ri s" .ad"
mansarda' se d!ser" s"2l a&te(te (e (r$(ietar la s#ar"' d!(" #e
n#/iser" !&a la eta1!l al d$ilea #a n! #!m.a s"2i .in" ra.!l!i $m
ideea de2a tra+e n"!ntr! (erdea!a #e ,)l,)ia n a,ar".
:ansarda' a&a #!m (re."z!se :$rand' n2a1!n+ea ()n" la .)r,!l
t!rn!l!i. Era n a#ela&i tim( $ di,i#!ltate &i !n a.anta19 di,i#!ltate
(entr! #" n! (!tea! s" #$m!ni#e #! re+ina (rin semne' a.anta1 (entr!
#" $ asemenea im($siilitate nl"t!ra $ri#e "n!ial".
0asele nalte era!' ,ire&te' #ele mai s!(ra.e+/eate.
? Ar tre!i #a (rin :a!n=' T$!lan sa! (rin ,ii#a l!i Tis$n sa ,ie
+"sit !n mi1l$# de a i se #$m!ni#a s"2&i ia m"s!rile de #!.iin-" #a s" n!
,ie s!r(rins"' m!rm!r" %i6mer.
? Am s" m" +)ndes# la asta' r"s(!nse :$rand.
0$$r)r". N$tar!l a&te(ta n sal$n #! #$ntra#t!l +ata semnat.
? E n re+!l"' s(!se %i6m#r' #asa rni #$n.ine. N!m"r"2i
#et"-ean!l!i #ele n$!"s(reze#e mii #in#i s!te de li.re' a&a #!m am
#$n.enit' &i d"2i s" semneze.
/opietaul n!m"r" &i el #! aten-ie s!ma &i semn".
? Itii' #et"-ene' i s(!se %i6mer' #" !na din #la!zele (rin#i(ale e
s"2mi (!i #asa la dis($zi-ie #/iar n seara asta' #a s" ($t ad!#e #/iar
de m)ine l!#r"t$rii.
? :" .$i #$n,$rma' #et"-ene< ($-i s" iei #/eile #! d!mneata #/iar
a#!m. %esear" la #eas!rile $(t #asa .a ,i #! des".)r&ire +$al".
? A/D stai (!-in' e6#lam" %i6mer' (ar#" d!mneata' #et"-ene
n$tar' mi2ai s(!s #" mai e $ ie&ire #e d" n strada *$rte23$inA
? %a' #et"-ene' r"s(!nse (r$(rietar!l' dar am l$#at2$' de$are#e'
#2!n sin+!r ndat$rit$r' iet!l de el' era (rea +re! &i $$sit$r s" se
.e+/eze la d$!" !&i. %ealt,el' ie&irea e l$#at" n a&a

,el' n#)t ($ate ,i
(!s" iar"&i n ,$l$sin-" #! $ m!n#" de #el m!lt d$!" #eas!ri. Vre-i s"
." n#redin-a-i' #et"-enilo.
? :!l-!mes#' e de (ris$s' r"s(!nse %i6mer' n2are ni#i $ im2
($rtan-" (entr! n$i ie&irea a#eea.
Ii (le#ar" am)nd$i' d!(" #e l2a! silit (e (r$(rietar s" ,"+"d!ias#"
(entr! a treia $ar" #" la $rele $(t s#ara #asa .a ,i +$al".
5eara la #es!rile n$!"' am)nd$i se rent$arser"' !rma-i la $a2
re#are distan-" de &ase "ra-i' #"r$ra' n t$i!l dez$rdinii #are d$mnea
n t$t *aris!l' nimeni ne le d"d! ni#i $ aten-ie
Intrar" ei d$i' mai nt)i. *r$(rietar!l se -in!se de #!.)nt' #asa era
#! des".)r&ire +$al".
n#/iser" $l$anele #! #ea mai mare +ri1" &i a(rinser" l!m)n"rile
(e #are :$rand le ad!sese #! el n !z!nar.
0ei #in#i sa! &ase "ra-i intrar" !n!l d!(" alt!l.
Era! #$mesenii $i&n!i-i ai m!n#it$r!l!i t""#ar' a#eia&i #$n2
traandi&ti #are' ntr2$ sear"' ,!seser" (e #ale s"2l !#id" (e :a!ri#e' &i
#are d!(" a#eea a1!nseser" (rietenii l!i.
U&ile ,!r" n#/ise &i #! t$-ii #$$r)r" n (i.ni-".
*i.ni-a' at)t de dis(re-!it" &i ne"+at"2n seam" n tim(!l zilei'
de.enise' seara' (artea #ea mai im($rtant" a #asei.
Ast!(ar" mai nt)i t$ate des#/iz"t!rile &i #r"("t!rile (rin #are $
(ri.ire #!ri$as" ar ,i (!t!t ("tr!nde n"!ntr!.
A($i :$rand r"st!rn" n!maide#)t !n !t$i +$l #! ,!nd!l n s!s &i
se a(!#" s" s#/i-eze #! #rei$n!l (e $ !#at" de /)rtie ni&te ,i+!ri
+e$metri#e.
'n timp #e trase liniile a#elea' #eilal-i' #$nd!&i de %i6mer' a! ie&it
din #as"' a! a(!#at2$ (e strada 0$rderie &i s2a! $(rit n #$l-!l str"zii
>ea!#e' n ,a-a !nei tr"s!ri a#$(erite.
n tr"s!r" se a,la !n $m #are distri!i n t"#ere ,ie#"r!ia #)te $
!nealt" din #ele ,$l$site de s$lda-ii +eni&ti9 !n!ia $ #azma' alt!ia $
sa("' alt!ia $ l$(at"' alt!ia $ ran+". 3ie#are dintre ei $ as#!nsese s!
/aina ml"nit" sa! s! mantie. :inerii se nt$arser" (e dr!m!l (e
#are .eniser" &i tr"s!ra se ,"#! ne."z!t". :$rand is(r".ise l!#r!l. 5e
d!se de2a dre(t!l ntr2!n !n+/er al (i.ni-ei.
? A#$l$' zise el' s"(a-i a#$l$.
Ii m!n#it$rii elier"rii se a(!#ar" n!maide#)t de l!#r!. 5it!a-ia
de-in!-il$r de la Tem(le a1!nsese din #e n #e mai +ra." &i' mai ales'
din #e n #e mai d!rer$as". *entr! $ #li("' re+ina' d$amna Elisaet/ &i
(rin#i(esa re#"("taser" $are#are s(eran-". Ni&te #et"-eni m!ni#i(ali'
an!me T$!lan &i Le()tre' #!(rin&i de mil" (entr! a!+!stele de-in!te' le
ar"taser" $are#are !n".$in-". La n#e(!t' (rea (!-in $i&n!ite #!
asemenea semne de sim(atie' ietele ,emei n2a.!r" ni#i !n (i# de
n#redere' dar #)nd s(eri n! se ($ate s" n2ai n#redere. %ealt,el' #e i se
mai (!tea nt)m(la re+inei (e #are n#/is$area $ des("r-ise de ,i!l ei'
iar m$artea ? de s$-A 5" mear+" la e&a,$d #a elA %e m!lt" .reme
(ri.ea $ asemenea s$art" n ,a-" &i' #! tim(!l' is(r".ise (rin a se
$i&n!i #! ea.
*rima $ar" #)nd le .eni r)nd!l de +ard" l!i T$!lan &i Le()tre'
re+ina le #er!' da#"2i ade."rat #" se interesa! de s$arta ei' s"2i
($.esteas#" am"n!ntele m$r-ii re+el!i.
Li se (!nea sim(atia la +rea n#er#are. Le()tre' #are ,!sese de
,a-" la e6e#!-ie' as#!lt" de $rdin!l re+inei.
Re+ina #er! +azetele #are relata! #!m a de#!rs e6e#!-ia. Le()tre
,"+"d!i #" le .a ad!#e data .iit$are. R)nd!l de +ard" le .enea din trei
n trei s"(t"m)ni.
0)nd tr"ia re+ele' la Tem(le era! (atr! m!ni#i(ali. %!(" m$artea
l!i n! rnai era! de#)t trei9 !n!l de .e+/e zi!a' d$i ? n$a(tea. T$!lan &i
Le()tre n"s#$#ir" at!n#i !n &iretli# #a s" ,ie t$tdea!na de +ard"
n$a(tea m(re!n".
Ceas!rile de +ard" se tr"+ea! la s$r-i9 (e !n iletel se s#ria zi!a &i
(e #elelalte d$!" n$a(tea. 3ie#are &i tr"+ea ile-el!l dintr2$ ("l"rie.
Bazard!l i ale+ea (e +ardienii de n$a(te.
%e ,ie#are dat" #)nd Le()tre &i T$!lan era! de +ard"' ei s#ria!
zi!a (e t$ate trei !letinele &i ntindea! ("l"ria #et"-ean!l!i m!ni#i(al
(e #are .$ia! s"2l nl"t!re. A#esta .)ra m)na n !rna im(r$.izat" &i
tr"+ea !n ile-el (e #are s#ria nend$ielni# zi!a. T$!lan &i Le()tre le
r!(ea! (e #elelalte d$!"' $m"nind #" /azard!l le rezer." t$tdea!na
#$r.$ada #ea mai +rea &i mai (li#ti#$as"' adi#" (aza de n$a(te.
0)nd re+ina ,! n#redin-at" de sim(atia #el$r d$i s!(ra.e+/et$ri' i
(!se n le+"t!r" #! 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e. At!n#i ,! !rzit" $
tentati." de e.adare. Re+ina &i d$amna Elisaet/ tre!ia! s" ,!+"
tra.estite n $,i-eri m!ni#i(ali' #! ilete de tre#ere #e a.ea! s" le ,ie
(r$#!rate. 0)t des(re #ei d$i #$(ii' adi#" (rin#i(esa &i t)n"r!l (rin-
m$&tenit$r' #!m $m!l #are a(rindea l"m(ile #! !lei la Tem(le .enea
ns$-it de d$i #$(ii de2a#eea&i .)rst" #! (rin#i(esa &i (rin#i(ele
m$&tenit$r' se /$t"r)se #a T!r+=' des(re #are .$m .$ri ndat"' s"
mra#e ni&te /aine la ,el #! ale lam(a+i!l!i &i s"2i s#$at" ast,el (e
(rin#i(es" &i (e (rin-!l m$&tenit$r.
5" s(!nem n d$!" #!.inte ce ea cu ,u"8-
T!r+= ,!sese (e .rem!ri "iat de ser.i#i! la s!,ra+eria re+el!i &i
ad!s la Tem(le #! $ (arte din (ers$nal!l de ser.i#i! de la T!ileries' #"#i
re+ele a.!sese la n#e(!t !n ser.i#i! al mesel$r dest!l de ine
$r+anizat. n (rima l!n" ser.i#i!l a#ela #$stase na-i!nea treize#i sa!
(atr!ze#i de mii de ,ran#i.
%ar' #!m e lesne de n-eles' asemenea risi(" n! mai (!tea d"in!i.
0$m!na ,"#! $rdine. A! ,$st #$n#edia-i &e,ii' !#"tarii &i a1!t$rii de
!#"tari. Un sin+!r "iat de ser.i#i! ,! men-in!t< ei ine' "iat!l
a#esta era T!r+=.
T!r+= era' a&adar' !n a+ent intermediar ntre #ele d$!" de-in!te &i
(artizanii l$r' de$ar#e el (!tea ie&i din Tem(le &i' #a atare' (!tea d!#e
ile-ele &i ad!#e r"s(!ns!ri.
%e $i#ei iletele era! r"s!#ite n #/i( de d$(!ri la sti#l!-ele #!
la(te de mi+dale #are li se ad!#ea! re+inei &i d$amnei Elisaet/. Era!
s#rise #! zeam" de l"m)ie &i literele r"m)nea! in.iziile ()n" #e /)rtia
era a(r$(iat" de ,$#.
T$t!l era (re+"tit (entr! e.adare' #)nd' ntr2$ zi' Tis$n &i2a a(rins
(i(a #! d$(!l !neia dintre sti#l!-e. *e m"s!r" #e /)rtia ardea' el ."z!
a("r)nd litere. 5tinse /)rtia (e 1!m)tate ars" &i d!se ,ra+ment!l #are
r"m"sese la #$nsili!l de #$nd!#ere al n#/is$rii. A#$l$ /)rtia ,!
a(r$(iat" de ,$#' dar n! (!t!r" ,i #itite de#)t #)te.a #!.inte ,"r" &ir<
#ealalt" 1!m"tate ,!sese (re,"#!t" n s#r!m. 52a re#!n$s#!t ns"
s#ris!l re+inei. Inter$+at' Tis$n relat" #)te.a amailit"-i (e #are i se
("r!se #" le $ser." din (artea l!i T$!lan &i Le()tre ,a-" de de-in!te.
0ei d$i #$misari m!ni#i(ali a! ,$st den!n-a-i m!ni#i(alit"-ii &i li se
interzise intrarea n Tem(le. R"m"sese T!r+=.
%ar nen#rederea #res#)nd n #el mai nalt +rad' ni#i$dat" n! mai
era l"sat sin+!r #! (rin#i(esele. Ori#e #$m!ni#are #! e6teri$r!l
a1!nsese im($siil".
,otu&i' ntr2$ !n" zi' d$amna Elisaet/ i d"d!se l!i T!r+= !n
#!-ita& #! lama de a!r' de #are se sl!1ea ea #a s"2&i taie ,r!#tele'
r!+)nd!2l s"2l #!re-e. T!r+= "n!i #e.a &i' t$t #!r"-ind!2l' i s#$ase
m)ner!l' n m)ner era .)r)t !n ile-el. >ile-el!l era !n alfa)et de
!emne-
T!r+= i d"d! #!-it!l d$amnei Elisaet/' dar !n #et"-ean m!ni#i(al'
#are era de ,a-"' i2l sm!lse din m)ini &i2l #er#et"' des("r-ind &i el' la
r)nd!l s"!' lama de m)ner. %in ,eri#ire' ile-el!l n! mai era a#$l$.
T$t!&i' m!ni#i(al!l #$n,is#" #!-it!l. At!n#i a (l"n!it ne$$sit!l 0a.aler
de :ais$n2R$!+e a d$!a tentati." de e.adare #are !rma s" ,ie
n,"(t!it" dat$rit" #asei (e #are $ #!m("rase %i6mer.
T$t!&i' (!-in #)te (!-in de-in!tele (ierd!ser" $ri#e s(eran-". n
zi!a a#eea' re+ina' ns("im)ntat" de stri+"tele din strad" #are
str""t!r" ()n" la ea' &i a,l)nd din a#ele stri+"te #" era .$ra s" ,ie
(!&i s! a#!zare +ir$ndinii' !ltimii s!s-in"t$ri ai m$dera-iei' se
ntristase de m$arte. Odat" +ir$ndinii !#i&i' ,amilia re+al" n2ar mai ,i
a.!t n Ad!narea 0$n.en-iei ni#i !n a("r"t$r.
La $rele &a(te li se ser.i #ina. 0et"-enii m!ni#i(ali e6aminar"
,ie#are ,el de m)n#are' #a de $i#ei' des,"#!r" !n!l #)te !n!l t$ate
&er.etele' s$ndar" ()inea' !n!l #! ,!r#!li-a' #el"lalt #! de+etele'
,"r)mar" ma#ar$anele' s(arser" n!#ile' n s,)r&it #er#etar" t$t!l de
team" s" n! le (ar.in" de-in!tel$r !n ile-el. A($i' d!(" #e (re#a!-iile
de mai s!s ,!seser" l!ate' ($,tir" (e re+in" &i (e (rin#i(es" s" se
a&eze la mas"9
? V"d!." 0a(et' ($-i s" te a(!#i s" m"n)n#i.
Re+ina #l"tin" din #a( n semn #" n!2i era ,$ame.
%ar n a#ela&i tim(' (rin#i(esa .eni' #a &i #!m ar ,i d$rit s"2&i
s"r!te mama' &i2i &$(ti n#et9
? A&eaz"2te la mas"' d$amn"' mi (are #" T!r+= -i ,a#e semn.
Re+ina tres"ri &i ridi#" #a(!l. T!r+= se a,la n ,a-a ei' #! &er.et!l
(!s (e ra-!l st)n+ &i #! m)na drea(t" atin+)nd!2&i $#/i!l.
Ea se s#!l" n!maide#)t' ,"r" s" mai ,a#" ni#i $ $ie#-ie' &i se d!se
s"2&i $#!(e l$#!l $i&n!it la mas".
0ei d$i m!ni#i(ali asista!9 n! le era n+"d!it s" lase (rin#i(esele
ni#i $ #li(" sin+!re #! T!r+=.
*i#i$arele re+inei &i ale d$amnei Elisaet/ se nt)lniser" s! mas"
&i &i ,"#ea! semne.
0!m re+ina era a&ezat" n ,a-a l!i T!r+=' ni#i !n!l dintre semnele
"iat!l!i n! (!tea s"2i s#a(e. %ealt,el' t$ate +est!rile l!i era! at)t de
,ire&ti' n#)t n! (!tea! ins(ira &i ni#i n! ins(irar" ni#i $ "n!ial"
m!ni#i(alil$r.
%!(" #in"' se str)nse masa #! a#elea&i (re#a!-ii #e ,!seser" l!ate
la ser.irea ei. *)n" &i #ele mai mi#i ,"r)me de ()ine ,!r" ad!nate &i
#er#etate' d!(" #are T!r+= ie&i (rim!l' (e !rm" &i m!ni#i(alii' dar
r"mase ne.asta l!i Tis$n.
3emeia asta a1!nsese ,er$#e de #)nd ,!sese des("r-it" de ,ii#"2sa'
de s$arta #"reia n! mai &tia nimi#. %e #)te $ri re+ina $ mr"-i&a (e
(rin#i(es" ? ,ii#a ei ? $ a(!#a ,!ria' de (ar#" ar ,i ,$st #!(rins" de
ne!nie. %e2a#eea re+ina' a #"rei inim" matern" n-ele+ea (rea ine
#e nsemna d!rerea !nei mame' se $(rea dese$ri n #li(a #)nd &i
#"!ta $ asemenea m)n+)iere' sin+!ra dealt,el #are i mai r"m"sese.
Tis$n .eni s"2&i ia ne.asta' dar ea s(!se #" n! (lea#" ()n" n2$
.ede (e ."d!.a 0a(et #!l#at".
%$amna Elisaet/ se des("r-i at!n#i de re+in" &i tre#! n n2
#"(erea ei.
Re+ina se dezr"#" &i se #!l#"' la ,el &i (rin#i(esa. At!n#i ,emeia
l!i Tis$n l!" l!m)narea &i ie&i.
:!ni#i(alii se &i #!l#aser" (e (at!rile l$r de #am(anie n #$rid$r.
L!na' (alida .izitat$are a de-in!-il$r' stre#!ra (rin des#/iz"t!ra
$l$n!l!i $ raz" (iezi&" #are de la ,ereastr" se a&ternea la (i#i$arele
re+inei.
O #li(" d$mni n #amer" $ lini&te de(lin".
A($i $ !&" se n.)rti !&$r n alamale' $ !mr" se stre#!r" (rin
raza de l!min" &i se a(r$(ie de #"("t)i!l (at!l!i. Era d$amna
Elisaet/.
? Ai ."z!tA ntre" ea n &$a(t".
? %a' r"s(!nse re+ina.
? Ii ai n-elesA
? At)t de ine #" ni#i n!2mi .ine a #rede.
? Bai s" re(et"m !emnele-
? :ai nt)i &i2a atins $#/i!l #! m)na' #a s" ne arate #" a
inter.enit #e.a n$!.
? *e !rm" a m!tat &er.et!l de (e ra-!l st)n+ (e ra-!l dre(t'
#eea #e nsemn" #" se ,a# n#er#"ri (entr! elierarea n$astr".
? *e !rm" &i2a d!s m)na la ,r!nte' n semn #" a1!t$r!l (e #are ni2l
.este&te ne .ine din"!ntr! &i n! din str"in"tate.
? A($i' #)nd l2ai r!+at s" n! !ite s"2-i ad!#" m)ine la(tele de
mi+dale' &i2a ,"#!t d$!" n$d!ri la atist".
? E de#i iar"&i 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e. N$il s!,letD
* El e& !pu!e &i d$amna Elisaet/.
? %$rmi' ,ata meaA ntre" re+ina.
? N! mam"' r"s(!nse (rin#i(esa.
? At!n#i' r$a+"2te (entr! #ine &tii t!.
%$amna Elisaet/ (le#" ,"r" z+$m$t n #amera ei &i (re- de #in#i
min!te se a!zi +las!l tinerei (rin-ese #are .$rea #! %!mneze! n
t"#erea n$(-ii.
Asta se (etre#ea t$#mai n #li(a n #are' d!(" indi#a-iile &i
dis($zi-iile l!i :$rand' r"s!na! (rimele l$.it!ri de #azma n #asa #ea
mi#" din strada 0$rderie.
Capitolul XVIII
NORI
n a,ara e6alt"rii (rimel$r (ri.iri s#/imate' :a!ri#e &i d"d!
seama #" ,el!l #!m a ,$st (rimit de Cene.iV.e e m!lt s! a&te(t"rile
l!i< se iz!ia (e m$ment!l #)nd .a r"m)ne sin+!r #! ea (entr! a
re#)&ti+a #alea (e #are2$ (ierd!se' sa!' #el (!-in' (e #are i se ("rea
#2$ (ierd!se' n des,"&!rarea sentimentelo !ale-
%ar Cene.iV.e &i a.ea (lan!l ei ine #/iz!it. Ea se ntemeia (e
,a(t!l #" n2are s"2i dea (rile1!l !nei nt)lniri ntre (atr! $#/i' #! at)t
mai m!lt #! #)t &i ad!#ea aminte #)t de (rime1di$se era! a#este
nt)lniri intime' din (ri#ina ,arme#!lui lo-
:a!ri#e &i (!nea s(eran-ele n #ea de2a d$!a zi' dar $ r!d"' ,"r"
nd$ial" (re.enit"' .enise s"2i ,a#" $ .izit" &i Cene.iB0e o opi!e- De
data aceea nu ea nimic de %i!& c"#i s2ar ,i (!t!t #a Cene.iB0e !" n! ai"
ni#i $ .in".
La plecae& Mauice a (rimit sar#ina s" ns$-eas#" r!da' #are l$#!ia
n strada 3$sses25aint2Vi#t$r.
0)nd se des("r-ir"' :a!ri#e (le#" $t$s' dar Cene.iV.e i z)mi &i
el l!" z)met!l a#ela dre(t $ ,"+"d!ial".
VaiD :a!ri#e se n&ela. A d$!a zi' la 7 i!nie' zi +r$azni#" n #are s2a
n,"(t!it #"derea +ir$ndinil$r' :a!ri#e s2a des#$t$r$sit de L$rin'
(rieten!l l!i' #are .$ia #! $ri#e (re- s"2l ia #! el la 0$n.en-ie' &i am)n"
t$ate tre!rile #a s" se d!#" s"2&i .ad" i!ita. @ei-a liert"-ii a.ea $
ri.al" +r$za." n Cene.iB0e-
Mauice $ +"si (e Cene.iV.e n sal$na&!l ei' $ Cene.iV.e (lin" de
+ra-ie &i ,$arte (re.enit$are< dar m(re!n" #! ea se a,la $ mena1er"
t)n"r"' #! $ #$#ard" tri#$l$r"' #are r$da m$n$+rame (e ni&te atiste'
l)n+" ,ereastr"' &i #are n! s2a dezli(it de la l$#!l ei. :a!ri#e n#r!nt"
din s(r)n#ene. Cene.iB0e 0"z! #" $lim(ian!l era (r$st dis(!s &i at!n#i
n#er#" s" ,ie de d$!" $ri mai (re.enit$are #a de $i#ei. %ar #!m n!
m(inse amailitatea #/iar ()n" ntr2at)t n#)t s" e6(edieze din
#amer" (e t)n"ra2i ndat$rit$are' :a!ri#e &i (ierd! r"darea &i (le#"
#! !n #eas mai de.reme #a de $i#ei.
T$ate (!tea! ,i (!r &i sim(l! nt)m(l"t$are' dre(t #are :a!ri#e se
narm" #! r"dare. n seara a#eea' dealt,el' sit!a-ia a1!nsese at)t de
ns("im)nt"t$are n#)t' #! t$ate #" de2$ !#at" de .reme :a!ri#e
tr"ia n a,ara (r$lemel$r ($liti#e' z.$n!rile a1!nser" ()n" la el. N!mai
(r"!&irea (artid!l!i #are d$mnise ze#e l!ni n 3ran-a l (!tea s!stra+e
din z!#i!m!l dra+$stei.
A d$!a zi' a#eea&i mane.r" din (artea Cene.iB0ei- /e0"z)nd
sistem!l' :a!ri#e &i /$t"r)se !n (lan< la ze#e min!te de la s$sirea l!i'
."z)nd #"' d!(" #e is(r".ise de m$n$+ramat $ d!zin" de atiste'
sl!1ni#a se a(!#" de &ase d!zini de &er.ete' :a!ri#e s#$ase
#eas$rni#!l' se ridi#"' $ sal!t" (e Cene.iV.e &i (le#" ,"r" s" s#$at" !n
sin+!r #!.)nt.
>a mai m!lt n#"' (le#)nd n!2&i nt$arse #a(!l ni#i m"#ar $ dat".
Gene0iB0e& cae !e idica!e !"2l !rm"reas#" #! (ri.irea (rin
+r"din"' r"mase $ #li(" #! mintea (!stiit"' (alid" &i ner.$as"' d!("
#are se l"s" (e s#a!n' #$nsternat" #! des".)r&ire de !rm"rile di2
(l$ma-iei sale.
n #li(a a#eea intr" %i6mer.
? :a!ri#e a (le#atA e6#lam" el (lin de !imire.
* Da& )$l)$i Gene0iB0e-
* Da a)ia !o!i!e.
* Cam de 0eun !fet de cea!-
* Deci !e #ntoace.
? :" nd$ies#.
? %!2te &i las"2ne (!-in sin+!ri' :!+!et ' zise %i6mer.
5l!1ni#a &i l!ase n!mele "sta de ,l$are ,iind#" n! (!tea s!,eri
n!mele de :aria (e #are a.!sese nen$r$#!l s"2l ai"' la ,el #!
a!stria#a.
La in.ita-ia st"()n!l!i se s#!l" &i (le#".
* Ei )ine& da"a mea Gene0iB0e& #nte" %i6mer' ai n#/eiat (a#e
#! :a!ri#eA
? %im($tri."' dra+!l me!' #red #" ni#i$dat" n2a e6istat mai m!lt"
r"#eal" ntre n$i #a a#!m.
? Ii #ine2i de .in" de data astaA ntre" iar"&i %i6mer.
? :a!ri#e' ,"r" nd$ial".
? 5" .edem9 las"2m" (e mine s" ,i! aritu-
? 0!mD e6#lam" Cene.iV.e' nr$&ind!2se' n! +/i#e&tiA
? %e #e s2a s!("ratA N!.
? A (rins #i!d" (e :!+!et' d!(" #)t se (are.
? EiD seri$sA At!n#i tre!ie s2$ #$n#ediem (e ,ata asta. *entr! $
sl!1ni#" n2am s" m" li(ses# e! de2!n (rieten #a :a!ri#e..
* O1D ,"#! Cene.iB0e& ced c" n2are s2a1!n+" ()n" a#$l$ n#)t s"
(retind" s2$ al!n+"m din #as". I2ar ,i dest!l...
* Ce.
* S-o !cot din camea mea-
? 5" &tii #" :a!ri#e are dre(tate' s(!se %i6mer. :a!ri#e .ine s"
te .ad" (e d!mneata' n! (e :!+!et9 a&a #" n!2i ne.$ie #a :!+!et s"
,ie a#as" #)nd .ine el.
Gene0iB0e !e uit" la s$-!l ei' (lin" de !imire.
* Da& da"ul meu--- !pu!e ea-
* Gene0iB0e& o #neup!e DiFme& cedeam c" am n d!mneata !n
aliat #are mi .a !&!ra misi!nea (e #are mi2am l!ai2$ &i' iat"'
dim($tri."' temerile d!mitale ne m"res# nd$it +re!t"-ile. 5!nt (atr!
zile de #)nd #redeam #" t$t!l s2a l"m!rit ntre n$i &i #)nd #$l$ tre!ie
s2$ l!"m de la n#e(!t. Cene.iB0e& nu -i2am s(!s $are #" am t$at"
n#rederea n d!mneata' n #instea d!mitaleA N! -i2am s(!s #" ar
tre!i #a :a!ri#e s" ,ie din n$! (rieten!l n$str!' mai intim &i mai
n#rez"t$r #a ni#i$dat"A Vai' %$amneD' .e&ni#ele $sta#$le (e #are le
(!n ,emeile n #alea (r$ie#tel$r n$astreD
? %ar' dra+!l me!' n2ai #!m.a alt mi1l$#A *entr! n$i t$-i' -i2am
s(!s2$ d$ar' ar ,i mai ine #a d$mn!l :a!ri#e s" ,ie nde("rtat.
? %a' (entr! n$i t$-i' ($ate' dar (entr! a#eea #are2i mai (res!s
de n$i t$-i' (entr! a#eea #"reia i2am 1!rat s"2i sa#ri,i#ar" a.erea' .ia-a
&i #/iar $n$area' tre!ie nea("rat #a t)n"r!l s" se nt$ar#". Itii $are #"
s2a! is#at "n!ieli n (ri.in-a l!i T!r+=' &i #" e .$ra s" li se dea alt
sl!1it$r (rin#i(esel$rA
? >ine' am s2$ s#$t a,ar" (e :!+!et.
* Ei& Doamne-Dumne%eule+ Gene0iB0e& !e #nfie)$nt" %i6mer'
,"#)nd !n +est de ner"dare' at)t de rar la $m!l a#esta' de #e2mi
.$re&ti a#!m de astaA %e #e2mi aa-i #alea +)nd!ril$r mele #! ale
d!mitaleA %e #e2mi ,a#i +re!t"-i n (l!s (este +re!t"-ile meleA
Cene.iB0e& ca femeie de0otat" &i #instit"' ," #eea #e #rezi #" tre!ie s"
,a#i' at)ta2-i s(!n. :)ine n! s!nt a#as"' m)ine l nl$#!ies# (e :$rand
n l!#r"rile sale de in+iner. N2am s" ia! #ina #! .$i' dar el $ .a l!a. Are
#e.a s"2i #ear" l!i :a!ri#e' are s"2-i e6(li#e el des(re #e e .$ra. 0eea
#e are s"2i #ear"' +)nde&te2te' Cene.iB0e& e lucul cel mai im($rtant'
dar n! e s#$(!l (e #are2l !rm"rim' e n!mai mi1l$#!l' e !ltima s(eran-"
a $m!l!i a#est!ia at)t de !n' at)t de n$il' at)t de de.$tat' a
(r$te#t$r!l!i d!mitale &i al me!' (entr! #are ar tre!i s" ne d"m &i
.ia-a.
? Ii (entr! #are s!nt +ata s" mi2$ da! (e2a meaD iz!#ni
Cene.iB0e cu entu%ia!m-
? Ei ine' Cene.iV.e' n! &ti! #!m de n2ai ,$st n stare s" ,a#i n
a&a ,el n#)t $m!l a#esta s" ,ie ndr"+it de :a!ri#e' #eea #e era at)t de
im($rtant. Ast"zi' n (r$asta stare de s(irit n #are l2ai ad!s' :a!ri#e
i2ar (!tea re,!za l!i :$rand #eea #e are s"2i #ear" &i #eea #e tre!ie #!
$ri#e (re- s" $-inem. Vrei a#!ma s"2-i s(!n' Cene.iB0e& unde au !"2l
d!#" (e :$rand t$ate s!s#e(tiilit"-ile' e6a+er"rile &i reti#en-ele
d!mitale sentimentaleA
* O+ domn!le' iz!#ni Cene.iV.e' m(re!n)nd!2&i m)inile &i
("lind' d$mn!le' s" n! mai .$rim ni#i$dat" de astaD
? Ei at!n#i' !rm" %i6mer' (!n)nd!2&i !zele (e ,r!ntea s$-iei
sale' ,ii tare &i +)nde&te2te.
Ii (le#".
? OD %$amneD %$amneD &$(ti Cene.iV.e' n+r$zit"' #! #)t"
n.er&!nare m" m(in+ ei s" n#!.iin-ez dra+$stea s(re #are z$ar" t$t
s!,let!l me!D...
A d$!a zi era zi de s"r"t$are' a ze#ea zi a de#adei re(!li#ane.
5e ,"#!se !n $i#ei n ,amilia %i6mer' #a dealt,el n t$ate ,amiliile
!r+/eze din a#ea .reme9 d!mini#a &i2n zilele de s"r"t$are !n (r)nz
mai l!n+ &i mai #erem$ni$s #a2n #elelalte zile ale s"(t"m)nii. %e #)nd
de.enise intim!l ,amiliei' :a!ri#e' ($,tit $dat" (entr! t$tdea!na la
asemenea $s(e-e' n! li(sise n#" ni#i$dat". n a#ele zile' #! t$ate #"
nde$e&te n! se a&eza! la mas" de#)t la #es!rile d$!"' :a!ri#e
.enea e6a#t la amiaz".
%!(" ,el!l n #are (le#ase' Cene.iB0e !e temea apoape c" n2are
s"2l mai .ad".
ntr2ade.ar' #eas!l "t! $ra amiezii ,"r" #a :a!ri#e s" se ,i z"rit<
a($i d$!"s(reze#e 1!m"tate' a($i !n!.
Ar ,i #! ne(!tin-" s" ar"t"m #e se (etre#ea n tim(!l a#elei
a&te(t"ri n s!,let!l Cene.iB0ei-
:ai nt)i se mr"#ase #)t mai sim(l! #! (!tin-"' a($i' ."z)nd #"
nt)rzie s" .in"' &i (!se' dintr2$ #$#/et"rie at)t de ,ireas#" ,emeii' $
,l$are la #in+"t$are &i $ ,l$are n ("r' &i #$ntin!" s" a&te(te' sim-ind
#!m i se str)n+e inima din #e n #e mai tare. A1!nseser" ast,el a(r$a(e
de #li(a n #are s" se a&eze la mas" &i :a!ri#e t$t n! se ar"tase.
La $rele d$!" ,"r" ze#e min!te' Cene.iB0e a!zi tr$($t!l #al!l!i l!i
:a!ri#e' tr$($t (e #are l #!n$&tea at)t de ine.
? O/D iat"2l' iz!#ni ea. Or+$li!l n2a (!t!t n.in+e dra+$stea. :"
i!e&teD :" i!e&teD
:a!ri#e des#"le#"' d"d! #al!l (e m)na "iat!l!i +r"dinar' dar i
($r!n#i s"2l a&te(te (e l$cul #n cae !e afla- Gene0iB0e #l pi0ea cum
co)oa"' dar ."z! #! n+ri1$rare #" +r"dinar!l n! d!#e #al!l la +ra1d.
:a!ri#e intr". n zi!a a#eea str"l!#ea de ,r!m$s #e era. Baina2i
lar+"' nea+r"' n #ar$!ri mari' .esta al"' (antal$nii din (iele de
#"(ri$ar"' #$nt!r)nd!2i (i#i$arele m$delate (ar#" d!(" #ele ale l!i
A($l$' +!ler!l din ()nz" ,in" de atist al &i (letele ,r!m$ase'
des#$(erind $ ,r!nte mare' n$il"' t$ate la !n l$# al#"t!ia! ti(!l !n!i
"rat distins &i (!terni#.
Intr". A&a #!m am mai s(!s' (rezen-a l!i i !m(lea inima de
,eri#ire Cene.iB0ei& cae #l #nt$mplin" radi$as".
? A/D iat"2te' n s,)r&it' zise ea' ntinz)nd!2i m)na. Iei masa #!
n$i' n!2i a&aA
? %im($tri."' #et"-ean"' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e #! !n t$n re#e'
.enisem s" ." #er n+"d!in-a de2a lip!i-
* De-a lip!i.
? %a' tre!rile de la se#-ie mi re#lam" (rezen-a. :2am tem!t s"
n! m" n.in!i-i #" s!nt ne($liti#$s< iat" de #e am .enit.
Gene0iB0e& feicit" aia de2$ #li("' sim-i #" inima i se
n#r)n#eneaz" iar"&i.
? O/D %!mneze!leD iz!#ni ea' &i %i6mer #are n! ia masa #! n$i'
#are era si+!r #" te +"se&te la nt$ar#ere' mi2a dat misi!nea s" te re-in.
? AD at!n#i -i n-ele+ st"r!in-a' d$amn". E $ ($r!n#" a s$-!l!i
d!mitale. Ii e! #are ni#i +)nd s2$ +/i#es# &i (e astaD ntr2ade."r'
ni#i$dat" n2am s" m" .inde# de tr!,ia mea.
* Mauice+
? :ie2mi re.ine sar#ina de2a -ine seama mai #!r)nd de a#-i!nile
de#)t de .$rele d!mitale< e! tre!ie s" n-ele+ #"' da#" %i6mer n! e
de ,a-"' e !n m$ti. n (l!s s" n! r"m)n. Li(sa l!i ar nsemna $
st)n1enire s($rit" pentu dumneata-
? %ar de #eA ntre" #! s,ii#i!ne Cene.iB0e-
? *entr! #" de #)nd m2am nt$rs (ari a2-i da t$at" $steneala s"
m" $#$le&ti. *entr! #" m2am nt$rs (entr! d!mneata' n!mai (entr!
d!mneata' $ &tii (rea ine' $D %$amne2%!mneze!leD &i #" de #)nd
m2am nt$rs am +"sit t$tdea!na' ,"r" n#etare' mere! (e al-ii &i
ni#i$dat" (e d!mneata.
? Iat"2te iar"&i s!("rat' dra+" (rietene' &i #! t$ate a#estea e! ,a#
t$t #e2mi st" n (!tin-"...
? N!2i ade."rat' Cene.iB0e& po-i s" ,a#i mai m!lt. 5a! s" m"
(rime&ti #a mai nainte' sa! s" m" al!n+i de2a inelea.
? Bai' :a!ri#e' s(!se #! d!i$&ie Cene.iV.e' n-ele+e n #e sit!a-ie
m" a,l!' +/i#e&te2mi temerile &i s(aimele &i n! mai ,a#e (e tiran!l #!
mine.
Ii t)n"ra ,emeie se a(r$(ie de el &i2l (ri.i #! triste-e. :a!ri#e
t"#!.
? %ar s(!ne2mi #e .reiA !rm" ea.
? Vrea! s" te ($t i!i' Cene.iB0e& fiindc" simt #" a#!ma n! mai
($t tr"i ,"r" dra+$stea (e #are -i2$ ($rt.
? :a!ri#e' ,ie2-i mil"D
? At!n#i' d$amn"' iz!#ni :a!ri#e' ar tre!i s" m" la&i s" m$r.
? 5" m$riA
? %a' s" m$r' sa! s" !it.
? A&adar' d!mneata ai (!tea s" !i-iA e6#lam" Cene.iB0e& ale c"rei
la#rimi !r#ar" din inim" &i2i !m(l!r" $#/ii.
? VaiD n!' n!' &$(ti :a!ri#e' #"z)nd n +/en!n#/i' n!' Cene.iB0e&
!" m$r' ($ate' s" !it' ni#i$dat"' ni#i$dat"D
? Ii t$t!&i' !rm" Gene0iB0e cu 1ot"r)re' ar ,i #el mai ine'
:a!ri#e' ,iind#" dra+$stea asta e #riminal".
? I2ai s(!s asta &i d$mn!l!i :$randA ntre" :a!ri#e' re.enind
s!it la r"#eala2i de mai nainte.
? %$mn!l :$rand n!2i ne!n #a d!mneata' :a!ri#e' &i n2am a.!t
ni#i$dat" (rile1!l s"2i ar"t ,el!l n #are ar tre!i s" se ($arte n #asa
!n!i (rieten.
? :" (rind (e $ri#e' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' s!r)z)nd #! ir$nie' m"
(rind (e $ri#e #"' da#" %i6mer ia masa n alt" (arte' :$rand n! .a
li(si. A/D iat" #e m$ti.e seri$ase tre!ie s"2mi opui& Gene0iB0e& ca !"
m" m(iedi#i s" te i!es#. 0"#i at)ta .reme #)t .a ,i ai#i' n #$asta
d!mitale' ,"r" s" te ("r"seas#" ni#i $ #li("' !rm" el #! dis(re-' n!' n!'
n2am s" te i!es#' sa!' #el (!-in' n2am s" re#!n$s# #" te i!es#.
* Ia eu& i%)ucni Gene0iB0e& !coa!" din ,ire de a#eea .e&ni#"
s!s(i#i!ne' str)n+)nd!2l de ra- (e t)n"r!l n$str!' #! !n s$i de
,renezie' e! -i 1!r' n-ele+e ine' :a!ri#e' &i asta -i2$ s(!n $ dat"
(entr! t$tdea!na' -i2$ s(!n #a s" n! ne mai nt$ar#em la asemenea
s!ie#t ni#i$dat"' -i 1!r #" :$rand n! mi2a adresat ni#i$dat" m"#ar !n
#!.)nt de dra+$ste' #" :$rand n! m2a i!it ni#i$dat" &i #" ni#i$dat"
:$rand n! m" .a i!i. -i 1!r (e #instea mea' (e s!,let!l mamei mele.
? VaiD e6#lam" :a!ri#e' #)t a& .rea s" te #redD
* O1+ crede2m"' s"rman ne!nD s(!se ea #! !n s!r)s #are (entr!
$ri#ine a,ar" de !n +el$s ar ,i ,$st $ m"rt!risire (lin" de ,arme#.
0rede2m"D %ealt,el' .rei s" &tii mai m!ltA Ei ine' a,l" #" :$rand
i!e&te $ ,emeie n ,a-a #"reia dis(ar t$ate ,emeile de (e ("m)nt' a&a
#!m ,l$rile de #)m( dis(ar n ,a-a stelel$r de (e #er.
? Ii #ine2i ,emeia' ntre" :a!ri#e' #are ($ate e#li(sa ntr2at)t (e
#elelalte ,emei' #)nd (rintre ele se a,l" Cene.iB0e.
? 0ea (e #are2$ i!e&ti' r"s(!se Cene.iB0e !u$%$nd& nu-i ea
totdeauna ca($d$(era #rea-ieiA
? At!n#i' !rm" :a!ri#e' da#" n! m" i!e&ti' Cene.iB0e---
T)n"ra n$astr" a&tea(t" #! n+ri1$rare s,)r&it!l ,razei l!i.
? %a#" n! m" i!e&ti' s(!se :a!ri#e mai de(arte' ($-i #el (!-in
s"2mi 1!ri #" ni#idat" n2ai s" i!e&ti (e alt!lA
* O1+ #)t des(re asta' :a!ri#e' -i2$ 1!r &i n#" din t$at" inima'
e6#lam" Cene.iB0e& #nc$ntat" #" :a!ri#e' el sin+!r' i $,erea asemenea
tranza#-ie #! #$n&tiin-a ei.
:a!ri#e #!(rinse am)nd$!" m)inile (e #are Cene.iB0e le #n"l-a
s(re #er &i le a#$(eri #! s"r!t"ri ,ierin-i.
? Ei ine' a#!m' s(!se el' am s" ,i! !n' n-ele+"t$r &i n#rez"t$r'
a#!m am s" ,i! +ener$s. Vrea! s"2-i s!r)d' .rea! s" ,i! ,eri#it.
? Ii n2ai s" #eri nimi# mai m!ltA
? Am s" n#er#.
* Acuma& !pu!e Gene0iB0e& !ocot !" e in!til s"2-i mai -in" #al!l
(re+"tit de (le#are. 5e#-ia n2are de#)t s2a&te(te.
? VaiD Cene.iV.e' #)t a& d$ri #a l!mea ntrea+" s" a&te(te &i e!
s2$ ($t ,a#e s2a&te(te (entr! d!mneata.
5e a!zir" (a&i n #!rte.
? Vine #ine.a s" ne s(!n" #" masa e +ata' s(!se Cene.iB0e-
&i str)nser" m)inile (e ,!ri&.
T$#mai :$rand ,! a#ela #are .enea s" s(!n" #" n! mai era!
a&te(ta-i' (entr! a se a&eza la mas"' de#)t :a!ri#e &i Cene.iV.e. Ii el
se +"tise (entr! (r)nz!l a#ela de d!mini#".
Capitolul XIX
CEREREA
C"tit #! at)ta !n2+!st' :$rand tre%i!e o mae cuio%itate #n oc1ii
lui Mauice-
0/iar &i #el mai ra,inat dintre tinerii re+ali&ti ele+an-i ai e($#ii n2ar
,i +"sit ni#i !n #!s!r n$d!l!i #ra.atei' #!tel$r #izmel$r sa! -es"t!rii ,ine
a #"m"&ii sale.
%ar tre!ie s" m"rt!risim #" a.ea a#ela&i ("r &i (!rta a#eia&i
$#/elari.
I se ("r! at!n#i l!i :a!ri#e' ()n" ntr2at)t l lini&tise 1!r"m)nt!l
Cene.iB0e& i !e p"r!' zi#eam' #" i .ede (entr! nt)ia $ar" ("r!l &i
$#/elarii n ade."rata l$r l!min".
JAl dra#!l!i s" ,i!' &i s(!se :a!ri#e n sinea l!i' ndre(t)nd!2se
s(re :$rand #a s"2l sal!te' al dra#!l!i s" ,i! da#2$i mai ,i .re$dat"
+el$s (e tine' ra.e #et"-ene :$randD %a#" .rei' n2ai de#)t s"2-i (!i n
,ie#are zi /ainele de d!mini#" de #!l$area +!&ei de /!l! &i s"2-i ,a#i
(entr! s"r"t$ri !n #$st!m -es!t din a!r. 0! n#e(ere de ast"zi -i
,"+"d!ies# #" n2am s" m" mai !it de#)t la ("r!l t"! &i la $#/elarii (e
#are2i ($r-i' &i mai ales n2am s" te mai n.in!ies# #" $ i!e&ti (e
Cene.iB0e-C
%!(" !n asemenea m$n$l$+' e de la sine n-eles #" str)ns$area
m)inii date #et"-ean!l!i :$rand a ,$st #! m!lt mai sin#er" &i mai
#$rdial" #a de $i#ei.
Alt,el de#)t alt"dat"' (r)nz!l s2a des,"&!rat ntre (!-ini. N! era!
de#)t trei ta#)m!ri (e $ mas" n+!st". :a!ri#e (ri#e(! #" (e s!
mas" .a (!tea da (este (i#i$r!l Cene0iB0eiJ picioul 0a continua fa%a
mut"' de dra+$ste' (e #are $ n#e(!se m)na.
52a! a&ezat la mas". :a!ri#e $ .edea (e Cene.iV.e dintr2$ (arte<
ea &edea m($tri.a l!minii9 ("r!2i ne+r! "tea n re,le6e alastre #a
(ana #$r!l!i< ten!l i str"l!#ea' iar oc1ii eau ume%i de da"o!te-
:a!ri#e #"!t" &i d"d! (este (i#i$r!l Cene.iB0ei- La pima atin"ee&
c"!t)nd $ rea#-ie (e #/i(!l ei' $ ."z! n a#ela&i tim( r$&ind &i ("lind.
*i#i$r!&!l r"mase ns" (a&ni# s! mas"' ad$rmit ntre ale l!i.
n /ainele2i +!&" de /!l!' :$rand ("rea #"2&i re+"sise dis ($zi-ia
s"r"t$reas#"' s(irit!l s#li(it$r &i #a(ti.ant (e #are :a!ri#e l ."z!se
!ne$ri -)&nind de (e !zele a#est!i $m strani! &i (e

#are ,"r" nd$ial"
#" l2ar ,i ns$-it ,la#"ra din $#/i' da#" $#/elarii .erzi n2ar ,i a#$(erit2$
#! des".)r&ire.
5(!se mii de n"z)tii ,"r" s" r)d" del$#< t$#mai n aer!l seri$s &i
im(ert!rail #$nsta (!terea +l!mel$r l!i :$rand &i din el se
des(rindea ,arme#!l a#ela #i!dat al s(iritel$r sale. Ne+!st$r!l a#esta'
#are #"l"t$rise at)ta (entr! #$mer-!l de (iei de t$ate s$i!rile' de la
(iele de (anter" ()n" la #ele de ie(!re' #/imist!l "sta #! ra-ele r$&ii'
#!n$&tea E+i(t!l #a &i Ber$d$t' A,ri#a la ,el #! Le.aillant &i O(era $ri
iata#!rile ,emeil$r #a !n t)n"r +alant al re+at!l!i.
? %ar' z"!' #et"-ene :$rand' e6#lam" :a!ri#e' d!mneata n! e&ti
(!r &i sim(l! !n $m #! m!lte #!n$&tin-e' #i !n ade."rat sa.ant.
? Am ."z!t at)tea' dar mai #! seam" am #itit m!lt' r"s(!nse
:$rand. *e !rm"' n! tre!ie $are s" te (re+"te&ti (!-in &i (entr! .ia-a
de (l"#eri #"reia m" +)ndes# s" m" deda! de ndat" #e .$i ,a#e
a.ereA E tim(!l' #et"-ene :a!ri#e' e tim(!lD
? EiD ,"#! :a!ri#e' d!mneata .$re&ti de (ar#" ai ,i "tr)n. 0e
.)rst" aiA
:$rand se nt$arse tres"rind la ntrearea l!i :a!ri#e' at)t de
,ireas#".
* Am treize#i &i $(t de ani' r"s(!nse el .E/D asta nseamn" s" ,ii
sa.ant' #!m s(!i d!mneata' s" n! mai ai .)rst".
Gene0iB0e #ncepu !" r)d"< :a!ri#e r)se &i el< :$rand se m!l-!mi
s" z)meas#".
? Ii s(!i #" ai #"l"t$rit m!ltA l ntre" :a!ri#e' str)n+)nd ntre
ale !ale picioul Gene0iB0ei& cae #nceca pe ne!im-ite s" s#a(e de
str)ns$are.
? O (arte din tinere-ea mea' r"s(!nse :$rand' s2a s#!rs n
str"in"tate.
? Ai ."z!t m!lte< iarta2m"' ar ,i tre!it s" s(!n #" ai $ser.at'
!rm" :a!ri#e' #"#i !n $m #a d!mneata n! ($ate s" .ad" ,"r" s"
$ser.e.
? *e #instea mea' am ."z!t m!lte' s(!se :$rand. A(r$a(e #2a&
s(!ne #2am ."z!t t$t.
? T$t' #et"-ene' e tare m!lt' l ntrer!(se :a!ri#e r)z)nd' &i da#"
ai ,i #"!tat...
? A/D da' ai dre(tate. 5!nt d$!" l!#r!ri (e #are n#" n! le2am
."z!t ni#i$dat". E ade."rat #" n zilele n$astre asemenea l!#r!ri se
+"ses# din #e n #e mai rar.
? Ii #are2s a#eleaA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? *rim!l' r"s(!nse #! +ra.itate :$rand' e !n %!mneze!.
? OD e6#lam" :a!ri#e' n li(s" de %!mnezei' #et"-ene :$rand'
-i2a& ar"ta $ zei-".
* Cum a!ta. #l #nteup!e Gene0iB0e-
? %a' $ zei-"' #rea-i!ne #! t$t!l m$dern"9 zei-a Ra-i!ne. Am !n
(rieten' des(re #are m2a-i a!zit !ne$ri .$rind' dra+!l &i ra.!l me!
L$rin' $ inim" de a!r' #are n2are de#)t !n sin+!r #!s!r' a#ela #" ,a#e
#atrene &i #alam!r!ri.
? Ei &iA
? Ei' &i s2a a(!#at s" $,ere $ra&!l!i *aris a.anta1!l de2a a.ea $
zei-" Ra-i!ne' (er,e#t (!s" la (!n#t &i #"reia n! i s2a +"sit ni#i !n
#!s!r. E #et"-eana Art/Emise' ,$st" dansat$are la O(er" &i n (rezent
.)nz"t$are de (ar,!m!ri n strada :artin. %e ndat" #e .a ,i de,initi.
a##e(tat" #a zei-"' .$i (!tea s" .2$ ar"t. 0el"lalt l!#r!' zise el' e !n
re+e.
? OD a&a #e.a e mai +re!' s(!se Cene.iV.e' silind!2se s" z)m2
eas#"' n! mai s!nt.
? Ar ,i tre!it s" a.e-i +ri1" s"2l .ede-i (e !ltim!l' inter.eni
:a!ri#e.
? %e ai#i rez!lt" ,a(t!l' #$ntin!" :$rand' #" n!2mi ($t ,a#e ni#i $
idee de #!m arat" $ ,r!nte n#$r$nat"9 tre!ie s" ,ie tare trist".
? Tare trist"' ntr2ade."r' s(!se :a!ri#e< ." asi+!r e! #are ."d
!na a(r$a(e n ,ie#are l!n".
? O ,r!nte n#$r$nat"A se mir" Cene.iB0e-
? 5a! #el (!-in' !rm" :a!ri#e' #are a (!rtat ($.ara +rea &i
d!rer$as" a !nei #$r$ane.
? A/D da' re+ina' e6#lam" :$rand. Ai dre(tate' d$mn!le :a!ri#e'
tre!ie s" ,ie $ (ri.eli&te l!+!r"...
* E c/iar at)t de ,r!m$as" &i de m)ndr" #!m se s(!neA ntre"
Cene.iB0e-
? N2ai ."z!t2$ ni#i$dat"' d$amn"A $ ntre" la r)nd!l s"!
:a!ri#e' mirat.
? E!A Ni#i$dat"...' r"s(!nse t)n"ra n$astr".
? ntr2ade."r' s(!se :a!ri#e' e #i!datD
? Ii de #e #i!datA ntre" Cene0iB0e- Am t"it n (r$.in#ie ()n"2n
91< din 91' l$#!ies# (e .e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es' #are seam"n" tare
m!lt a (r$.in#ie' a,ar" d$ar #" n2ai s$are del$#' &i ai mai (!-in aer &i
mai (!-ine ,l$ri. %!mneata mi &tii .ia-a' #et"-ene :a!ri#e' t$tdea!na a
,$st la ,el. 0!m s2$ ,i ."z!t (e re+in"A Ni#i$dat" n! mi s2a i.it (rile1!l.
? Ii n! #red #" ai (r$,ita de #el #are' din nen$r$#ire' -i s2ar
(rezenta ($ate' s(!se :a!ri#e.
? 0e .rei s" s(!iA ntre" Cene.iB0e-
? 0et"-ean!l :a!ri#e' inter.eni :$rand' ,a#e al!zie la !n l!#r!
#are n! mai e $ tain".
? 0are l!#r!A ntre" din n$! Cene.iB0e-
? Ei #areD la #$ndamnarea (r$ail" a :ariei2Ant$aneta la
m$arte' (e a#ela&i e&a,$d (e #are a m!rit &i s$-!l ei. 0et"-ean!l zi#e' n
s,)r&it' #" d!mneata n! ai s" #a!-i s2$ .ezi n zi!a n #are .a ie&i din
n#/is$area Tem(le' #a s" se d!#" n *ia-a Re.$l!-iei.
? O/D inen-eles #" n!' iz!#ni Cene.iB0e la cu0intele o!tite cu
un at$t de "lacial !$n"e ece de c"tre :$rand.
? At!n#i' resemneaz"2te' #$ntin!" im(asiil #/imist!l' #"#i
a!stria#a este ine ("zit" &i Re(!li#a e $ z)n" #are ,a#e s" dis(ar" (e
$ri#ine ($,te&te ea.
? :"rt!rises#' s(!se Cene.iB0e& c" a& ,i ,$st t$t!&i tare #!ri$as"
s2$ ."d (e ,emeia asta' iata de ea.
? 5" .edem' se +r"i s" s(!n" :a!ri#e' #)t se ($ate de ne2
r"d"t$r s" a,le t$ate d$rin-ele Cene.iB0ei- C1ia ai doi cu-ade0"rat
s2$ .eziA At!n#i s(!ne2mi n!mai !n #!.)nt. Re(!li#a e $ z)n"' are
dre(tate #et"-ean!l :$rand' dar &i e!' n #alitate de #et"-ean
m!ni#i(al' s!nt ntr2$ mi#" m"s!r" .r"1it$r.
* Ai p!tea s" m" d!#i s2$ ."d (e re+in"' d!mneata' d$mn!leA
iz!#ni Cene.iB0e-
? 5i+!r #2a& (!tea.
? Ii #!m astaA ntre" :$rand' s#/im)nd re(ede $ (ri.ire s#!rt"
#! Cene.iB0e& cae tecu neo)!e0at" de t)n"r!l ndr"+$stit.
? Nimi# mai sim(l!' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e. 5!nt inen-eles &i
#et"-eni m!ni#i(ii #are n! s!nt demni de n#redere' a s!nt #/iar
"n!i-i. %ar e!' e! am dat dest!le d$.ezi de de.$tament ,a-" de #a!za
liert"-ii' #a s" n! ,i! (rintre a#eia. %ealt,el' intr"rile n n#/is$area
Tem(le de(ind at)t de #et"-enii m!ni#i(ali' #)t &i de &e,ii de ($st. Or'
&e, de ($st n zi!a #)nd .$i ,i de +ard" e t$#mai (rieten!l L$rin' #are
mi se (are #" a ,$st #/emat s" nl$#!ias#" ni#i mai m!lt ni#i mai (!-in
de#)t (e +eneral!l 5anterre' dat ,iind #" n trei l!ni s2a ridi#at de la
+rad!l de #a($ral la #el de ad1!tant2ma1$r. Ei ine' .in$ s" m" #a!-i la
Tem(le n zi!a #)nd .$i ,i de +ard"' adi#" 1$ia .iit$are.
? n s,)r&it' s(!se :$rand' n"d"1d!ies# #" e&ti ser.it" d!(" #!m
($,te&ti. Vezi #!m mer+e treaaA
* Vai+ nu& nu& eF#lam" Cene.iB0e& nu 0eau-
? Ii de #eA iz!#ni :a!ri#e' (entr! #are .izita a#eea la Tem(le n!
nsemna de#)t mi1l$#!l de2a .edea (e Cene.iV.e ntr2$ zi n #are &tia
#" este li(sit de2asemenea ,eri#ire.
? *entr! #"' r"s(!nse Cene.iB0e& a #n!emna poate !" te e6(!i'
dra+" :a!ri#e' la .re!n #$n,li#t ne(l"#!t' iar da#" -i s2ar nt)m(la
d!mitate' (rieten!l n$str!' #ine &tie #e ne#az' (rile1!it de satis,a#erea
!n!i #a(ri#i! al me!' n! mi2a& ierta2$ t$at" .ia-aD
? Iat" #)t de n-ele(t ai .$rit' Cene.iB0e& !pu!e M$rand.
0rede2m"' s!s(i#i!nile s!nt mari' #ei mai !ni (atri$-i s!nt ast"zi
s!s(e#-i. Ren!n-" la !n asemenea (lan' #are' (entr! d!mneata' a&a
#!m ai s(!s' n!2i de#)t !n sim(l! #a(ri#i! al #!ri$zit"-ii.
? 52ar s(!ne #" .$re&ti #a !n +el$s' :$rand' &i #" de$are#e n2ai
."z!t ni#i re+e' ni#i re+in"' n! .rei #a al-ii s"2i .ad". Bai' a! te mai
$(!ne' .in$ &i d!mneataD
* Eu. 'n nici un ca%-
? %$ar n! #et"-eana %i6mer d$re&te s" .in" la Tem(le. E! $ r$+ &i
n! n!mai (e ea' #i &i (e d!mneata' s" .eni-i s" distra-i (e2!n iet
de-in!t. 0"#i' $dat" ($arta n#!iat" d!(" intrarea mea' de.in &i e!'
tim( de d$!"ze#i &i (atr! de $re' t$t at)t de de-in!t #)t ar ,i &i2!n re+e.
Ii' str)n+)nd (i#i$r!l Cene.iV.ei #! (i#i$arele l!i' s(!se9
? Veni-i' z"!' ." #$n1!r.
? Itii #e' :$rand& %i!e Gene0iB0e& #n!o-e&te2m".
? Asta nseamn" $ zi (ierd!t"' s(!se :$rand' #are2mi .a nt)rzia
#! $ zi data n #are2mi .$i li#/ida #$mer-!l.
? At!n#i n! m" d!# ni#i e!' zise Cene.iB0e-
? Ii de #eA ntre" :$rand.
? Ei' %$amneD e ,$arte sim(l!' i r"s(!n!e Gene0iB0e& pentu c"
da#" n! m" ($t iz!i (e s$-!l me!' #a s" m" ns$-eas#"' &i da#" ni#i
d!mneata n! mer+i #! mine' d!mneata' $m seri$s' $m de treize#i &i
$(t de ani' e! n! .$i a.ea #!tezan-a de2a mer+e s" n,r!nt sin+!r"
($st!rile t!naril$r' +renadiril$r &i .)n"t$ril$r' #a s" #er s" .$res# #!
!n #et"-ean m!ni#i(al #are n!2i mai mare #a mine de#)t #! trei sa!
(atr! ani.
? At!n#i' s(!se :$rand' de .reme #e #rezi #" (rezen-a mea e
indis(ensail"' #et"-ean"...
? Baide' /aide' #et"-ene sa.ant' ,ii +alant' #a &i #!m ai ,i (!r &i
sim(l! !n $m $are#are' inter.eni :a!ri#e' &i sa#ri,i#"2-i 1!m"tate din zi
(entr! s$-ia (rieten!l!i d!mitale.
* Aie+ %i!e Moand-
? A#!m' !rm" :a!ri#e' n! ." #er de#)t !n sin+!r l!#r!9 dis#re-ie.
O .izit" la n#/is$area Tem(le e $ in#!rsi!ne s!s(e#t" &i $ri#e a##ident'
#)t de neim($rtant' s2ar nt)m(la n !rma !nei asemenea .izite' ne
d!#e (e t$-i la +/il$tin". 0! ia#$inii n!2i de

+l!mit' ,ir2ar ei s" ,ieD A-i
."z!t #!m s2a! (!rtat #! +ir$ndinii.
* Ei& dace+ !pu!e Moand& te)uie s" l!"m n #$nsidera-ie #e ne
s(!ne #et"-ean!l :a!ri#e. Ar ,i !n ,el de2a ie&i din #$mer- #are n! mi
s2ar ($tri.i del$#.
* N-ai au%it& inte0eni Gene0iB0e& %$m)ind& c" #et"-ean!l a s(!s
t$-iA
? 0!m t$-iA
? T$-i m(re!n".
? %a' ,"r" nd$ial"' t$."r"&ia e (l"#!t"< dar' ,r!m$asa mea
sentimental"' n t$."r"&ia d!mitale (re,er s" tr"ies# de#)t s" m$r.
JEi' naD !nde dra#! mi2era #a(!l' se ntre" :a!ri#e n sinea l!i'
#)nd #redeam #" $m!l a#esta e ndr"+$stit de Cene.iB0e.C
? At!n#i s2a /$t"r)t' #$ntin!" Cene.iB0e' ei' :$rand' #!
d!mneata .$res#' #! d!mneata #el dis#ret' #! d!mneata #el .is"t$r'
(e 1$ia .iit$are. N! #!m.a s" te a(!#i mier#!ri seara de .re$
e6(erien-" de #/imie #are s" te re-in" d$!"ze#i &i (atr! de #eas!ri'
#!m se nt)m(la !ne$ri.
* Aii pe pace& i r"s(!nse :$rand. %ealt,el de2a#!m &i ()n" at!n#i
ai s"2mi mai ad!#i aminte.
Gene0iB0e !e idic" de la mas"' :a!ri#e i !rm" e6em(l!l &i
:$rand a.ea s" ,a#" la ,el (entr! a2i ns$-i' ($ate' #)nd !n!l dintre
l!#r"t$ri i ad!se #/imist!l!i $ ,i$l" mi#"' (lin" #! $ li#$are #e2i atrase
t$at" aten-ia.
? 5" ne +r"im' s(!se :a!ri#e' l!)nd2$ (e Cene.iB0e-
? OD ,ii lini&tit' i r"s(!nse ea' are a#!m de l!#r! #el (!-in $ $r"
ntrea+".
Ii t)n"ra &i l"s" m)na ntr2ale l!i' iar el i2$ str)nse #! d!i$&ie. Ea
a.ea rem!&#"ri (entr! tr"darea #$mis" &i2&i (l"tea rem!&#"rile
d"r!ind!2i ,eri#ire.
? Vezi' i s(!se' str""t)nd +r"dina &i ar"t)nd!2i l!i :a!ri#e
+ar$a,ele #e ,!seser" ad!se la ea ntr2$ #aset" de lemn de a#a1!' #a s"
le read!#" la .ia-" da#" ar mai ,i ,$st #! (!tin-"' .ezi' ,l$rile mele a!
m!rit.
? 0ine le2a !#isA Ne("sarea d!mitale' zise :a!ri#e. 5"rmane
+ar$a,eD
? N! e ne("sarea mea' e ("r"sirea d!mitale' dra+" (rietene.
? T$t!&i' ele n! #erea! de#)t ,$arte (!-in' Cene.iB0e& pu-in" a("'
at)ta t$t' &i (le#area mea tre!ie s"2-i ,i l"sat dest!l tim(.
? VaiD r"s(!nse Cene.iB0e& dac" ,l$rile s2ar str$(i #! la#rimi'
s"rmanele +ar$a,e' #!m le s(!i d!mneata' n2ar ,i m!rit.
:a!ri#e $ #!(rinse n ra-e' $ a(r$(ie ("tima& de el &i' mai nainte
#a ea s" ,i a.!t tim( s" se a(ere' &i a("s" !zele (e $#/i!l (e
1!m"tate s!r)z"t$r' (e 1!m"tate trist' #are (ri.ea #!tia r"."&it".
Gene0iB0e a0ea at$tea lucui !"2&i re(r$&eze sie&i' n#)t ,! n2
+"d!it$are.
%i6mer se nt$arse t)rzi!' dar la rent$ar#erea sa i +"si (e
:$rand' Cene.iV.e &i :a!ri#e n +r"din" dis#!t)nd $tani#".
Capitolul XX
3LORRREA5A
n s,)r&it' 1$ia ,aim$as"' zi!a de +ard" a l!i :a!ri#e' s$si.
Era la n#e(!t!l l!nii i!nie. 0er!l ("rea de2!n alastr! n#/is &i (e
ntinderea l!i sinilie se des(rindea al!l mat al #asel$r n$i. n#e(!se a
se (resim-i s$sirea a#el!i #)ine teriil (e #are #ei din .e#/ime &i2l
n#/i(!ia! mist!it de2$ sete ne($t$lit" &i #are' d!(" s(!sele
(arizienil$r' a #el$r din (lee' lin+e at)t de ine (a.a1eleD *aris!l era
#!rat #a !n #$.$r &i miresmele #e se n"l-a! din ar$ri' emana! din
,l$ri' se r"s()ndea! &i m"ta! aer!l de (ar#2ar ,i .$it s"2i ,a#" (e
l$#!it$rii 0a(italei s" !ite (!-in a!r!l a#ela de s)n+e #are ,!me+a ,"r"
n#etare (e #aldar)m!l (ie-el$r.
:a!ri#e tre!ia s" intre la Tem(le la #eas!rile n$!" ,i6. 0ei d$i
#$le+i ai l!i era! :er#e.a!lt &i A+ri#$la. La $rele $(t se a,la n .e#/ea
strad" 5aint28a#H!es' n mare -in!t" de #et"-ean m!ni#i(al' adi#" #! $
e&ar," tri#$l$r"' #e2i str)n+ea talia s!-ire &i ml"di$as". Venise #a de
$i#ei (e #al la Cene.iV.e &i #)t -in! dr!m!l (!t!se #!le+e el$+ii &i
ndemn!ri ,"-i&e de la (atri$tele #are2l (ri.ea! tre#)nd.
Gene0iB0e ea "ata demult- /uta o oc1ie !impl" de m!selin"' !n
s$i de manta de ta,ta !&$ar" (e deas!(ra &i $ $ne-i#" m($d$it" #!
#$#$rd" tri#$l$r"' n asemenea #$st!m sim(l!' era de $ ,r!m!se-e
!l!it$are.
:$rand' #are' a&a #!m am ."z!t' se l"sase tare m!lt r!+at' de
,ri#" s" n! ,ie s!s(e#tat dre(t arist$#rat se mr"#ase #! /ainele de
t$ate zilele' ni&te /aine (e 1!m"tate de !r+/ez' (e 1!m"tate de
me&te&!+ar. Aia .enise &i ,a-a l!i ."dea !rmele !nei mari $$seli.
*retindea #" m!n#ise t$at" n$a(tea #a s" termine $ l!#rare
!r+ent".
%i6mer (le#ase ndat" d!(" nt$ar#erea (rieten!l!i s"! :$rand.
? Ei ine' ntre" Cene.iB0e& ce 1ot"r)re ai l!at' :a!ri#e' #!m $
.$m .edea (e re+in"A
? As#!lta-i' e! mi2am ,"#!t (lan!l. 5$ses# #! .$i la Tem(le' ."
(rezint l!i L$rin' (rieten!l me!' #are #$mand" +arda' mi ia! ($st!l n
(rimire &i la m$ment!l ($tri.it ." #a!t.
? %ar' ntre" :$rand' !nde &i #!m .$m .edea n$i (e de-in!-iA
? n tim(!l (r)nz!l!i sa! #inei' da#" ." #$n.ine' (rin !&a #!
+eam!ri a m!ni#i(alil$r.
? *er,e#tD e6#lam" :$rand.
:a!ri#e ."z! at!n#i #" :$rand se a(r$(ie de d!la(!l din ,!nd al
s!,ra+eriei &i ea n +ra" !n (a/ar de .in #!rat. Asemenea l!#r! l
mir". :$rand era ,$arte s$r! &i n! ea de $i#ei de#)t .in #! a(".
Cene.iV.e &i d"d! seama #" :a!ri#e se !ita mirat la #el #e ea.
? n#/i(!ie&te2-i s(!se ea' #" se $m$ar" m!n#ind nen$r$#it!l
"sta de :$rand' a&a n#)t e n stare s" n! ,i (!s nimi# n +!r" de ieri
diminea-".
? N2a l!at masa ai#iA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? N!' ,a#e ni&te e6(erien-e n $ra&.
Cene.iV.e &i l!a (re#a!-ii in!tile. :a!ri#e' #a !n "rat #are
i!e&te #!2ade."rat' #! alte #!.inte #a !n e+$ist .eritail' n! "+ase
de seam" ,a(ta l!i :$rand de#)t #! aten-ia s!(er,i#ial" (e #are $m!l
ndr"+$stit $ a#$rd" n trea#"t $ri#"rei m(re1!r"ri nele+ate de ,emeia
i!it".
*a/ar!l!i de .in :$rand i mai ad"!+" $ ,elie de ()ine (e #are $
n+/i-i /!l(a..
? Ii a#!m' s(!se el d!(" #e m)n#"' iat" #" s!nt +ata' dra+"
#et"-ene :a!ri#e. 0)nd .rei' (!tem (le#a.
Mauice& cae de!foia pi!tiluile ofilite ale unei "aoafe u!cate& pe
cae o cule!e!e #n tecee& #i ofei Gene0iB0ei )a-!l' s(!n)nd9
? 5" (le#"m.
Ii (le#ar". 3eri#irea l!i :a!ri#e era at)t de mare' n#)t inima n!
i2$ (!tea #!(rinde n ntre+ime. Ar ,i #/i!it de !#!rie da#" n! s2ar ,i
st"()nit. ntr2ade."r' #e2ar ,i (!t!t el d$ri mai m!ltA N! n!mai #"
Cene.iB0e nu-l iu)ea pe Moand& de a!ta ea !i"u& da& mai mult& #l
iu)ea pe el' #el (!-in a&a n"d"1d!ia. %!mneze! trimisese !n s$are
,r!m$s (e ("m)nt' ra-!l Cene.iB0ei fem"ta s! al l!i' iar #raini#ii
(!li#i !rla! #)t i -inea +!ra' .estind tri!m,!l ia#$inil$r &i (r"!&irea
l!i >riss$t &i a #$m(li#il$r s"i' #! alte #!.inte' d)nd de &tire #" (atria
,!sese sal.at".
5!nt ntr2ade."r #li(e n .ia-" n #are inima $m!l!i e (rea mi#"
(entr! a (!tea #!(rinde t$at" !#!ria sa! t$at" d!rerea #are se ad!n"
n ea.
? OD #e zi ,r!m$as"D e6#lam" :$rand.
Mauice !e #ntoa!e cu uimie4 ea prim!l elan #e -)&nea n
(rezen-a l!i din $m!l a#esta mere! distrat sa! re-in!t.
? OD da' ,$arte ,r!m$as"' s(!se Cene.iB0e& l"s)nd!2se !&$r (e
ra-!l l!i :a!ri#e. %e2ar r"m)ne a&a ()n" desear"' senin" &i ,"r" ni#i
!n n$r' #!m e n #li(a de ,a-"D
Mauice !oi #!.intele ei &i ,eri#irea i #res#! nd$it.
:$rand se !it" la Cene.iB0e pin oc1elaii !"i .erzi' #! $ e6(resie
de ad)n#" re#!n$&tin-"9 ($ate #" &i el i s$rise #!.intele.
A! str""t!t ast,el' tre#)nd (este *etit2*$nt' strada 8!i.erie' a($i
*$d!l N$tre2%ame' (e !rm" a! a(!#at2$ s(re (ia-a B$teD2de2Ville' a($i
(e strada >arre2d!2>e# &i strada 5ainte2A.$=e. *e m"s!r" #e nainta!'
(as!l l!i :a!ri#e se ,"#ea t$t mai !&$r' n tim( #e' dim($tri."' (as!l
t$.ar"&ei l!i &i al ns$-it$r!l!i ei n#etinea! din #e #n ce-
A1!nseser" n #$l-!l str"zii Vieilles2A!driettes' #)nd' dintr2$ dat"' $
,l$r"reas" $(ri tre#erea (rietenil$r n$&tri' n,"-i&)nd!2le #$&!l ei (lin de
,l$ri.
? 0e min!nate +ar$a,eD e6#lam" :a!ri#e.
? %a' tare ,r!m$ase' n#!.in-" Cene.iB0e- Se pae c" #ei #are le
#!lti." n2a! alte (re$#!("ri' #"#i iat"' n! s!nt $,ilite.
V$rele ei s!nar" tare d!l#e n s!,let!l t)n"r!l!i re(!li#an.
? EiD 0/i(e&e m!ni#i(alD i se adres" ,l$r"reas"' ia #!m("r" !n
!#/et #et"-enei. V"d #" e mr"#at" n al' iat" ni&te min!nate
+ar$a,e r$&ii. Al!l #! (!r(!ri!l se ($tri.es# +r$za.. 0et"-eana are
s"2&i (rind" !#/et!l (e inim" &i' #!m inima ei e at)t de a(r$a(e de
/aina ta alastr"' .e-i a.ea la !n l$# #!l$rile na-i$nale.
3l$r"reasa era t)n"r" &i ,r!m$as"' &i deita la!dele #! $ +ra-ie
de$seit"' dealt,el la!dele ei era! ,$arte ine alese &i #/iar de2ar ,i
,"#!t2$ an!me' se ($tri.ea! de min!ne #! m(re1!rarea. n a,ar" de
asta' ,l$rile era! a(r$a(e sim$li#e9 ni&te +ar$a,e la ,el #! a#elea $,ilite
din #aseta de a#a1!.
* Da' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' am s" #!m("r' ,iind#" s!nt +ar$a,e'
m2a!zi t!A *e t$ate #elelalte ,l$ri n! le ($t s!,eri.
? OD :a!ri#e' e6#lam" Cene.iB0e& e c1ia de pi!o!+ A0em at$tea la
fel cu a!tea #n ""din"D
Ii' n #i!da re,!z!l!i a#esta din .)r,!l !zel$r' $#/ii ei s(!nea! #"
se t$(e&te de ($,t" s" ai" !#/et!l.
:a!ri#e l alese (e #el mai ,r!m$s dintre t$ate' era dealt,el #el (e
#are i2l nm)n" ,r!m$asa .)nz"t$are de ,l$ri' !n !#/et al#"t!it din
d$!"ze#i de +ar$a,e de #!l$area ma#!l!i' #! !n (ar,!m a#ri&$r' dar
s!a.. n mi1l$#!l t!t!r$r &i d$min)nd #a $ re+in"' ie&ea $ +ar$a,"
en$rm".
? Iat"' i s(!se :a!ri#e .)nz"t$arei' ar!n#)nd!2i (e l"di-a #a $
mi#" tara" $ an#n$t" de #in#i li.re' -ine' asta2i (entr! tineD
? :!l-!mes#' ,r!m$s!le m!ni#i(al' i r"s(!nse ,l$r"reasa'
m!l-!mes# de2$ s!t" de $riD
Ii (le#" s(re alt" (ere#/e de #et"-eni' #! s(eran-a #" ntr2$ zi #are
n#e(ea #! at)ta d"rni#ie are s"2i mear+" ine. n tim(!l a#estei s#ene'
,$arte sim(l" n a(aren-"' &i #are a d!rat aia #)te.a se#!nde' :$rand'
#l"tin)nd!2se (e (i#i$are' &i &ter+ea ,r!ntea' iar Cene.iB0e ea palid"
&i trem!ra t$at". L!"' n#le&t)nd!2&i n#)nt"t$area2i m)n"' !#/et!l'
(e #are i2l $,eri :a!ri#e' &i2l d!se la $raz mai m!lt (entr! a2&i as#!nde
em$-ia de#)t (entr! a2i mir$si (ar,!m!l. Rest!l dr!m!l!i ,! ,"#!t #!
.$ie !n"' mai ales de #"tre :a!ri#e. 0)t des(re Cene.iB0e& )ucuia ei
ea fo-at"' iar #ea a l!i :$rand se mani,esta ntr2!n #/i( #i!dat' #)nd
(rin s!s(ine n"!&ite' #)nd (rin /$/$te de r)s n +!ra mare' sa! (rin
+l!me r"s!n"t$are #e (l$!a! (este #a(etele tre#"t$ril$r #a $ sal." de
tir ,"r" $(rire.
La $rele n$!" a1!nser" la Tem(le.
5anterre ,"#ea a(el!l #et"-enil$r m!ni#i(ali.
? Ai#i s!nt' stri+" :a!ri#e' l"s)nd (e Cene.iB0e #n "i3a lui
Moand-
* A+ fii )ine0enit& !pu!e Santerre' ntinz)nd m)na t)n"r!l!i n$str!.
L!i :a!ri#e ni#i (rin +)nd n!2i tre#! s" re,!ze m)na #e2i ,!sese
ntins". *rietenia l!i 5anterre' era ,"r" nd$ial"' !na dintre #ele mai
(re-i$ase ale e($#ii.
V"z)nd!2l (e $m!l #are #$mandase ,aim$asa "taie a t$elo&
Gene0iB0e !e cutemu"' iar :$rand ("li.
? %ar #ine2i #et"-eana a#eea ,r!m$as"' l ntre" 5anterre (e
:a!ri#e' &i #e #a!t" ai#iA
? E s$-ia ra.!l!i #et"-ean %i6mer. N! se ($ate s" n! ,i a!zit
.$rind!2se de a#est .iteaz (atri$t' #et"-ene +eneralD
* Da' da' r"s(!nse 5anterre' &e,!l !nei t""#"rii' #"(itan de
.)n"t$ri al le+i!nii Vi#t$r.
? 0/iar a&a.
? >ine' ine' dar e ,r!m$as"' z"!D Ii maim!-$i!l a#ela #are i2a dat
ra-!lA
? E #et"-ean!l :$rand' as$#iat!l s$-!l!i ei &i .)n"t$r n #$m(ania
l!i %i6mer.
Santee !e apopie de Gene0iB0e-
? >!n" zi!a' #et"-ean"' s(!se el.
Gene0iB0e f"#! !n e,$rt.
? >!n" zi!a' #et"-ene +eneral' r"s(!nse ea s!r)z)nd.
5anterre se sim-i m"+!lit at)t de s!r)s!l ei' #)t &i de titl!l (e #are
i2l a#$rdase.
? Ii #e #a!-i ai#i' ,r!m$as" (atri$t"A !rm" 5anterre.
? 0et"-ean"' inter.eni :a!ri#e' n2a ."z!t2$ ni#i$dat" (e ."d!.a
0a(ei &i ar d$ri s2$ .ad".
? %a' ,"#! 5anterre' nainte de a2i...
Ii ,"#! !n +est n,i$r"t$r.
? 0/iar a&a' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e #! r"#eal".
* 5ine& %i!e Santee& numai #a!t" s" n! ,ie ."z!t" #)nd intr" n
t!rn. Ar ,i !n e6em(l! (r$st' dealt,el am t$at" n#rederea n tine.
5anterre str)nse din n$! m)na l!i :a!ri#e' ,"#! !n +est ami#al &i
(r$te#t$r #! #a(!l s(re Cene.iV.e &i (le#" s"2&i .ad" de tre!rile sale.
%!(" nen!m"rate mi&#"ri de +renadiri &i .)n"t$ri' d!(" #)te.a
mane.re #! t!n!l ale #"r!i !!it!ri s!rde se s$#$tea #2ar r"s()ndi
(rin m(re1!rimi !n sentiment sal!tar de intimidare' :a!ri#e $ l!" din
n$! de ra- (e Cene.iV.e &i' !rmat de :$rand' naint" #"tre ($st!l la
($arta #"r!ia L$rin ziera #)t l -inea +!ra' #$mand)nd atali$n!l!i s"!
ni&te mane.re.
? Iat"2l (e :a!ri#e' iz!#ni el. Al dra#!l!iD e #! $ ,emeie #are2mi
(are (l"#!t". Oare n! #!m.a .i#lean!l .rea s"2mi #$n#!reze zei-a
Ra-i!neA %a#"2ar ,i a&a' .ai+ )iata At1(mi!e+
? Ei' #et"-ene ad1!tantD l ad!se la $rdine #"(itan!l.
? A' da' ade."ratD aten-ieD stri+" L$rin. n r)nd #)te !n!D la
st)n+a' st)n+a... 5al!t' :a!ri#eD n (as aler+"t$r... mar&D
T$ele s!nar"' #$m(aniile (le#ar" s"2&i ia ($st!rile n (rimire' &i'
#)nd ,ie#are ,! la l$#!l s"!' L$rin aler+" ntr2!n s!,let. A.! l$# (rim!l
s#/im de ($lite-i &i amailit"-i. :a!ri#e l (rezent" (e L$rin
Cene.iV.ei &i l!i :$rand. *e !rm" n#e(!r" e6(li#a-iile.
? %a' da' n-ele+' s(!se L$rin' .rei s" intre n t!rn #et"-ean!l &i
#et"-eana. E l!#r! !&$r' am s" a&ez santinelele n ($st!ri &i2am s" le
s(!n #" ($t s" te lase s" tre#i #! t$at" s$#ietatea ta.
%!(" ze#e min!te' Cene.iV.e &i :$rand intra! n !rma #el$r trei
#et"-eni m!ni#i(ali &i l!a! l$# n s(atele !&ii cu "eamui-
Capitolul XXI
CAROA3A ROIIE
Re+ina de2aia se s#!lase. >$lna." de .re$ d$!"' trei zile' &edea
n (at mai m!lt #a de $i#ei. A,l)nd ns" de la #!mnata ei #" s$arele
r"s"rise &i #" a,ar" era tare ,r!m$s' ,"#!se !n e,$rt &i' #a s2$ s#$at" (e
,ii#"2sa la aer' #er!se s" se (lime (e teras"' #eea #e i se n+"d!ise
,"r" ni#i $ +re!tate.
Ii a($i mai era !n m$ti. #are $ /$t"r)se. O dat"' $ sin+!r" dat"'
#e2i dre(t' de s!s de (e terasa t!rn!l!i l z"rise (e (rin#i(ele
m$&tenit$r n +r"din". %ar la (rim!l semn (e #are2l s#/imaser" ,i!l &i
mama' 5im$n a inter.enit &i l2a .)r)t (e #$(il n"!ntr!.
N2are a ,a#e' l z"rise &i asta nsemna m!lt. E ade."rat #" mi#!-!l
de-in!t' s"rman!l' era tare (alid &i ,$arte s#/imat. A($i' era mr"#at
#a !n #$(il din ($($r' #! $ #armani$l" &i !n (antal$n de ($sta. +r$s.
%ar i l"saser" ("r!l ,r!m$s' #! !#le l$nde' #are ("rea #a $ a!re$l"
(e #are %!mneze!' ,"r" nd$ial"' .$ise s" i2$ ("streze n #er!ri
#$(il!l!i martir.
%a#" ar mai (!tea s"2l .ad" $ dat" m"#ar' #e s"r"t$are ar ,i
(entr! s!,let!l a#ela de mam"D
*e !rm"' n s,)r&it' mai era !n l!#r!.
? 5!ri$ar"' i s(!sese d$amna Elisaet/' &tii #" am +"sit n
#$rid$r !n ,ir de (ai n,i(t n !n+/er!l zid!l!i. *e lima semnalel$r
n$astre' asta nseamn" s" ,im #! $#/ii n (atr! la #e se (etre#e n 1!r &i
#" !n (rieten se a(r$(ie.
? E2de."rat' r"s(!nse re+ina' #are' !it)nd!2se #! mil" la #!mnata
&i la ,ii#a sa' se n#!ra1a ea ns"&i #a s" n!2&i (iard" #! t$t!l s(eran-a n
sal.area l$r.
0erin-ele ser.i#i!l!i ,iind satis,"#!te' :a!ri#e r"m"sese st"()n (e
t!rn!l n#/is$rii' #! at)t mai m!lt #! #)t /azard!l l desemnase (e el de
+ard" n tim(!l zilei' l"s)nd (e #et"-enii m!ni#i(ali A+ri#$la &i
:er#e.a!lt s" .e+/eze n$a(tea.
0ei d$i m!ni#i(ali nl"t!ra-i la s$r-i (le#aser" d!(" #e l"saser"
(r$#esele l$r .erale la #$nsili!l n#/is$rii Tem(le
? Ei ine' #et"-ene m!ni#i(al' s(!se ne.asta l!i Tis$n' .enind s"2l
sal!te (e :a!ri#e' ne2ai ad!s ."d m!sa,iri #a s" ne .ad" ($r!mi-ele.
N!mai e! s!nt #$ndamnat" s" n2$ mai ."d (e iata mea Sop1ie-
? 5!nt ni&te (rieteni de2ai mei #are n2a! ."z!t2$ ni#i$dat" (e
,emeia 0a(et.
? Ei ine' .$r ,i ntr2!n l$# #)t se ($ate de !n' st)nd n d$s!l !&ii
#! +eam!ri.
? 0! si+!ran-"' n#!.iin-" :$rand.
? N!mai #"' s(!se Cene.iB0e& 0om p"rea &i n$i #a t$-i #!ri$&ii (lini
de #r!zime #are .in de (artea #ealalt" a +ratiil$r s" se !#!re de
#/in!rile !n!i de-in!t.
? Ei ine' de #e n! -i2ai a&ezat (rietenii (e dr!m!l #e d!#e la t!rn'
,iind#" ,emeia 0a(et se (lim" ast"zi (e teras" #! #!mnat"2sa &i
,ii#"2sa< #" d)nsei i2a! l"sat ,ata' (e #)t" .reme mie' #are n! s!nt
.in$.at"' mie mi2a! l!at2$D VaiD arist$#ra-ii' (entr! ei t$tdea!na se
+"ses# ,a.$r!ri' #et"-ene :a!ri#e' $ri#e2ai ,a#e.
? %ar i2a! l!at ,i!lD r"s(!nse el.
? OD %a#2a& a.ea !n "iat' &$(ti +ardian#a' #red #" mi2ar ("rea
mai (!-in r"! d!(" ,at".
'nte timp Gene0iB0e !c1im)a!e c$te0a pi0ii cu Moand-
? %ra+!l me!' i s(!se t)n"ra n$astr" l!i :a!ri#e' #et"-eana are
dre(tate. %a#" ai .rea s" m" a&ezi ntr2!n ,el $are#are n #alea
:ariei2Ant$aneta' mi2ar dis(la#e mai (!-in de#)t s2$ (ri.es# de2ai#i.
mi (are #" ,el!l "sta de2a te !ita la ele este !milit$r &i (entr! ele &i
(entr! n$i.
? >!na mea Cene.iV.e' zise :a!ri#e' e&ti (lin" de deli#ate-eD
? Ei' dr"#ie' #et"-eanaD iz!#ni !n!l dintre #ei d$i #$le+i ai l!i
:a!ri#e' #are m)n#a! n #amera al"t!rat" ()ine #! #)rna-i' da#"
d!mneata ai ,i arestat" &i ."d!.a 0a(et ar ,i #!ri$asa #e ar d$ri s" te
.ad"' n2ar mai ,a#e ea at)tea ,as$ane #a s"2&i satis,a#" ,antezia'
ti#"l$asaD
Cene.iV.e' #! $ mi&#are mai i!te #a ,!l+er!l' nt$arse $#/ii s(re
:$rand' s" .ad" #e e,e#t a! a.!t ins!ltele a#estea as!(ra l!i.
ntr2ade."r' :$rand tres"ri. Un li#"r strani!' ,$s,$res#ent' #a s" zi#em
a&a' i -)&ni de s! (le$a(e &i (!mnii se n#le&tar" $ #li(". %ar t$ate
semnele astea ,!r" at)t de re(ezi &i s#!rte' #" tre#!r" ne$ser.ate.
? 0!m l #/eam" (e #et"-ean!l "sta m!ni#i(alA l ntre" ea (e
:a!ri#e.
? 0et"-ean!l :er#e.a!lt' r"s(!nse t)n"r!l n$str!.
*e !rm" ad"!+"' #a (entr! a2i s#!za +r$s$l"niile9
? E #i$(lit$r n (iatr".
Mece0ault a!zi &i2i ar!n#" l!i :a!ri#e $ (ri.ire (iezi&".
? Bai' /ai' zise ne.asta l!i Tis$n' termin"2-i de m)n#at #)rnat!l &i
de "!t 1!m"tatea' #a s" ($t str)n+e.
? %a#" le termin n #eas!l de ,a-"' n!2i merit!l a!strie#ei' m$rm"i
m!ni#i(al!l. %a#" ar ,i (!t!t s" m" !#id" la 10 a!+!st' ar ,i ,"#!t2$ #!
si+!ran-"' de2a#eea n zi!a #)nd $ s" mear+" la +/il$tin"' am s" m"
a,l! ne#lintit n ($st.
:$rand ("li #a !n m$rt.
? Baidem' /aidem' #et"-ene :a!ri#e' s(!se Cene.iB0e& 1aidem
unde mi-ai f"+"d!it #" m" d!#i. Ai#i' mi (are #" s!nt e! ns"mi
de-in!t"' m" n"!&.
:a!ri#e i s#$ase (e :$rand &i (e Cene.iV.e' iar santinelele' (!se
n +ard" de L$rin' i l"sar" s" trea#"' ,"r" ni#i $ +re!tate.
:a!ri#e i a&ez" ntr2!n #!l$ar mi# de la eta1!l s!(eri$r' n a&a ,el
#a at!n#i #)nd re+ina' d$amna Elisaet/ &i (rin#i(esa .$r tre!i s"
!r#e (e #$rid$r' s" n! ($at" ,a#e alt#!m de#)t s" trea#" (rin ,a-a l$r.
0!m (limarea era /$t"r)t" (entr! #eas!rile ze#e' &i n! mai era!
de#)t #)te.a min!te de a&te(tat' :a!ri#e n! n!mai #" n!2&i ("r"si
del$# (rietenii' dar' #a s" n! (laneze #!m.a ni#i #ea mai mi#" "n!ial"
as!(ra a#estei in#!rsi!ni $are#!m ile+ale' nl)lnind!2l (e #et"-ean!l
A+ri#$la' l l!" s" stea #! el.
>"t!r" ze#e #eas!ri.
? %es#/ideD stri+" de la aza t!rn!l!i $ .$#e (e #are Mauice o
ecuno!cu ca fiind a "enealului Santee-
N!maide#)t +arda l!" arma' +ratiile se n#/iser"' santinelele &i
(re+"tir" armele. 5e a!zi at!n#i n t$at" #!rtea !n z+$m$t de ,iare' de
(ietre &i de (a&i #are im(resi$nar" (!terni# (e :$rand &i (e Cene0iB0e&
c"#i :a!ri#e i ."z! ("lind (e am)nd$i.
? 0)te m"s!ri (entr! (aza a trei ,emeiD &$(ti Cene.iB0e-
? %a' s(!se :$rand' n#er#)nd s" r)d". %a#" #ei #are n#ear#" s"
le s#$at" din n#/is$are ar ,i n l$#!l n$str! &i ar .edea #e .edem n$i'
s2ar l"sa ("+!a&i.
? ntr2ade."r' ad"!+" Cene.iB0e& #ncep !" #red #" n2a! s" s#a(e
ni#i$dat".
? Ii e! s(er s" ,ie a&a' i r"s(!nse :a!ri#e.
Ii' a(le#)nd!2se' d!(" #e r$sti #!.intele de mai s!s' (este ram(a
s#"rii' s(!se9
? Aten-ie' iat" de-in!tele.
* Spune-mi cum le c1eam"' (e ,ie#are n (arte' #"#i e! n! le
#!n$s#.
? *rimele d$!" #are !r#" s!nt #!mnata &i ,ata ."d!.ei 0a(et.
Ultima' #ea #! !n #"-el!& naintea ei' e :aria2Ant$aneta.
Gene0iB0e f"#! !n (as nainte. %ar :$rand' n l$# s" le (ri.eas#"'
dim($tri."' se li(i de peete-
>!zele l!i era! li.ide &i mai ("m)ntii de#)t (iatra t!rn!l!i.
Gene0iB0e& #n oc1ia al)" &i #! $#/ii ei ,r!m$&i' (!ri' ("rea !n n+er
a&te(t)nd (e #ei ntemni-a-i #a s" le l!mineze #alea amar" (e #are2$
str""tea! &i s" le re.erse n tre#ere !n stop de )ucuie #n !uflete-
%$amna Elisaet/ &i (rin#i(esa tre#!r" ar!n#)nd #)te2$ (ri.ire
!imit" as!(ra str"inil$r. 3"r" nd$ial" #" #elei dint)i i tre#! (rin minte
#2ar (!tea ,i #ei (re.esti-i de semne' #"#i se nt$rsese i!te s(re
(rin#i(es" &i2i str)nse m)na' l"s)nd s"2i #ad" atista (entr! a $
(re.eni (e re+in".
? 3ii atent"' s!ri$ar"' zise ea' mi2am s#"(at atista. Ii !r#" al"t!ri
de t)n"ra (rin-es".
Re+ina' al #"rei +),)it &i !&$ar" t!se sea#" ar"ta! #" e $lna."' se
a(le#" s" ia atista #e2i #"z!se la (i#i$are' dar' mai (r$m(t #a ea'
#"-el!&!l $ a(!#" &i aler+" s2$ d!#" d$amnei Elisaet/. Re+ina
#$ntin!" a&adar s" !r#e &i' d!(" #)te.a tre(te' se +"si n ,a-a
Cene.iV.ei' a l!i :$rand &i a t)n"r!l!i m!ni#i(al.
? O/D 3l$riD e6#lam" ea. %e m!lt" .reme n2am mai ."z!t. 0e
,r!m$s mir$s &i #e ,eri#it" s!nte-i' d$amn"' #" a.e-i ,l$ri.
Iute& ca "$ndul ce !e #nfiipa!e la au%ul acelo cu0inte dueoa!e&
Gene0iB0e #ntin!e m$na !" $,ere re+inei !#/et!l. At!n#i
:aria2Ant$aneta n"l-" #a(!l' $ (ri.i' &i $ r$&ea-" im(er#e(tiil" i
a("r! (e ,r!ntea li.id".
%ar #! $ mi&#are ,ireas#" &i #! $i&n!in-a de2a as#!lta nt$#mai
re+!lamentele' :a!ri#e ntinse m)na #a s" $(reas#" ra-!l Cene.iB0ei-
Re+ina &$."i $ #li("' a($i' !it)nd!2se la :a!ri#e' re#!n$s#! (e
t)n"r!l m!ni#i(al #are $i&n!ia s"2i .$reas#" #! /$t"r)re' dar n
a#ela&i tim( #! res(e#t.
? E interzis' d$mn!leA ntre" ea.
? N!' n!' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e. Cene.iB0e& po-i s" $,eri !#/et!l.
? O/D m!l-!mes#' m!l-!mes#' d$mn!leD e6#lam" re+ina #! .ie
re#!n$&tin-".
Ii' !alut$nd-o pe Gene0iB0e cu o )un".$in-" (lin" de +ra-ie'
:aria2Ant$aneta ntinse $ m)na sl"it" &i alese la nt)m(lare $ +ar$a,"
din +r"mada de ,l$ri.
? %ar l!a-i2le (e t$ate' d$amn"' l!a-i2le' s(!se s,i$s Cene.iB0e-
? N!' r"s(!nse re+ina #! !n s!r)s ,erme#"t$r. >!#/et!l l a.e-i
($ate de la $ ,iin-" (e #are $ i!i-i' &i n! .rea! s" ." li(ses#.
Cene.iV.e se nr$&i &i r$&ea-" ei $ ,"#! (e re+in" s" z)meas#".
? Bai' /ai' #et"-ean" 0a(et' s(!se A+ri#$la' tre!ie s"2-i .ezi de
dr!m.
Re+ina sal!t" &i #$ntin!" s" !r#e. %ar' nainte de2a dis("rea' se
nt$arse n#" $ dat"' &$(tind9
? 0e ,r!m$s mir$ase +ar$a,a asta &i #e ,r!m$as" e ,emeia a#eeaD
? N! m2a ."z!t' m!rm!r" :$rand' #are st)nd a(r$a(e n
+en!n#/i n (en!mra #$rid$r!l!i n! atr"sese del$# (ri.irile re+inei-
? %ar d!mneata' d!mneata ai ."z!t2$ ine' n!2i a&a' :$randA'
n!2i a&a' Cene.iB0e. #nte)" :a!ri#e de d$!" $ri ,eri#it' mai nt)i
(entr! s(e#ta#$l!l (e #are2l (r$#!rase (rietenil$r s"i' &i a($i (entr!
(l"#erea (e #are i2$ ,"#!se at)t de lesne nen$r$#itei pi%oniee-
? A/D da' da' r"s(!nse Cene.iB0e& am 0"z!t2$ ine' &i a#!ma'
#/iar de2a& tr"i $ s!t" de ani' am s2$ ."d ntr!na.
? Ii #!m -i (areA
? Tare ,r!m$as".
? Ii d!mneata' :$randA
:$rand &i m(re!n" m)inile ,"r" s" r"s(!nd".
* Ia !pune-mi& o #nte)"' n &$a(t" &i r)z)nd' :a!ri#e (e
Cene.iB0e& nu cum0a Moand e #nd"+$stit de re+in"A
Gene0iB0e te!"ri' dar' re.enind!2&i n!maide#)t' r"s(!nse r)z)nd
&i ea9
? @"!' a&a s2ar #am ("rea.
? Ei .ezi' :$rand' n!2mi s(!i #!m -i s2a ("r!t' st"r!i :a!ri#e.
* Mi s2a ("r!t tare (alid"' r"s(!nse el.
:a!ri#e $ l!" iar"&i la ra- (e Cene.iV.e &i $ a1!t" s" #$$are
s(re #!rte. *e s#ara nt!ne#$as"' i ("r! #" Cene.iB0e i-a !"r!tat m)na.
? Ei na' ,"#! :a!ri#e' #e nseamn" asta' Cene.iB0e.
? Asta nseamn"' :a!ri#e' #" n2am s" !it ni#i$dat" #"' (entr! !n
#a(ri#i! al me!' -i2am ris#at #a(!l.
? Ei' ,"#! :a!ri#e' asta e #/iar e6a+erare #!rat"' Cene.iV.e. Itii
ine #" re#!n$&tin-a n! e sentiment!l (e #are2l d$res# &i2l a&te(t de la
d!mneata.
Cene.iV.e l str)nse !&!rel de ra-.
:$rand .enea din !rm"' ($ti#nind!2se &i m(iedi#)nd!2se.
A! a1!ns n #!rtea n#/is$rii. L$rin .eni s"2i re#!n$as#" (e #ei d$i
.izitat$ri &i2i s#$ase din n#/is$area Tem(le. %ar' nainte de2a se
des("r-i de :a!ri#e' Cene.iB0e #i ceu !" (r$mit" #" a d$!a zi .a .eni
s" (r)nzeas#" n .e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es.
Capitolul XXII
SIMON CEN6ORUL
:a!ri#e se nt$arse la ($st!l s"! #! inima (lin" de2$ !#!rie
a(r$a(e di.in". A#$l$ $ +"si (e ,emeia l!i Tis$n' (l)n+)nd.
? %ar #e ai' #e s2a nt)m(lat' m"i#!-"A $ ntre" el.
? 0e s" am' s!nt ,!ri$as"' r"s(!nse +ardian#a.
? Ii de #eA
? *entr! #" n l!mea asta n!2i de#)t nedre(tate (entr! $amenii
s"ra#i.
? %ar s(!ne $dat"' #e eA
? %!mneata e&ti $+at' d!mneata e&ti !r+/ez. N! .ii ai#i de#)t
$ sin+!r" zi &i -i se n+"d!ie s" ,ii .izitat de ,emei ,r!m$ase #are da!
!#/ete a!strie#ei' &i e! #are sta! #!i"rit" ai#i' #a ntr2$ ($iat"' t$t
tim(!l' mie mi se interzi#e s2$ mai ."d (e iata mea 5$(/ie.
:a!ri#e i l!" m)na &i2i stre#!r" $ an#n$t" de ze#e li.re.
? Iat"' m"i#!-" Tis$n' i s(!se el' -ine' &i #!ra1D 0e %!mneze!D
A!stria#a n2$ tr"i #)t l!mea.
? O /)rtie de ze#e li.re' ,"#! +ardian#a' ,r!m$s din (artea
d!mitale' dar mi2ar (rii mai ine $ /)rti!-" #! $ &!.i-" din ("r!l ietei
mele ,ete' n.elit n ea.
Aemeia tocmai is(r".ise de s(!s a#estea' #)nd 5im$n' #are !r#a
s#ara' i a!zi &i ."z! +ardian#a str)n+)nd n !z!nar!l de la ,!st"
an#n$ta (e #are i2$ d"d!se :a!ri#e. 5" s(!nem n #e stare de s(irit
se a,la 5im$n.
Simon 0enea din cute& unde #l #nt$lni!e pe Loin- 'ntre ei d$i era'
/$t"r)t l!#r!' $ mare anti(atie.
Anti(atia l$r era m$ti.at" n! at)t de s#ena .i$lent" (e #are am
n,"-i&at2$ mai nainte #itit$r!l!i' #)t de de$seirile dintre indi.izi' iz.$r
.e&ni# &i ne($t$lit al !n$r asemenea d!&m"nii sa! ($rniri' #are' de&i
ntr! t$t!l e6(li#aile' s!nt n!mite mistere.
5im$n era !r)t' L$rin era ,r!m$s< 5im$n era m!rdar' L$rin mir$sea
(l"#!t< 5im$n era re(!li#an ,an,ar$n' L$rin era !n!l dintre (atri$-ii
a#eia n,l"#"ra-i #are (entr! Re.$l!-ie a! ,"#!t n!mai sa#ri,i#ii. Ii a($i'
#a s" re.enim la n#"ierare' 5im$n sim-ea instin#ti. #" (!mn!l
t)n"r!l!i ele+ant' #! a#eea&i ele+an-" #a &i #el al l!i :a!ri#e' i2ar ,i
a#$rdat $ (edea(s" demn" de !n (lee!. @"rind!2l (e L$rin' 5im$n se
$(rise r!s# n l$# &i ("lise.
* ,ot )atali$n!l "sta ,a#e de +ard"A m$rm"i el.
? Ei &iA r"s(!nse !n +renadir #"r!ia i dis(l"#!se remar#a 0red #"
e la ,el de !n #a $ri#are alt!l.
5im$n s#$ase !n #rei$n din !z!nar!l #armani$lei &i se (re,"#! #"
n$teaz" #e.a (e $ ,$aie de /)rtie a(r$a(e la ,el de nea+r" #a m)inile
l!i.
? Ei naD ,"#! L$rin' a&adar &tii s" s#rii de #)nd e&ti (re#e(t$r!l l!i
0a(et. Ia (ri.i-i' #et"-eni' (e #instea mea' n$teaz"< iat" (e 5im$n
#enz$r!l.
Ii !n /$/$t de r)s +eneral se ($rni din r)nd!l tineret!l!i din Carda
na-i$nal"' a(r$a(e t$-i tineri #! #arte' &i2l z"("#i (e nen$r$#it!l de
#)r(a#i.
? >ine' ine' iz!#ni el s#r)&nind din din-i &i ,"#)nd!2se al de
m)nie' se s(!ne #" ai l"sat s" intre str"ini n t!rn &i asta ,"r" &tiin-a &i
n+"d!in-a 0$m!nei. Am s"2-i n#/ei (r$#es2.eral #! a1!t$r!l
#et"-ean!l!i m!ni#i(al.
? 0el (!-in a#ela &tie s" s#rie' s(!se L$rin' e :a!ri#e' :a!ri#e
(!mn de ,ier' l #!n$&tiA
T$#mai at!n#i :$rand &i Cene.iV.e ie&ea!.
V"z)nd!2i' 5im$n se re(ezi n t!rn' #/iar n #li(a #)nd' a&a #!m
s(!neam' :a!ri#e #i da femeii lui ,i!on )ancnota de %ece li0e dept
con!olae-
:a!ri#e n! d"d! aten-ie mizerail!l!i a#el!ia' de #are dealt,el se
,erea $ri de #)te $ri i ie&ea n #ale' a&a #!m te ,ere&ti de2$ re(til"
.enin$as" &i dez+!st"t$are.
? A/aD ,"#! 5im$n #"tre ,emeia l!i Tis$n' #are2&i &ter+ea $#/ii #!
&$r-!l' .rei a&adar n!maide#)t s" ,ii +/il$tinat"' #et"-ean"A
? E!A iz!#ni ,emeia l!i Tis$n. Ta#i din +!r"' e&ti se .ede ne!n.
? 0!mD (rime&ti ani de la #et"-enii m!ni#i(ali #a s"2i la&i s" .)re
arist$#ra-i la a!stria#"A
? Baida deD d$ar s!nt (rietenii #et"-ean!l!i m!ni#i(al :a!ri#e'
!n!l dintre #ei mai !ni (atri$-i #are e6ist".
? 0$ns(irat$ri' -i s(!n e!. %ealt,el 0$m!na .a ,i in,$rmat" &i .a
1!de#a sin+!r".
? A&a' ai s" m" den!n-i' s(i$n de ($li-ieA
* C1ia a&a' a,ar" d$ar da#" n! te .ei den!n-a t! sin+!r".
? %ar #e s" den!n-A 0e .rei t! s" den!n-A
* Ceea ce !-a petecut aici-
* Da nu !-a petecut nimic-
? Unde &edea! arist$#ra-iiA
? 0$l$' (e s#ar".
? 0)nd a !r#at s!s n t!rn ."d!.a 0a(etA
* Da-
? Ii &i2a! 0o)it.
? Ii2a! s(!s d$!" #!.inte.
? %$!" #!.inte' .eziA %ealt,el ai#i mir$ase a arist$#ra-i.
? 0e s(!i' mir$ase a +ar$a,".
? Car$a,"A %e #e +ar$a,"A
? *entr! #" #et"-eana a.ea !n !#/et #are nmiresma.
? 0are #et"-ean"A
* Cea cae !e uita cum tece e"ina-
? Ei .eziA T! s(!i re+in"' ,emeie. Rela-iile tale #! arist$#ra-ii a! s"
te (iard". Ia te !it"' (e #e am #"l#atA !rm" 5im$n a(le#)nd!2se.
? Ei' t$#mai (e2$ ,l$are... s(!se ,emeia l!i Tis$n' (e2$ +ar$a,". O
,i #"z!t din m)inile #et"-enei %i6mer' #)nd :aria-Antoaneta a luat una
din )uc1etul ei-
? 3emeia 0a(et a l!at $ ,l$are din !#/et!l #el"-enei %i6merA
ntre" 5im$n.
? %a' &i #/iar e! i2am dat2$' a!zi t!A s(!se :a!ri#e #! .$#ea
amenin-"t$are' d!(" #e de #)te.a min!te as#!lta dial$+!l de mai s!s
#are l nelini&tea.
? >ine' ine. Vedem n$i #e se .ede &i &tim n$i #e se s(!ne'
m$rm"i 5im$n' #are -inea n#" n m)n" +ar$a,a zdr$it" de (i#i$r!l l!i
mare.
? Ii e!' !rm" :a!ri#e' &ti! !n l!#r! &i2am s" -i2l s(!n (e &lea!9 t!
n2ai #e #"!ta n t!rn' ($st!l t"! de #"l"! e #$l$ 1$s' l)n+" mi#!l 0a(et'
(e #are ast"zi t$t!&i n2ai s"2l a-i' (entr! #" s!nt ai#i &i2-i interzi# s2$
,a#i.
? AD amenin-i &i2mi s(!i #"l"!D iz!#ni 5im$n zdr$ind ,l$area
ntre de+ete. Las"' .edem n$i da#" le e n+"d!it arist$#ra-il$r... Na' da
ce-i a!ta.
? 0eA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? 0eea #e simt n +ar$a,"' naD AD AD
Ii s! $#/ii l!i :a!ri#e' !l!it' 5im$n s#$ase din #ali#i!l ,l$rii $
/)rti!-" r"s!#it" #! !imit$are +ri1" &i #are ,!sese intr$d!s" artisti# n
#entr!l (etalel$r dese.
? VaiD e6#lam" &i :a!ri#e la r)nd!l s"!' #e s" ,ie asta' %!m2
neze!leA
? A.em s" a,l"m' a.em s" &tim' s(!se 5im$n a(r$(iind!2se de
l!#arn". EiD Ami#!l t"! L$rin zi#e #" n! &ti! s" #ites#. Ei ine' ai s" .ezi.
L$rin l #al$mniase (e 5im$n. El &tia s" #iteas#" ti("rit!rile #!
$ri#e liter" &i #/iar s#ris!l de m)n"' #)nd era de2$ an!mit" m"rime.
%ar ilet!l era reda#tat #! $ atare mi+al"' n#)t 5im$n ,! silit s"
re#!r+" la $#/elari. *!se' a&adar' ilet!l (e l!#arn" &i n#e(! s"
s#$t$#eas#" (rin !z!nare' dar t$#mai #)nd era n t$i!l $(era-iei'
#et"-ean!l A+ri#$la des#/ise !&a de la #amera .e#in"' #are era n ,a-a
,erestr!i#ii &i #!rent!l de aer #are se ,"#! l!" (e s!s /)rtia a#eea
!&$ar" #a $ (an"' a&a n#)t' #)nd 5im$n' d!(" $ #er#etare de2$ #li("'
&i des#$(eri $#/elarii &i' (!n)nd!2i (e nas' se nt$arse' zadarni# $ mai
#"!t"9 /)rtia dis("r!se.
5im$n s#$ase !n !rlet #a de ,iar".
? A ,$st $ /)rtie' stri+" el' a ,$st $ /)rtie. Vai de tine' #et"-ene
m!ni#i(al' #"#i /)rtia .a tre!i s" se +"seas#".
Ii #$$r n ,!+"' l"s)nd!2l pe Mauice uluit-
%!(" ze#e min!te' trei memri ai 0$m!nei intrar" n t!rn. Re+ina
era n#" (e teras" &i se d"d! $rdin s" ,ie l"sat" n #ea mai de(lin"
i+n$ran-" des(re #ele (etre#!te. :emrii 0$m!nei #er!r" s" ,ie d!&i n
,a-a ei.
/imul lucu cae #i i%i ,! +ar$a,a r$&ie (e #are ea $ -inea n
m)n". 5e (ri.ir" !imi-i &i' a(r$(iind!2se de ea' (re&edintele dele+a-iei
i s(!se9
? %a-i2ne ,l$area.
Re+ina' #are n! se a&te(ta la n"(!stirea a#eea' tres"ri &i &$."i.
? %a-i ,l$area' d$amn"' inter.eni :a!ri#e #!(rins de ter$are' ."
r$+.
Re+ina ntinse +ar$a,a #er!t".
*re&edintele $ l!" &i se retrase' !rmat de #$le+ii l!i' ntr2$
n#"(ere .e#in" (entr! a ,a#e (er#/ezi-ia &i a n#/eia (r$#es!l2.eral.
3l$area ,! des,$iat"9 era +$al".
:a!ri#e r"s!,l" !&!rat.
* Un moment' !n m$ment' !n m$ment' s(!se !n!l dintre
memri' miez!l +ar$a,ei li(se&te' a ,$st s#$s. Al.e$la e +$al"'
e2ade."rat' dar n al.e$la asta #! si+!ran-" #2a ,$st intr$d!s !n ile-el.
? 5!nt +ata' s(!se :a!ri#e' s" ." da! t$ate e6(li#a-iile ne#esare'
dar' mai nainte de t$ate' #er s" ,i! arestat.
? L!"m a#t de (r$(!nerea ta' s(!se (re&edintele' dar n! ,a#em
!z de ea. E&ti #!n$s#!t #a !n !n (atri$t' #et"-ene Linde=.
? Ii r"s(!nd #! .ia-a (entr! (rietenii (e #are am a.!t
im(r!den-a s"2i ad!# #! mine.
* N! r"s(!nde de nimeni' l s,"t!i (r$#!r$r!l.
5e a!zi larm" mare (rin #!r-i.
Era 5im$n #are' d!(" #e #"!tase zadarni# ile-el!l l!at de .)nt' se
d!sese s"2l +"seas#" (e 5anterre' &i i ($.estise tentati.a de r"(ire a
re+inei #! t$ate ada$s!rile (e #are (!tea s" i le atri!ie !nei
asemenea r"(iri n,l"#"rarea n#/i(!irii sale. 5anterre aler+" ntr2!n
s!,let' n#/is$area Tem(le ,! n#er#!it" &i +arda s#/imat"' s(re marea
#i!d" a l!i L$rin #are (r$testa m($tri.a !nei atare $,ense ad!se
atali$n!l!i s"!.
* A+ #)r(a#i a,!risit' i s(!se el l!i 5im$n' amenin-)nd!2l #! saia'
-ie -i dat$rez +l!ma asta' dar ,ii (e (a#e' -i2$ (l"tes# e!D
? :ai #!r)nd #red #" ai s" (l"te&ti t! &i #eilal-i na-i!nii' i s(!se
#izmar!l' ,re#)nd!2&i m)inile.
? 0et"-ene :a!ri#e' zise 5anterre' -ine2te la dis($zi-ia 0$m!nei'
#are2-i .a l!a inter$+at$ri!l.
? 5!nt la $rdin!l d!mitale' #et"-ene #$mandant' dar am &i #er!t
s" ,i! arestat &i $ #er n#".
? A&tea(t"' a&tea(t"' &$(ti (er,id 5im$n' da#" -ii a&a de m!lt' $
s" n#er#"m s"2-i ,im (e plac-
Ii (le#" s2$ +"seas#" (e ,emeia l!i Tis$n.
Capitolul XXIII
@EIA RAIUNE
T$at" zi!a a! s#$t$#it (rin #!rte' (rin +r"din" &i (rin m(re1!rimi'
#"!t)nd /)rti!-a #are (ri#in!ise at)ta zar." &i #are ? nimeni n! se mai
nd$ia ? as#!ndea !n #$m(l$t nte"-
A! (!s ntre"ri re+inei' d!(" #e $ des("r-iser" de #!mnata &i de
,ii#a ei' dar re+ina n! r"s(!nse alt#e.a de#)t #" (e s#ar" nt)lnise $
t)n"r" #! !n !#/et &i #" se m!l-!mise d$ar s" ia $ ,l$are din !#/et.
Ii #" l!ase ,l$area #! #$nsim-"m)nt!l #et"-ean!l!i m!ni#i(al
:a!ri#e.
N2a.ea nimi# alt#e.a de s(!s' "sta era (!r!l ade."rD
T$ate #ele de mai s!s ,!r" re(etate #!.)nt #! #!.)nt l!i :a!ri#e'
#)nd i .eni r)nd!l' &i el s(ri1ini m"rt!risirea re+inei' #a ,iind sin#er" &i
e6a#t".
? %ar' ntre" (re&edintele' a ,$st !n #$m(l$t' t$t!&iA
? 0! ne(!tin-"' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e. E! ns!mi' l!)nd (r)nz!l la
d$amna %i6mer' i2am (r$(!s s"2i ar"t de-in!ta' (e #are n2$ ."z!se
ni#i$dat". %ar n! se ,i6ase ni#i zi!a &i ni#i m$dalitatea.
? %ar &i2a l!at ,l$ri' s(!se (re&edintele' !#/et!l a#ela ,!sese
,"#!t dinainteA
? Ni#i .$r" de2a&a #e.a' e! i2am #!m("rat ,l$rile de la $
,l$r"reas" #are ne2a ie&it n #ale s" ni le $,ere n #$l-!l str"zii
Vieilles2A!driettes.
? %ar ,l$r"reas" -i2a nm)nat !#/et!lA
? N!' #et"-ene' e! l2am ales dintre ze#e sa! d$!"s(reze#e. E
dre(t #" l2am ales (e #el mai ,r!m$s.
* Da !-a fi putut !tecua )iletul #n timpul dumului.
? 0! ne(!tin-"' #et"-ene. Ni#i $ #li(" n2am s#"(at2$ din $#/i (e
d$amna %i6mer &i #a s" ,a#i inter.en-ia de #are .$ri-i d!mnea.$astr"
la ,ie#are ,l$are' #"#i' l!a-i aminte' d!(" #ele s(!se de 5im$n' ,ie#are
,l$are tre!ia s" as#!nd" !n ilet asem"n"t$r' ar ,i tre!it (e (!-in $
1!m"tate de zi.
? %ar' n s,)r&it' n! s2ar ,i (!t!t stre#!ra (rintre ,l$rile a#elea
d$!" ile-ele +ata (re+"titeA
? n ,a-a mea de-in!ta a l!at $ ,l$are la nt)m(lare' d!(" #e a
re,!zat !#/et!l ntre+.
? At!n#i' d!(" ("rerea ta' #et"-ene Linde=' n! ($ate ,i .$ra de
#$m(l$tA
? >a da' e #$m(l$t' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' &i e! (rim!l #red &i a,irm
a#easta< n!mai #" n! de la (rietenii mei ($rne&te #$m(l$t!l. T$t!&i'
de$are#e na-i!nea n! tre!ie s" ,ie e6(!s" ni#i !nei temeri' s!nt +ata
s" de(!n $ #a!-i!ne &i s" m" #$nstit!i arestat.
? Ni#i .$r"D r"s(!nse 5anterre' #e' a&a tre!ie s" (r$#ed"m #!
$amenii n#er#a-i' #a tineA %a#" t! te #$nstit!i arestat #a s" r"s(!nzi
de (rietenii t"i' at!n#i m" #$nstit!i &i e! arestat #a s" r"s(!nd de tine.
L!#r!l' a&a #!m st"' e sim(l!' n! e6ist" ni#i !n den!n- ($ziti.' n!2i
a&aA Nimeni n2are s" &tie #e s2a (etre#!t. 5" nt"rim (aza' t! mai ales'
&i .$m a1!n+e s" #!n$a&tem ,$nd!l l!#r!ril$r' e.it)nd (!li#itatea.
? :!l-!mes#' #et"-ene #$mandant' s(!se :a!ri#e' dar am s"2-i
r"s(!nd #eea #e d!mneata mi2ai r"s(!nde da#" ai ,i n l$#!l me!. N!
tre!ie s" ne m!l-!mim n!mai #! at)t' #i tre!ie s" +"sim ,l$r"reasa.
? 3l$r"reasa e de(arte' dar' ,ii (e (a#e' $ .$m #"!ta. T!
s!(ra.e+/eaz"2-i (rietenii' e! am s" s!(ra.e+/ez #!rier!l &i #"ile de
#$m!ni#a-ie ale n#/is$rii.
N! se +)ndiser" la 5im$n' dar 5im$n &i a.ea (lan!l l!i. 5$si la
s,)r&it!l &edin-ei (e #are am n,"-i&at2$' #a s" ntree #e &tiri mai era!'
&i a,l" des(re de#izia 0$m!nei.
? A/aD .a s" zi#" n! e ne.$ie de#)t de !n den!n- n re+!l"' zise
el' #a s" ($rnim treaa< ei ine' a&te(ta-i d$ar #in#i min!te' Ii2l &i
ad!#.
* Ce e. #ntre" (re&edintele.
? 0e s" ,ieA r"s(!nse #)r(a#i!l' #et"-eana Tis$n are #!ra1!l s"
dea n .ilea+ !neltirile taini#e ale l!i :a!ri#e' (artizan!l arist$#ra-iei' &i
rami,i#a-iile #$m(l$t!l!i !n!i alt ,"-arni# (atri$t dintre (rietenii l!i' (e
n!me L$rin.
* Ia seama' 5im$nD @el!l t"! ,a-" de na-i!ne ($ate #" te m(in+e
(e #"i +re&ite' .ezi s" n! te (iard"' s(!se (re&edintele9 :a!ri#e Linde=
&i B=a#int/e L$rin s!nt .eri,i#a-i.
? Asta are s" se .ad" la tri!nal' i r"s(!nse 5im$n.
? C)nde&te2te ine' 5im$n' des#/izi !n (r$#es s#andal$s (entr!
t$-i (atri$-ii de n#redere.
? 5#andal$s sa! a' #e2mi (as"A 0e' adi#" e! m" tem de

s#andalA
:"#ar are s" se &tie t$t ade."r!l n (ri.in-a #el$r #e tr"deaz".
? A&adar' t! st"r!i n a ,a#e !n den!n- n n!mele ,emeii l!i Ti!on.
? >a #/iar am s" ,a# !n den!n-' desear"' la #$rdilieri' &i am s" te
den!n- &i (e tine' #et"-ene (re&edinte' da#" n! .rei s"2l .)ri la arest (e
tr"d"t$r!l :a!ri#e.
? Ei ine' ,ie' s(!se (re&edintele' #are' d!(" $i#ei!l .rem!ril$r
a#el$ra nen$r$#ite' trem!ra n ,a-a #el!i #e stri+a mai tare. >ine' ,ie' l
.$m aresta.
n tim( #e se l!ase /$t"r)rea de mai s!s m($tri.a l!i' :a!ri#e se
nt$rsese la Tem(le !nde l a&te(ta !n ilet ast,el reda#tat9
JCarda n$astr" ,iind n #/i( .i$lent ridi#at"' n2am s" ($t' d!("
t$ate (r$ailit"-ile' s" te mai ."d de#)t m)ine diminea-". Vin$ s" iei
masa #! mine. :)n#)nd #! mine' ai s" m" ($-i (!ne la #!rent #! t$ate
!neltirile &i #$ns(ira-iile des#$(erite de me&ter!l 5im$n.
5e zi#e s" 5im$n s(!ne
0" r"!l t$t de la $ +ar$a," .ine.
E! r$zei ntre"ri .$i (!ne
5" ."d #e #rede des(re tine.
Ii m)ine' la r)nd!l me!' am s"2-i s(!n #e2mi .a ,i r"s(!ns
Art/Emise.
Ami#!l t"!'
LoinC
JNimi# n$!K' i r"s(!nse :a!ri#e. J%$rmi lini&tit n n$a(tea asta &i
m)ine ia masa ,"r" mine' dat ,iind #"' din (ri#ina in#identel$r din
#!rs!l zilei de azi' n! .$i ie&i (r$ail din #as" naintea amiezii.
A& .rea s" ,i! ze,ir!l #a s" am dre(t!l de a2i da !n s"r!t r$zei de
#are .$re&ti.
-i n+"d!i s"2mi ,l!ieri (r$za a&a #!m -i ,l!ier e! .ers!rile-
Ami#!l t"!' :a!ri#e
*.5. 0red' dealt,el' #" a&a2zisa #$ns(ira-ie n!2i de#)t $ ,als"
alarm".K
L$rin ie&ise de ,a(t #"tre #eas!rile !ns(reze#e' naintea ntre+!l!i
s"! atali$n' din (ri#ina demers!l!i r!tal al #)r(a#i!l!i.
Se con!ola!e de-o a!emenea 3i"nire #! !n #atren &i' a&a #!m $
s(!nea dealt,el n #ele (atr! .ers!ri' se d!se la Art/Emise.
Art/Emise ,! n#)ntat" ."z)nd!2l (e L$rin. Vremea era min!nat"'
d!(" #!m am s(!s. 3ata ,"#! (r$(!nerea !nei (lim"ri de2a l!n+!l
#/ei!ril$r' #are ,! (rimit".
,ec!ser" (rin ,a-a ($rt!l!i de #"r!ni' dis#!t)nd ($liti#"' L$rin
($.estind e6#l!derea l!i din Tem(le &i #"!t)nd s" +/i#eas#" (ri#inile
#are $ (r$.$#aser"' #)nd' a1!n+)nd n dre(t!l str"zii >arrB!& %"rir"
am)nd$i $ ,l$r"reas" #are' #a &i ei' mer+ea (e mal!l dept al Senei-
? AD #et"-ene L$rin' zise Art/Emise' s(er #" ai s"2mi dai !n
!#/et de ,l$ri.
? 0!m de n!D ,"#! L$rin' &i d$!" da#"2-i ,a#e (l"#ere.
Cr"ir" (as!l #a s2$ a1!n+" (e ,l$r"reas"' #are &i ea &i !rma #alea
#! !n (as tare +r"it.
A3un"$nd la /od!l :arie' ,ata se $(ri &i a(le#)nd!2se deas!(ra
(ara(et!l!i' &i +$li #$&!l de ,l$ri n alia ,l!.i!l!i.
3l$rile m(r"&tiate se r$tir" !n m$ment n aer. >!#/etele' m)nate
de +re!tate' #"z!r" mai re(ede' a($i &i !#/etele &i ,l$rile' (l!tind la
s!(ra,a-a a(ei' se l"sar" d!se de #!rent.
? OD e6#lam" Art/Emise' !it)nd!2se la ,l$r"reas" #are ,"#ea !n
#$mer- at)t de strani!' mi se (are... #/iar da... a n!... a da....aiD 0e
izarD
3l$r"reas" (!se !n de+et (e !ze' de (ar#2ar ,i r!+at2$ (e
Art/Emise s" ta#"' &i dis("r!.
? 0e e' zei-"A ntre" L$rin. O #!n$&ti #!m.a (e m!rit$area astaA
? N!' la n#e(!t a&a #rez!sem... %ar #! si+!ran-" #" m2am
n&elat.
? T$t!&i' -i2a ,"#!t !n semn' st"r!i L$rin.
K%e #e $are $ ,i ,l$r"reas" n diminea-a astaAK se mir" Art/Emise'
nte)$ndu-!e pe !ine-
? Itii #ine eA $ ntre" iar"&i L$rin.
? %a' r"s(!nse Art/Emise' e $ ,l$r"reas" de la #are #!m("r
!ne$ri.
? n $ri#e #az' #i!dat ,el de a2&i .inde mar,a mai are ,l$r"reas"
asta.
Ii am)nd$i' d!(" #e s2a! !itat $ !ltim" $ar" la ,l$rile #are
a1!nseser" s! ($d &i #are (rimir" !n n$! im$ld de la .)lt$area a(ei
#e tre#ea (e s! ar#ade' &i #$ntin!ar" dr!m!l s(re Ra(Ee' !nde
(l"n!iser" s" ia masa m(re!n".
*entr! m$ment in#ident!l n! a.! ni#i $ !rmare. N!mai #" ,iind
$are#!m #i!dat &i a.)nd !n #ara#ter #am misteri$s' se nti("ri n
ima+ina-ia ($eti#" a l!i L$rin.
n tim(!l a#esta den!n-!l ,emeii l!i Tis$n' den!n- ndre(tat
m($tri.a l!i :a!ri#e &i a l!i L$rin' st)rnise .)l." mare la #l!!l
ia#$inil$r &i :a!ri#e (rimise la Tem(le n&tiin-area din (artea 0$m!nei
#" liertatea i era amenin-at" de indi+narea (!li#". Era !n s$i de
in.ita-ie' ,"#!t" t)n"r!l!i m!ni#i(al' de2a se as#!nde' da#" se &tia
.in$.at. %ar si+!r de sine' :a!ri#e r"mase la Tem(le &i ,! +"sit la
($st!l s"! #)nd .enir" s"2l are!te%e-
Au inteo"at numaidec$t-
R"m)n)nd ,erm n /$t"r)rea de2a n! (!ne n #a!z" (e ni#i !n!l
dintre (rietenii l!i' de #are era si+!r' :a!ri#e' #e n! era $m!l #are s"
se sa#ri,i#e n #/i( ridi#$l t"#)nd' #a er$ii din r$mane' #er! s" ,ie (!s"
n #a!z" ,l$r"reasa.
5" ,i ,$st #eas!rile #in#i seara #)nd L$rin se nt$arse la el a#as".
A,l" n a#eea&i #li(" de arestarea l!i :a!ri#e &i de #ererea (e #are
a#esta $ ,"#!se.
3l$r"reasa de (e *$d!l :arie' ar!n#)nd ,l$rile n 5ena' i .eni
n!maide#)t n minte &i a.! $ re.ela-ie s!it". 3l$r"reasa a#eea
#i!dat"' #$in#iden-a #artierel$r' m"rt!risirea Art/Emisei' ,"#!t" #!
1!m"tate de +!r"' t$ate ("rea! #" stri+" de la sine #" a#$l$ st"
e6(li#a-ia mister!l!i a #"r!i dez."l!ire $ #erea :a!ri#e.
)&ni din #amera sa' #$$r #ele (atr! eta1e de (ar#2ar ,i a.!t ari(i
&i aler+" la zei-a Ra-i!ne #are r$da ni&te stele de a!r (e $ r$#/ie de
.$al alastr!.
Era r$#/ia ei de zei-".
? Cata #! stelele' dra+a mea' e6#lam" L$rin. Azi2diminea-" l2a!
arestat (e :a!ri#e &i (r$ail &i e! .$i fi ae!tat #n !eaa a!ta-
* Mauice& ae!tat.
? EiD %$amne2%!mneze!le' da. n tim(!rile (e #are le tr"im nimi#
mai $i&n!it de#)t marile e.enimente. N! le mai l!"m n seam" (entr!
#" .in #! +r"mada' asta e t$t. Or' t$ate a#este mari e.enimente r"sar
din ni&te ,lea#!ri. 5" n! ne+li1"m' a&adar' ,lea#!rile. 0ine e ,l$r"reasa
(e #are am nl)init2$ azi2diminea-"' s#!m(a meaA
Art/Emise tres"ri.
? 0are ,l$r"reas"A
? Ei dr"#ieD #ea #are2&i ar!n#a #! at)ta d"rni#ie ,l$rile n 5ena.
? A/D %$amneD e6#lam" Art/Emise' e at)t de +ra." ,a(ta asta de
re.ii as!(ra ei #! at)ta st"r!in-".
? E at)t de +ra."' dra+a mea' n#)t te r$+ s"2rni r"s(!nzi n!2
maide#)t la ntreare.
* Da"ul meu& nu pot-
? @ei-"' nimi# n! -i2e #! ne(!tin-"D
? :i2am dat #!.)nt!l de $n$are s" ("strez t"#eea+
? Ii e! mi2am dat #!.)nt!l de $n$are #" te .$i ,a#e s" .$re&ti.
? %ar de #e st"r!i at)t de m!ltA
? *entr! #"... ,ir2ar s" ,ieD (entr! #a s" n! i se taie +)t!l l!i
:a!ri#e.
? %$amneD :a!ri#e +/il$tinatD iz!#ni t)n"ra zei-" s(eriat".
? 3"r" s" mai .$rim &i de mine' #are' ntr2ade."r' n! mai #!tez
s" ,i! si+!r #" am s" r"m)n #! #a(!l (e !meri.
? VaiD n!' n!' iz!#ni Art/Emise' ar nsemna s" ne d!#em ,"r"
d$ar &i ($ate la (ierzanie.
n a#eea&i #li("' ndat$rit$r!l l!i L$rin d"d! n".al" n #amera
Art/Emi!ei-
? VaiD #et"-ene' e6#lam" el' ,!+i' as#!nde2te.
? %ar de #eA ntre" L$rin.
? *entr! #" 1andarmii a! .enit la tine a#as"' &i' n .reme #e
s("r+ea! !&a' am iz!tit s" tre# (este a#$(eri& n #asa .e#in" si s"
aler+ #a s" te (re.in.
At1(mi!e !coa!e un stri+"t teriil' l i!ea #! ade."rat (e L$rin.
? Art/Emise' s(!se L$rin' a&ez)nd!2se' (!i $are .ia-a !nei
,l$r"rese n #!m("n" #! a#eea al l!i :a!ri#e &i a i!it!l!i t"!A %a#"
a&a sta! l!#r!rile' -i s(!n (e ,a-" #" n#etez de2a te mai s$#$ti zei-a
Ra-i!ne &i te (r$#lam zei-a *r$stie.
? >iat" BEl$L!e+ i%)ucni fo!ta dan!atoae de la Ope"' n!2i .ina
mea da#" te tr"dezD
? >ine' ineD dra+a mea' s(!se L$rin (!n)nd $ /)rtie n ,a-a
Art/Emisei. :2ai r"s(l"tit' d"r!ind!2mi n!mele de $tez' d"2mi a#!ma
n!mele de ,amilie &i adresa.
? VaiD s"2l s#ri!A Ni#i$dat"D ni#i$dat"D stri+" Art/Emise. 5" -i2l
s(!n' ,ieD
? At!n#i s(!ne2l &i ($-i ,i si+!r" #" n2am s"2l !it.
Ii Art/Emise (rin .i! +rai i d"d! l!i L$rin n!mele &i adresa ,alsei
,l$r"rese.
5e n!mea BEl$Yse Tis$n &i locuia #n !tada NonandiBe! 7:-
A,l)nd n!mele' L$rin s#$ase !n stri+"t &i aler+" #)t l -inea!
(i#i$arele.
N2a1!nsese n#" la #a("t!l str"zii #)nd $ s#ris$are s$si (e adresa
Art/Emisei9
JNi#i $ .$r" n (ri.in-a mea' dra+" (rieten"' a,larea n!mel!i me!
m2ar d!#e la (ieire si+!r... A&tea(t" ()n" m)ine #a s"2mi s(!i n!mele'
,iind#" desear" ("r"ses# *aris!l.
A ta& H(loL!eC
? VaiD %$amneD e6#lam" .iit$area zei-"' da#2a& ,i (!t!t +/i#i' a& ,i
a&te(tat ()n" m)ine.
Ii se re(ezi s(re ,ereastr" #a s"2l #/eme na($i (e L$rin' de mai
era tim(. %ar el dis("r!se.
Capitolul-XXIV
:A:A II 3II0A
V2am s(!s mai nainte #" n #)te.a $re .estea e.eniment!l!i #!
(ri#ina se r"s()ndise n t$t *aris!l. ntr2ade."r' n e($#a a#eea se
#$mitea! indis#re-ii dest!l de !&$r de n-eles din (artea !n!i +!.ern a
#"r!i ($liti#" se n,iri(a &i se destr"ma n strad".
@ar.a ("tr!nse' a&adar' +r$azni#" &i amenin-"t$are' &i n .e#/ea
strad" 5aint28a#H!es &i' d!(" d$!" #eas!ri de la arestarea l!i :a!ri#e'
se &i a,lase .estea.
%at$rit" s)r+!in-ei l!i 5im$n' t$ate am"n!ntele #$m(l$t!l!i
-)&niser" #a din (!&#"' tre#)nd din#$l$ de zid!rile n#/is$rii. N!mai #"
ade."r!l a1!nsese ntr2$ $are#are m"s!r" alterat la me&ter!l t""#ar'
dat ,iind #" ,ie#are' (rin +!ra #"r!ia tre#!se' (!nea #)te2$ n,l$rit!r".
Era .$ra' se s(!nea' de2$ ,l$are $tr".it" #e ,!sese stre#!rat" re+inei
&i #! a1!t$r!l #"reia a!stria#a tre!ia s"2&i ad$arm" santinelele #a s"
ias" din Tem(le. :ai m!lt n#"' la z.$n!rile de mai s!s se mai
ad"!+aser" "n!ielile n (ri.in-a de.$tament!l!i atali$n!l!i
#$n#ediat n a1!n de 5anterre. A&a #" se ad!naser" mai m!lte .i#time'
destinate !rii ($($r!l!i.
%ar #ei din .e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es n! se (!tea! ni#ide#!m
n&ela' #!m era &i ,ires#' n (ri.in-a #el$r nt)m(late' &i :$rand (e de2$
(arte' %i6mer (e de alta ie&ir" n!maide#)t' l"s)nd2$ (e Cene.iB0e
pad" #elei mai #!m(lite dis(er"ri.
ntr2ade."r' de i s2ar ,i nt)m(lat .re$ nen$r$#ire l!i :a!ri#e'
n!mai Cene.iB0e ea picina nenoiciii aceleia- Ea cu m$na ei #l 0$$!e
pe t$n"r!l $r n temni-a n #are z"#ea n#/is &i de !nde' d!(" t$ate
(r$ailit"-ile' n2a.ea s" mai ias" de#)t #a s" !r#e (e e&a,$d.
%ar' n $ri#e #az' :a!ri#e n! .a (l"ti #! #a(!l ,a(t!l #" s2a s!(!s
$re&te #a(ri#i!l!i Cene.iB0ei- Dac" :a!ri#e ar ,i s" ,ie #$ndamnat'
Cene0iB0e !e 0a duce !in"u" s" se n.in$."-eas#" &i s" m"rt!riseas#"
t$t!l. Ii2ar ,i l!at t$at" r"s(!nderea as!(ra ei &i' inen-eles' #! (re-!l
.ie-ii sale l2ar ,i sal.at (e :a!ri#e.
Gene0iB0e& #l loc !" se #!trem!re la +)nd!l #2ar m!ri (entr!
:a!ri#e' dim($tri." +"sea n el $ ,eri#ire amar".
l i!ea (e t)n"r!l re(!li#an' l i!ea mai m!lt #/iar de#)t s2ar ,i
#!.enit !nei ,emei #are n! mai era lier". *entr! ea era !n mi1l$# de2a
reda #er!l!i s!,let!l ei #!rat' ,"r" ni#i $ !mr"' a&a #!m l (rimise de la
el. Ie&ind din #as"' :$rand &i %i6mer se des("r-ir". %i6mer se ndre(t"
#"tre strada 0$rderie' iar :$rand aler+" s(re strada N$nandiBe!-
A3un"$nd la cap"t!l *$d!l!i :arie' :$rand z"ri $ +l$at" de +!r"2#as#"
&i de #!ri$&i #are se n+/es!ia! la *aris n tim(!l !n!i e.eniment sa!
d!(" des,"&!rarea l!i' #/iar (e l$#!l #! (ri#ina' a&a #!m sta! #$rii (e
!n #)m( de "t"lie.
V"z)nd!2i' :$rand se $(ri' n! se mai (!t! -ine (e (i#i$are &i ,!
silit s" se s(ri1ine de (ara(et!l ($d!l!i. n s,)r&it' d!(" #)te.a
se#!nde' &i re#a("t" (!terea a#eea mira#!l$as" (e #are $ a.ea n
m(re1!r"ri +rele' se stre#!r" (rintre +r!(!rile de #!ri$&i' ntre" &i a,l"
#"' de2aia #! ze#e min!te mai nainte' ,!sese ridi#at" din strada
N$nandiBe! num"r!l 7M $ ,at" .in$.at" inen-eles de #rima de #are
era n.in!it"' de$are#e ,!sese s!r(rins" ,"#)nd!2&i a+a1ele.
:$rand #"!t" s" a,le #l!!l n #are iata ,at" tre!ia s" ,ie
inter$+at". A,l" #" ,!sese d!s" n ,a-a se#-iei (rin#i(ale &i se (rezent"
a#$l$ n!maide#)t.
Clu)ul ea plin oc1i- T$t!&i' sl!1ind!2se de #$ate &i de (!mni'
:$rand re!&i s" se stre#$are ntr2$ tri!n". *rim!l l!#r! (e #are2l z"ri
,! stat!ra nalt"' ,i+!ra n$il" &i e6(resia (lin" de dis(re- a l!i :a!ri#e'
st)nd n (i#i$are (e an#a a#!za-il$r &i stri.ind!2l #! (ri.irile (e 5im$n'
#are .$rea (lin de em,az".
? %a' #et"-eni' stri+a 5im$n' da' #et"-eana Tis$n i a#!z" (e
#et"-ean!l Linde= &i (e #et"-ean!l L$rin. 0et"-ean!l Linde= t$t s(!ne
de2$ ,l$r"reas" (e #are .rea s" dea .ina. %ar' ." s(!n dinainte'
,l$r"reasa n! e de +"sit &i ni#i n! .a ,i. Ai#i e !n #$m(l$t !rzit de2$
s$#ietate de arist$#ra-i #are da! .ina !nii (e al-ii #a ni&te la&i #e s!nt.
A-i ."z!t dealt,el #" #et"-ean!l L$rin a &ters2$ de2a#as" #)nd s2a! d!s
s"2l ridi#e. Ei ine' ni#i el n! mai e de +"sit' #a &i ,l$r"reasa.
? Ai min-it' 5im$n' se a!zi $ .$#e ,!ri$as"' el e de +"sit' iat"2l.
Ii L$rin n"."li n sal".
? 3a#e-i2mi l$#D stri+" el' mr)n#ind s(e#tat$rii. L$#D Ii se d!se
s" se a&eze al"t!ri de :a!ri#e.
Intrarea l!i L$rin' (etre#!t" #)t se ($ate de ,ires#' ,"r" ,as$ane'
,"r" em,az"' #i #! t$at" ,ran#/e-ea &i .i+$area inerente ,irii t)n"r!l!i
re.$l!-i$nar' (ri#in!i #ea mai (r$,!nd" im(resie &i #ea mai (!terni#"
senza-ie as!(ra tri!nel$r #are se a(!#ar" s" at" din (alme &i s"
stri+e ra.$D
Mauice !e mul-!mi s" s!r)d" &i s" ntind" m)na (rieten!l!i s"!'
de (ar#"2&i s(!sese l!i ns!&i9 J5!nt si+!r #" n2am s" sta! m!lt" .reme
sin+!r (e an#a a#!za-il$r.K
5(e#tat$rii (ri.ea! #! !n interes .iziil (e #ei d$i tineri #/i(e&i' (e
#are' #a !n dem$n in.idi$s (e tinere-e &i (e ,r!m!se-e' i a#!za
ti#"l$s!l de #)r(a#i de la Tem(le.
5im$n &i d"d! seama de (r$asta im(resie #are n#e(ea s"2l
m(res$are. At!n#i se /$t"r s" dea l$.it!ra de +ra-ie.
? 0et"-eni' !rl" el' #er #a n$ila &i m"rinim$asa #et"-eana Tis$n
s" ,ie as#!ltat"' #er #a ea ns"&i s" ia #!.)nt!l &i s" a#!ze.
? 0et"-eni' s(!se L$rin' #er #a mai nainte s" ,ie as#!ltat" t)n"ra
#are t$#mai a ,$st arestat" &i #are' ,"r" nd$ial"' .a ,i ad!s" n ,a-a
.$astr".
? N!' (r$test" 5im$n' tre!ie s" ,ie iar"&i .re!n mart$r min#in$s'
.re!n (artizan de2al arist$#ra-il$r< dealtminteri' #et"-eana Tis$n arde
de ner"dare s" l"m!reas#" 1!sti-ia.
'n timpul ace!ta& Loin 0o)ea cu Mauice-
? %a' stri+ar" #ei din tri!ne' da' de($zi-ia ,emeii l!i Tis$n' da'
da' s" de(!n" m"rtuie+
? 0et"-eana Tis$n e n sal"A ntre" (re&edintele.
? 3"r" nd$ial" #" e' e6#lam" 5im$n. 0et"-eana Tis$n' s(!ne #"
e&ti ai#i.
? Iat"2m"' #et"-ene (re&edinte' s(!se +ardian#a. %ar' da#"
de(!n m"rt!rie' a.e-i s"2mi da-i ,ii#aA
? 3ii#a ta n2are #e #"!ta n a,a#erea #are ne intereseaz"' s(!se
(re&edintele. :ai nt)i de(!ne2-i m"rt!ria &i (e !rm" ," #erere #"tre
0$m!n" #a s"2-i dea na($i #$(ila.
? Ai n-elesA #et"-ean!l (re&edinte -i ($r!n#e&te s" de(!i
m"rt!ria' stri+" 5im$n< /ai' de(!ne2$ n!maide#)t.
? O #li("' s(!se (re&edintele' nt$r#)nd!2se s(re :a!ri#e' !imit
de lini&tea a#el!i $m' de $i#ei at)t de a(ri+' $ #li("D 0et"-ene
m!ni#i(al' n2ai nimi# de $ie#tat nainteA
? N!' #et"-ene (re&edinte' de#)t #" nainte de2a ,a#e la& &i
tr"d"t$r (e !n $m #a mine' 5im$n ar ,i tre!it s" a&te(te s" ,ie mai
ine in,$rmat.
? T! s(!i' t! s(!iA re(et" 5im$n #! t$n!l a#ela at1$#$rit$r al
$m!l!i din ($($r' at)t de #ara#teristi# (leei (ariziene.
? E! s(!n' 5im$n' !rm" :a!ri#e mai m!lt #! triste-e de#)t #!
m)nie' #" .ei ,i #r!d (ede(sit a#!&i' #)nd ai s" .ezi #e se nt)m(l".
? Ii #e are s" se nt)m(leA ntre" 5im$n.
? 0et"-ene (re&edinte' #$ntin!" :a!ri#e' ,"r" s" r"s(!nd"
dez+!st"t$r!l!i s"! a#!zat$r' m" al"t!r (rieten!l!i me! L$rin'
r!+)nd!2te #a ,ata #are a ,$st arestat" s" ,ie as#!ltat" nainte de2a i se
da #!.)nt!l a#estei iete ,emei' #"reia' ,"r" nd$ial"' i s2a di#tat
de($zi-ia.
? A!zi t!' #et"-ean"' stri+" 5im$n' a!zi t!A Ei s(!n #" e&ti mart$r
min#in$s.
* Eu& mato mincino!. !pu!e ne0a!ta lui ,i!on- Ei+ las"' #2ai s"
.ezi t!' a&tea(t" n!mai' a&te(t"D
? 0et"-ene' inter.eni :a!ri#e' $rd$n" nen$r$#itei a#esteia s"
ta#".
? AD -i2e ,ri#"' stri+" 5im$n' -i2e ,ri#"D 0et"-ene (re&edinte'
(retind s" ,ie as#!ltat" #et"-eana Tis$n.
? %a' da' s" ,ie as#!ltat"D stri+ar" ti)unele-
? Lini&teD stri+" &i (re&edintele. Iat" #" se nt$ar#e 0$m!na.
n #li(a a#eea se a!zi a,ar" !n .e/i#!l #are mer+ea' ns$-it de
larm" mare de arme &i !rlete.
Nelini&tit' 5im$n se nt$arse s(re !&".
? *lea#" de la tri!n"' i s(!se (re&edintele' nu mai ai cu0$ntul-
Simon co)o#-
n a#ela&i m$ment' intrar" 1andarmii' #! $ dr$aie de #!ri$&i'
e.a#!a-i (!-in d!(" a#eea' &i $ ,emeie ,! m(ins" #"tre #$m(let!l
tri!nal!l!i.
? E eaA ntre" L$rin (e :a!ri#e.
? %a' da' ea e' r"s(!nse a#esta. VaiD nen$r$#ita' e (ierd!t"D
? 3l$r"reasa' ,l$r"reasaD se &$(tea n r)nd!rile tri!nel$r
,r"m)ntate de #!ri$zitate' e ,l$r"reasa.
? nainte de $ri#e' #er a!dierea ,emeii l!i Tis$n' !rl" #izmar!l. I2ai
$rd$nat s" de(!n" m"rt!rie' #et"-ene (re&edinte' &i .ezi ine #" n-o
depune+
3emeia l!i Tis$n ,! #/emat" &i n#e(! s" deiteze !n den!n-
ns("im)nt"t$r' (lin de am"n!nte. %!(" ("rerea ei' ,l$r"reasa era
.in$.at"' #e2i dre(t' dar :a!ri#e &i L$rin era! #$m(li#ii ei.
%en!n-!l st)rni !n e,e#t .iziil as!(ra (!li#!l!i.
'n timpul ace!ta Simon tiumfa-
? 8andarmi' ad!#e-i ,l$r"reasa' stri+" (re&edintele.
? Vai' e n,i$r"t$rD &$(ti :$rand' a#$(erind!2&i ,a-a #! am)nd$!"
m)inile.
3l$r"reasa ,! #/emat" &i se a&ez" n (artea de 1$s a tri!nei' n
,a-a ,emeii l!i Tis$n' a #"rei m"rt!rie $ n.in!ia de #rima #a(ital".
Aia at!n#i &i ridi#" ."l!l de (e ,a-".
* H(loL!e+ eFclam" ,emeia l!i Tis$n' ,ii#a mea... t! ai#i...
? %a' mam"' r"s(!nse l)nd t)n"ra a#!zat".
* Da de ce !tai #nte doi 3andami.
? *entr! #" s!nt a#!zat"' mam".
* ,u.-.. a#!zat"A iz!#ni ,emeia l!i Tis$n n+r$zit"' &i de #ineA
? %e d!mneata' mam".
O t"#ere n,ri#$&"t$are' $ t"#ere de m$arte se a&tern! dintr2$ dat"
(este m!l-imea +"l"+i$as" &i sentiment!l d!rer$s' ins!,lat de2$
asemenea s#en" $riil"' #$(le&i inimile t!tuo-
? 3ii#"2saD &$(tea! .$#i n#ete' #e (ar#" .enea! din de("rtare'
,ii#"2sa' nen$r$#itaD
:a!ri#e &i L$rin (ri.ea! (e a#!zat$are &i (e a#!zat" #! !n
sim-"m)nt de mil" (r$,!nd" &i d!rere (lin" de res(e#t.
5im$n' ner"d"t$r s" asiste la s,)r&it!l e(is$d!l!i n #are n"2
d"1d!ia s"2i .ad" #$m(r$mi&i (e :a!ri#e &i (e L$rin' n#er#a a#!m s"
se ,ereas#" de (ri.irile ,emeii l!i Tis$n' #are r$tea n 1!r (ri.iri r"t"#ite.
? 0!m te n!me&ti' #et"-ean"A $ ntre" (re&edintele' mi&#at &i el'
(e t)n"ra #alm" &i resemnat".
* H(loL!e ,i!on& cet"-ene.
? 0)-i ani aiA
? N$!"s(reze#e.
? Unde l$#!ie&tiA
* 'n !tada NonandiBe!& num"r!l 7M.
? T! i2ai .)nd!t #et"-ean!l!i m!ni#i(al Linde=' (e #are iat"2l ai#i
(e an#"' !n !#/et de +ar$a,e' ast"zi2diminea-"A
Aiica lui ,i!on !e #nt$arse #"tre :a!ri#e &i d!(" #e l (ri.i' s(!se9
? %a' #et"-ene' e!.
3emeia l!i Tis$n &i (ri.ea ,ii#a #! $#/ii /$la-i de s(aim".
? Itiai #" ,ie#are +ar$a," (!rta #)te !n ilet adresat ."d!.ei
0a(etA
? %a' &tiam' r"s(!nse a#!zata.
Un ,ream"t de +r$az" &i de admira-ie se ridi#" din sal".
? %e #e i2ai $,erit +ar$a,ele a#elea #et"-ean!l!i :a!ri#eA
? *entr! #" l2am ."z!t (!rt)nd e&ar,a m!ni#i(al" &i "n!iam #"
se d!#e la n#/is$area Tem(le.
? 0ine2-i s!nt #$m(li#iiA
* Nu am nici unul-
? 0!mD Ai ,"#!t #$m(l$t!l sin+!r"A
? %a#" i s(!ne-i #$m(l$t' da' l2am ,"#!t sin+!r".
? %ar #et"-ean!l :a!ri#e &tia...A
? 0" ,l$rile a.ea! n"!ntr! ileteA
* Da-
? 0et"-ean!l :a!ri#e e #et"-ean m!ni#i(al. 0et"-ean!l :a!ri#e $
(!tea .edea (e re+in" ntre (atr! $#/i la $ri#e $r" din zi &i din n$a(te.
0et"-ean!l :a!ri#e' da#" ar ,i a.!t #e.a de s(!s re+inei' n! a.ea
ne.$ie s"2i s#rie' de$are#e (!tea s"2i .$reas#".
? Ii t! n!2l #!n$&teai (e #et"-ean!l :a!ri#eA
? l ."z!sem .enind la n#/is$are (e .remea n #are st"team #!
iata mama' dar n!2l #!n$&team alt,el de#)t din .edereD
? Vezi' mizeraileD iz!#ni L$rin' amenin-)nd #! (!mn!l (e
5im$n' #are' (le#)nd #a(!l n 1$s' n#remenit de nt$rs"t!ra (e #are2$
l!a! l!#r!rile' n#er#a s" se stre#$are' ,"r" s" ,i z"rit. Vezi #e2ai ,"#!tA
,oate (ri.irile se nt$arser" #"tre 5im$n #! !n sentiment de
ndre(t"-it" indi+nare. *re&edintele #$ntin!"9
? %e$are#e t! ai nm)nat !#/et!l' de$are#e t! &tiai #" n ,ie#are
,l$are se a,l" $ /)rtie' t! tre!ia s" &tii &i #eea #e sta s#ris (e /)rtieD
? 3"r" nd$ial" #" &ti!D
* Ei )ine& atunci& !pune-ne& ce ea pe 1$tie.
? 0et"-ene' s(!se ,ata #! /$t"r)re' am s(!s t$t #eea #e (!team
&i mai #! seam" #eea #e .$iam s" s(!n.
? A&adar' re,!zi s" r"s(!nziA
* Da-
? Itii la #e te e6(!iA
* Da-
? Ai ($ate s(eran-" n tinere-ea &i ,r!m!se-ea taA
? N2am s(eran-" de#)t n %!mneze!.
? 0et"-ene :a!ri#e Linde=' s(!se (re&edintele' #et"-ene
B=a#int/e L$rin' am)nd$i s!nte-i lieri. 0$m!na ia a#t de ne.in$."-ia
.$astr" &i ." re#!n$a&te meritele de !ni #et"-eni. 8andarmi' d!#e-i2$
(e #et"-eana BEl$L!e la #nc1i!oaea !ec-iei.
La .$rele de mai s!s' ,emeia l!i Tis$n ("r! #" se de&tea(t"'
s#$ase !n stri+"t ns("im)nt"t$r &i .$i s" se re(ead" s"2&i mai m2
r"-i&eze $ dat" ,ii#a' dar 1andarmii $ m(iedi#ar".
? Te ier-i mam"' stri+" ,ata n tim( #e era d!s".
3emeia l!i Tis$n d"d! dr!m!l !n!i r"#net s"lati# &i se (r"!&i #a
m$art".
? N$il" ,ii#"D &$(ti :$rand #$(le&it de2$ em$-ie d!rer$as".
Capitolul XXV
5ILE,UL
0a !rmare a nt)m(l"ril$r (e #are .i le2am ($.estit' !n !ltim
e(is$d s2a mai ad"!+at #a s" ntre+eas#" drama #are n#e(!se s" se
des,"&$are' #! s!mrele ei (eri(e-ii.
3emeia l!i Tis$n' zdr$it" de #ele #e se nt)m(laser"' #"#i ()n" &i
#rima in.$l!ntar" are n sine !n #$n-in!t $di$s' &i n! e6ist" #rim" mai
mare de#)t #ea a !nei mame #are2&i $m$ar" #$(il!l' ,ie #/iar dintr2!n
e6#es de zel (atri$ti#' ,emeia l!i Tis$n' s(!neam' d!(" #e z"#!se $
!#at" de .reme ntr2$ ne#lintire desa.)r&it"' n"l-" #a(!l' (ri.i n
1!r!2i r"t"#it" &i' ."z)nd!2se sin+!r"' s#$ase !n stri+"t &i se re(ezi s(re
!&".
La !&"' #)-i.a #!ri$&i' mai ("tima&i de#)t #eilal-i' st"tea! n#" n
+r!(. 5e d"d!r" n l"t!ri #)nd $ ."z!r"' ar"t)nd2$ #! de+et!l &i zi#)nd9
? Vede-i ,emeia a#eeaA Ii2a den!n-at ,ii#a.
3emeia l!i Tis$n s#$ase iar !n stri+"t de dis(erare &i se n"(!sti
ns(re n#/is$area Tem(le.
%ar' aia da#" str""t!se a treia (arte din strada :i#/el2le20$mte'
#)nd !n "rat i ie&i n #ale &i2i $(ri tre#erea' as#!nz)nd!2&i ,a-a n
mantia #! #are era mr"#at.
? E&ti m!l-!mit"' i s(!se el' -i2ai !#is #$(ila.
? :i2am !#is #$(ilaA U#is #$(ilaA iz!#ni s"rmana mam". N!' n! e
#! (!tin-".
? T$t!&i a&a e' #"#i ,ii#"2ta e arestat".
? Ii !nde a! d!s2$A
? La n#/is$area 0$n#ier+erie' de !nde .a (le#a la tri!nal!l
re.$l!-i$nar' &i d$ar &tii ine #e se nt)m(l" #! #ei #ae a3un" acolo-
? %"2te la $ (arte' s(!se ne.asta l!i Tis$n' &i las"2m" s" tre#.
* Unde te duci.
* La #nc1i!oaea Concie"eie-
? 0e s" ,a#i a#$l$A
? 52$ mai ."d.
? N2a! s" te lase s" intri.
? A! s" m" lase m"#ar s" m" #!l# (e (ra+!l ($r-ii' s" sta! &i s"
d$rm a#$l$. N2am s" m" mi&# de2a#$l$ ()n" #e .a ie&i &i2am s2$ mai
."d m"#ar $ dat".
? %ar da#" #ine.a -i2ar ,"+"d!i #"2-i d" ,ata na($iA
* Ce !pui.
? Te ntre' da#" !n $m -i ,"+"d!ie&te s"2-i dea ,ata na($i' ai
,a#e t$t #e $m!l a#ela -i2ar #ere s" ,aci.
* Oice pentu fiica mea+ Oice pentu H(loL!e+ eFclam" ,emeia'
r"s!#ind!2&i ra-ele de dis(erare. Ori#e' $ri#e' $ri#eD
? As#!lt"' !rm" ne#!n$s#!t!l' %!mneze! te2a (ede(sit.
? Ii de #eA
? %e #/in!rile (rin #are ai t$rt!rat $ s"rman" mam" #a &i tine.
? %e #ine .$re&tiA 0e .rei s" s(!iA
? *rin ()rile &i s"l"ti#iile tale' adese$ri ai ad!s arestata la d$i
(a&i de dezn"de1dea #"tre #are te ndre(-i t! ns"-i n #li(a de ,a-".
%!mneze! te (ede(se&te d!#)nd!2-i la m$arte ,ii#a (e #are $ i!e&ti
at)t de m!lt-
? Ai s(!s #" este !n $m #are ar (!tea2$ sal.a. Unde2i $m!l a#elaA
#e .reaA #)t .reaA
? Om!l a#ela .rea s" (!i #a("t (erse#!-iil$r re+inei' s"2i #eri
iertare (entr! t$ate $,ensele (e #are i le2ai ad!s' &i da#" a+i de
seam" #" ,emeia asta' &i ea $ mam" #are s!,er"' #are (l)n+e &i #are e
(rad" dezn"de1dii' (rin #ine &tie n #e m(re1!rare im($siil"' (rintr2$
min!ne #ereas#"' este (e (!n#t!l de2a e.ada' t! s2$ a1!-i din t$ate
(!terile n l$# s" te m($tri.e&ti ,!+ii sale.
? As#!lt"' #et"-ene' s(!se ,emeia l!i Tis$n' $m!l a#ela e&ti t!'
n!2i a&aA
? Ei &iA
? T! mi ,"+"d!ie&ti s"2mi sal.ezi ,ii#aA
Ne#!n$s#!t!l t"#!.
? :i2$ ,"+"d!ie&tiA -i dai #!.)nt!lA :i2$ 1!riA R"s(!nde.
? As#!lt". 0a s"2-i sal.ez #$(ila .$i ,a#e t$t #e ($ate ,a#e !n $m
#a s" sal.eze $ ,emeie-
? N2$ ($ate sal.aD iz!#ni ,emeia l!i Tis$n +em)nd' n2$ ($ate
sal.a. :in-ea #)nd ,"+"d!ia #2are s2$ sal.eze.
? 3" t! t$t #eea #e ($-i (entr! re+in" &i e! am s" ,a# t$t #eea #e
($t (entr! ,ii#a ta.
? 0e2mi (as" mie de re+in"A E &i ea $ mam" #are are $ ,at"'
asta2i t$t. %ar de2i .$ra de t"iat +)t!l #!i.a' n! ,ii#"2si' #i ei are s" i2l
taie. 5"2mi taie &i mie +)t!l &i s"2mi sal.eze #$(ila. N2a! de#)t s" m"
d!#" la +/il$tin"' dar #! #$ndi-ia s" n! i se #latine ni#i !n sin+!r ,ir de
("r din #a(' &i s!nt +ata s" m" d!# la +/il$tin" #)nt)nd9
A/D t$t a&a' t$t a&a'
0! arist$#ra-ii la s()nz!r"t$are...
Ii ,emeia l!i Tis$n se a(!#" s" #)nte #! !n +las n,i$r"t$r. *e
!rm"' dintr2$ dat"' se $(ri din #)ntat #! !n /$/$t de r)s' #)t $ -inea
+!ra.
>"rat!l n mantie ("r! ns("im)ntat de !n asemenea n#e(!t de
ne!nie &i se trase !n (as nd"r"t.
? %$ar n2ai s" (le#i a&a' s(!se ,emeia l!i Tis$n' dis(erat"'
a(!#)nd!2l de mantie. %$ar n2ai .enit s" s(!i !nei mame9 J3" a&a &i2-i
sal.ez #$(ilaK' #a d!(" a#eea s"2i s(!i9 J*$ate #" da.K Ai s2$ sal.eziA
* Da-
* C$nd.
? n zi!a #)nd $ .$r d!#e de la n#/is$area 0$n#ier+erie la
e&a,$d.
? %e #e at)ta a&te(tareA %e #e n! la n$a(te' desear"'
n!maide#)tA
? *entr! #" n! ($t.
? A/aD .ezi ine' iz!#ni ,emeia l!i Tis$n' .ezi ine #" n! ($-i.
%ar' e!' e! ($t.
? 0e ($-i t!A
? *$t s2$ (erse#!t (e arestat"' #!m i s(!i t!' ($t s2$ s!2
(ra.e+/ez (e re+in"' #!m zi#i t!' arist$#rat #e e&ti' ($t s" intr! la $ri#e
$r"' zi!a &i n$a(tea' n n#/is$are &i a&a am s" &i ,a#. 0)t des(re ,!+a
ei din n#/is$are' asta s" .edem. A/D da' s" .edem da#" tre!ie s"
s#a(e din n#/is$are' #)t" .reme nimeni n! .rea s"2mi sal.eze ,ata.
%inte (entr! dinte' .rei a&aA %$amna Vet$ a ,$st re+in"' &ti! e! at)ta
l!#r!' BEl$L!e ,i!on nu-i dec$t o )iat" ,at"' $ &ti! &i (e2asta' dar la
+/il$tin" s!ntem #! t$-ii e+ali.
? Ei ine' ,ieD s(!se $m!l #! mantie< sal.eaz2$ &i $ sal.ez &i e!.
? 8!r".
* Iu-
* /e ce.
* /e ce 0ei tu-
? Ai $ ,at"A
* Nu-
? Ei ineD ,"#! ,emeia l!i Tis$n' l"s)nd s"2i #ad" am)nd$!"
ra-ele #! !n +est de des#!ra1are< at!n#i (e #e .rei s" 1!riA
? As#!lt"' 1!r (e %!mneze!.
? NaD e6#lam" ,emeia l!i Tis$n' d$ar &tii #" l2a! d"r)mat (e #el
.e#/i &i #" n2am (!s !n!l n$! n l$#.
? -i 1!r (e m$rm)nt!l tat"l!i me!.
? 5" n! 1!ri (e m$rminte' asta ad!#e nen$r$#ire... VaiD %$amne'
%$amneD #)nd m" +)ndes# #" ($ate (este trei zile &i e! .$i 1!ra (e
m$rm)nt!l #$(ilei meleD 0$(ila meaD >iata mea BEl$L!e+ !ti"" at)t de
tare ne.asta l!i Tis$n' n#)t la +las!l ei' &i2a&a ("tr!nz"t$r' mai m!lte
,erestre se des#/iser".
V"z)nd ,erestrele des#/iz)nd!2se' !n alt "rat se des(rinse
(ar#" de l)n+" zid &i se ndre(t" #"tre #el dint)i.
? N! e nimi# de ,"#!t #! ,emeia asta' s(!se (rim!l #el!i de2al
d$ilea' e ne!n".
? N!' e mam"' zise a#esta.
Ii ($rni m(re!n" #! ns$-it$r!l s"!. V"z)nd!2i #" se de("rteaz"'
,emeia l!i Tis$n ("r! #"2&i .ine n ,ire.
? Unde ." d!#e-iA stri+" ea. V" d!#e-i s2$ sal.a-i (e BEl$YseA
A&te(ta-i2m" at!n#i' mer+ &i e! #! .$i. A&te(ta-i2m"' /ai' a&te(ta-i2m"D
Ii s"rmana mam" se l!" d!(" ei' !rl)nd. %ar' la (rim!l #$l- de
strad"' le (ierd! !rma. Ii nemai&tiind n#$tr$ s2$ a(!#e' r"mase $ #li("
l$#!l!i' ne/$t"r)t"' !it)nd!2se n t$ate ("r-ile. V"z)nd!2se sin+!r" n
(!terea n$(-ii &i n taina t"#erii' #ele d$!" sim$l!ri ale m$r-ii' s#$ase
!n stri+"t s,)&iet$r &i #"z! (e #aldar)m' (ierz)nd!2&i #!n$&tin-a.
>"t!r" #eas!rile ze#e.
n tim(!l a#esta' (e #)nd "t"ile a#eleia&i $re r"s!na! &i de la
$r$l$+i!l n#/is$rii' re+ina &edea' n #amera (e #are $ &tim' l)n+" $
lam(" #e ,ila' ntre #!mnata &i ,ii#a ei' ,erit" de (ri.irile #et"-enil$r
m!ni#i(ali de #"tre (rin#i(es"' (e #are se ,"#ea #2$ s"r!t"< dar' n
a#ela&i tim(' re#itea !n ile-el s#ris (e #ea mai s!-ire /)rti!-" #e se
(!tea +"si' #! $ s#riere at)t de ,in" #" aia mai a.ea! (!tere $#/ii ei
ar&i de la#rimi s"2i de!cife%e liteele-
>ile-el!l #!(rindea #ele #e !rmeaz"9
J:ar-i' #ere-i s" #$$r)-i n +r"din"' n+"d!in-" (e #are $ .e-i
(rimi ,"r" ni#i $ +re!tate' de$are#e s2a dat $rdin sa! se .a da $rdin s"
.i se a#$rde asemenea ,a.$are de ndat" #e $ .e-i #ere. %!(" #e .e-i ,i
,"#!t trei sa! (atr! $#$l!ri' ,a#e-i2." #" s!nte-i $$sit"' a(r$(ia-i2." de
#antin" &i #ere-i ,emeii *l!mea! n+"d!in-a de2a ." a&eza la ea. A#$l$
d!(" #)te.a #li(e' sim!la-i #" .i se ,a#e r"! &i #" le&ina-i. At!n#i se .$r
n#/ide !&ile (entr! a .i se (!tea ad!#e a1!t$r &i .e-i r"m)ne #!
d$amna Elisaet/ &i #! alte-a2sa re+al". N!maide#)t #/e(en+!l de la
(i.ni-" se .a des#/ide. Re(ezi-i2." dim(re!n" #! ,ii#a &i #!mnata
d$mniei2.$astre (rin des#/iz"t!r" &i s!nte-i sal.ate t$ate trei.K
* Doamne2%!mneze!leD e6#lam" (rin#i(esa' s$arta n$astr"
nen$r$#it" s" se ,i s"t!rat $are de n$iA
? 5a! ($ate #" ilet!l a#esta n!2i de#)t $ #!rs"A se ntre"
d$amna Elisaet/.
? N!' n!' r"s(!nse re+ina' s#ris!l "sta t$tdea!na mi2a dez."l!it
(rezen-a !n!i (rieten taini#' dar ,$arte .iteaz &i ,$arte #redin#i$s.
? E s#ris!l #a.aler!l!iA ntre" (rin#i(esa.
? 0/iar al l!i' r"s(!nse re+ina.
%$amna Elisaet/ m(re!n" m)inile.
? 5" re#itim ilet!l' ,ie#are n (arte' ,$arte2n#et' !rm" re+ina' a&a
n#)t da#" !na dintre n$i ar !ita .re!n l!#r!' #ealalt" s"2&i ad!#"
aminte.
Ii t$ate trei re#itir" ilet!l. %ar' t$#mai #)nd is(r".ea! de #itit'
a!zir" !&a #amerei des#/iz)nd!2se. 0ele d$!" (rin#i(ese se nt$arser"'
re+ina r"mase a&a #!m se +"sea' n!mai #" d!se #! !n +est a(r$a(e
im(er#e(tiil ilet!l n ("r &i &i2l stre#!r" n (ie(t"n"t!r".
0el #are des#/isese !&a era !n #et"-ean m!ni#i(al.
? 0e d$re&ti' d$mn!leA ntrear" ntr2!n +las d$amna Elisaet/ &i
(rin#i(esa.
? BmD ,"#! m!ni#i(al!l' mi (are #" ." #!l#a-i #am t)rzi! #n !eaa
a!ta---
? A a("r!t $ n$!" /$t"r)re a 0$m!nei' ntre" re+ina'
nt$r#)nd!2se #! $i&n!it!2i aer de demnitate' (rin #are se staile&te la
#e #eas tre!ie s" m" !r# n (atA
? N!' #et"-ean"' r"s(!nse m!ni#i(al!l' dar da#" e ne.$ie' se .a
,a#e !na.
* /)n" at!n#i' d$mn!le' !rm" :aria2Ant$aneta' res(e#t"' da#"
n! #amera !nei re+ine' m"#ar (e #ea a !nei ,emei.
? Ia te !it"' m$rm"i m!ni#i(al!l' arist$#ra-ii "&tia .$res# n#" de
(ar#2ar ,i #ine &tie #e de #a(!l l$r.
%ar ()n" !na2alta' d$minat de demnitatea a#eea tr!,a&" n
.remea (r$s(erit"-ii' dar (e #are #ei trei ani de s!,erin-" $ ,"#!ser"
st"()nit"' m!ni#i(al!l se retrase.
%!(" #)te.a #li(e' lam(a se stinse &i' #a de $i#ei' #ele trei ,emei
se dezr"#ar" ,$l$sind nt!neri#!l dre(t (erdea (entr! de#en-a lo-
A d$!a zi' la #eas!rile n$!" diminea-a' re+ina' d!(" #e a re#itit
ile-el!l as#!ns din a1!n n ,ald!rile dra(eriil$r de la (at!l ei' #a n!
#!m.a s" se aat" ntr!#)t.a de la dire#ti.ele #e era! #!(rinse n el'
d!(" #e l2a r!(t &i l2a (re,"#!t n !#"-ele a(r$a(e min!s#!le' se
mr"#" d!(" (erdelele din n#"(erea ei &i' de&te(t)nd!2&i #!mnata' se
d!se la ,ii#a ei.
%!(" #)te.a #li(e' ie&i &i #/em" #et"-enii m!ni#i(ali #e ,"#ea! de
+ard".
? 0e d$ri-i' #et"-ean"A ntre" !n!l dintre ei' i.ind!2se n #adr!l
!&ii' n .reme #e #el"lalt ni#i n! se sin#/isea s" se s#$ale de la mi#!l
de1!n' #a s" r"s(!nd" #/em"rii re+ale.
? %$mn!le' r"s(!nse :aria2Ani$aneta' .in a#!ma din #amera
,ii#ei mele &i iata #$(il" este +ra. $lna.". *i#i$arele2i s!nt !m,late &i
$ d$r' #"#i se mi&#" (rea (!-in. Or' d!mnea.$astr" &ti-i' d$mn!le' #"
e! s!nt #ea #are am #$ndamnat2$ la a#east" li(s" de mi&#are. Eram
a!t$rizat" s" #$$r &i s" m"

(lim n +r"din"' dar ,iind silit" s" tre# (rin
,a-a #amerei n #are l$#!ia s$-!l me! (e #)nd n#" mai tr"ia' la
.ederea a#elei !&i mi s2a str)ns inima &i m2a! ("r"sit (!terile' a&a #"
m2am !r#at na($i n #amer"' m"r+inind!2m" n!mai la (limarea de (e
teras". A#!m (limarea asta e ins!,i#ient" (entr! s"n"tatea ietei
mele #$(ile. V" r$+' a&adar' #et"-ene m!ni#i(al' s" #ere-i n n!mele
+eneral!l!i 5anterre n+"d!in-a de2a m" ,$l$si de liertatea #e2mi
,!sese a#$rad". V2a& r"m)ne re#!n$s#"t$are.
Re+ina r$stise #!.intele de mai s!s #! !n +las at)t de d!l#e' dar
at)t de demn n a#ela&i tim(' $#$lise #! at)ta di"#ie $ri#e s$i de
#ali,i#ati. #are ar ,i (!t! 1i+ni n+)m,area re(!li#an" a interl$#!t$r!l!i
ei' n#)t a#esta' #are se n,"-i&ase #! $neta (e #a(' #!m era dealt,el
$i#ei!l #el$r mai m!l-i dintre $amenii de ,el!l l!i' ridi#" (!-in #)te
(!-in $neta2i r$&ie de (e #a( &i #)nd ea termin" de .$rit' $ sal!t"'
s(!n)nd!2i9
? 3i-i lini&tit"' d$amn"' .$m #ere #et"-ean!l!i +eneral n+"d!in-a
(e #are $ s$li#ita-i.
*e !rm"' retr"+)nd!2se' re(et"' de (ar#" ar ,i .r!t s" se #$n.in+"
#" #eda eti#/etei &i n! sl"i#i!nii9
* E dept& la uma umei& e dept-
? 0e e dre(tA ntre" #el"lalt m!ni#i(al.
? E dre(t #a ,emeia asta s"2&i (lime ,ata #are e $lna.".
? Ei &iA... #e #ereA
? 0ere s" #$$are &i s" se (lime !n #eas n +r"din".
? NaD ,"#! #el"lalt' s" #ear" s" mear+" (e 1$s de la n#/is$area
Tem(le ()n" la *ia-a Re.$l!-iei' s" se sat!re de (limare.
Re+ina a!zi #!.intele de mai s!s &i ("li. %ar i ins!,lar" $ n$!"
d$z" de #!ra1 (entr! e.eniment!l #el mare #e se (re+"tea.
:!ni#i(al!l is(r".i de m)n#at &i #$$r. *e de alt" (arte' re+ina
#er! s" ia mi#!l de1!n n #amera ,ii#ei sale' l!#r! #e ,! n#!.iin-at.
*rin#i(esa' #a s" ade.ereas#" .estea s!,erin-ei sale' r"mase
#!l#at"' iar d$amna Elisaet/ &i re+ina &ez!r" l)n+" (at!l ei.
La !ns(reze#e a("r! 5anterre. 5$sirea2i ,!' #a de $i#ei' .estit" #!
t$ele #e "t!r" (e #)m(!rile de mane.r" &i #! intrarea n$!l!i
atali$n &i a n$il$r m!ni#i(ali #are .eniser" s"2i nl$#!ias#" (e #ei al
#"r$r r)nd de +ard" n#etase.
%!(" #e 5anterre ins(e#t" atali$n!l #are ie&ea &i atali$n!l #are
intra' d!(" #e &i m$ldi #al!l +re$i' #! (i#i$are s#!rte &i +r$ase' s"
mear+" n (as de (arad" (rin #!rtea n#/is$rii Tem(le' se $(ri n l$#
#)te.a #li(e. Venise m$ment!l n #are #ei #e a.ea! s"2i .$reas#" i
adresa! re#lama-iile' den!n-!rile !au ceeile lo-
:!ni#i(al!l (r$,it" de ($(as!l +eneral!l!i #a s" se a(r$(ie de el.
? 0e .reiA l ntre" r!s# 5anterre.
? 0et"-ene' r"s(!nse m!ni#i(al!l' .in s"2-i s(!n din (artea
re+inei...
? 0e2i a#eea re+inaA l ntre" 5anterre.
? AD e dre(t' ,"#! m!ni#i(al!l' mirat el ns!&i #a l l!ase +!ra (e
dinainte... 0e naia mi2a .enit s" s(!nA 0e' am nne!nitA Vin s"2-i
s(!n din (artea d$amnei Vet$...
? Ei' #e .ii s"2mi s(!iA 5" .edem.
? Vin s"2-i s(!n #" mi#!-a Vet$ e $lna."' d!(" #)t se (are' din
li(s" de aer &i de mi&#are.
? Ei ine' &i (entr! asta tre!ie s" n.in!ias#" na-i!neaA Na-i!nea
i2a n+"d!it s" se (lime n +r"din"' ea a re,!zat. 5"2i ,ie de ineD
? T$#mai asta e' a#!m se #"ie&te &i #ere' da#" .rei s"2i n+"d!i'
s" #$$are.
? N! ."d de #e2a& $(ri2$D A!zi-i' .$i #! t$-ii' !rm" 5anterre'
adres)nd!2se ntre+!l!i atali$n' ."d!.a 0a(et #ere s" #$$are #a s"
se (lime n +r"din". 0eea #e #ere i2a ,$st a#$rdat de na-i!ne< dar
"+a-i de seam" s" n! #!m.a s" e.adeze' s"rind (este zid!rile
n#/is$rii' #"#i' de se nt)m(l" a&a #e.a' ." tai #a(etele la t$-i.
Cl!ma #et"-ean!l!i +eneral ,! nt)m(inat" #! !n /$/$t de r)s
/$meri#.
? Ii a#!ma' de .reme #e s!nte-i (re.eni-i' r"m)ne-i #! ine. :"
d!# la 0$m!n". 5e (are #" R$land &i >arar$!6 a! ,$st +"si-i' &i e
.$ra s" li se dea #)te2!n (a&a($rt de (le#are (e l!mea #ealalt".
Vestea asta se .ede #"2l (!nea (e #et"-en!l +eneral ntr2$ at)t de
!n" dis($zi-ie.
5anterre (le#" n +al$(.
>atali$n!l #are &i n#/isese +arda ie&i d!(" el.
n s,)r&it' m!ni#i(alii #edar" l$#!l n$il$r .eni-i' #are (rimiser"
instr!#-i!nile l!i 5anterre #! (ri.ire la re+in".
Un!l dintre m!ni#i(ali !r#" ()n" la :aria2Ant$aneta #a s"2i ad!#"
la #!n$&tin-" #" +eneral!l i a(r$ase #ererea.
KVai+ "$ndi ea& uit$ndu-!e la ce pin feea!ta camerei sale' m)nia
ta' %$amne' s" ,i ad$rmit $are &i #!m(lita ta drea(t" s" ,i $$sit de #)t
a a("sat as!(ra n$astr"AK
? :!l-!mes#' d$mn!le' i s(!se m!ni#i(al!l!i #! s!r)s!l a#ela
#are2l d!sese (e >arna.e la (ierzanie &i #are nne!nise at)-ia "ra-i'
m!l-!mes#D
A($i' nt$r#)nd!2se s(re #"-el!&!l ei' #are s"rea d!(" ea (e laele
dina($i' de (ar#2ar ,i n-eles din (ri.irile st"()nei l!i #" se (etre# ni&te
l!#r!ri e6tra$rdinare' i s(!se9
? Bai' >la#;' mer+em s" ne (lim"m.
0"-el!&!l se a(le#" s" latre' s" sar" &i d!(" #e se !itase st"r!it$r
la m!ni#i(al' n-ele+)nd #" .estea #are i n.eselise st"()na .enea ,"r"
nd$ial" din (artea a#el!i $m' se a(r$(ie de el' t)r)nd!2se !mil' d)nd
ntr!na din #$ada l!n+" &i m"t"s$as"' a ndr"zni #/iar s" se +!d!re.
Omul a#ela' #are ($ate ar ,i r"mas nesim-it$r la r!+"min-ile
re+inei' se nd!i$&" la +!d!rat!l #)inel!i.
? %e n2ar ,i ,$st de#)t (entr! animal!l "sta mi#' #et"-ean" 0a(et'
&i2ar ,i tre!it s" ie&i-i mai des' s(!se el. 5entiment!l !manit"-ii #ere
s" ai +ri1" de toate ceatuile-
? La #e $r" (!tem ie&i' d$mn!leA ntre" re+ina. N! #rede-i $are
#" s$arele amiezii ne .a ,a#e ineA
? *!te-i ie&i #)nd .e-i ine.$i' i r"s(!nse m!ni#i(al!l' n! a.em
ni#i $ dis($zi-ie s(e#ial" n (ri.in-a asta. T$t!&i' da#" d$ri-i s" ie&i-i la
amiaz"' #am at!n#i e m$ment!l #)nd se s#/im" +"rzile' .a ,i mai
(!-in" mi&#are n t!rn.
? Ei ine' ,ie la amiaz"' s(!se re+ina' a("s)nd!2&i m)na (e inim"
#a s"2i ($t$leas#" "t"ile.
Ii se !it" la $m!l #are ("rea mai (!-in as(r! de#)t #$n,ra-ii l!i' &i
#are' ($ate' dre(t (lat" a !n".$in-ei &i aten-iei sale ,a-" de #erin-ele
de-in!tei a.ea s"2&i (iard" .ia-a n l!(ta (e #are $ (l"n!ia! #$n1!ra-ii.
%ar n #li(a n #are $ $are#are mil" era +ata s"2i nd!i$&eze inima
de ,emeie' se de&te(t" n ea &i ,irea de re+in". 5e +)ndi la zi!a de 10
a!+!st &i la #adra.ele (rietenil$r ei z"#)nd +r"mad" (e #$.$arele
(alat!l!i< &i aminti de zi!a de 7 se(temrie &i de #a(!l (rin#i(esei de
Lamalle' i.ind!2se n ,a-a ,erestrei ei' n,i(t n .)r,!l !nei l"n#i< se
+)ndi la zi!a de 71 ian!arie &i la s$-!l ei' m!rind (e e&a,$d n "taia
t$el$r #are2i a#$(erea! +las!l< n s,)r&it se +)ndi la ,i!l s"!' iet!l
#$(il' #"r!ia i a!zise de2at)tea $ri din #amera ei stri+"tele de d!rere
,"r" s"2l ($at" a1!ta' &i inima i se m(ieti-
? VaiD &$(ti ea' nen$r$#irea e #a s)n+ele /idrel$r din anti#/itate<
i.e&te re#$lte de n$i nen$r$#iriD
Capitolul XXVI
5LACM
0et"-ean!l m!ni#i(al ie&i s"2&i #/eme #$le+ii &i s" dea #itire
(r$#es!l!i2.eral l"sat de m!ni#i(alii #are ("r"siser" +arda.
Re+ina r"mase sin+!r"' #! ,ii#a &i #!mnata ei.
0)te&trele se (ri.ir".
*rin#i(esa se re(ezi n ra-ele re+inei &i $ -in! mr"-i&at".
%$amna Elisaet/ se a(r$(ie de #!mnata ei &i2i ntinse m)na.
? 5" ne r!+"m l!i %!mneze!' s(!se re+ina' dar s" ne r!+"m n
&$a(t" (entr! #a nimeni s" n!2&i n#/i(!ie #" ne r!+"m.
5!nt e($#i ,atale n #are r!+"#i!nea' a#el imn ,ires# (e #are
%!mneze! l2a s"dit n ad)n#!l s!,let!l!i $menes#' a1!n+e s" ,ie
s!s(e#t n $#/ii $amenil$r' #"#i r!+"#i!nea e !n a#t de s(eran-" sa!
de re#!n$&tin-". Or' n $#/ii (azni#il$r ei' at)t s(eran-a #)t &i
re#!n$&tin-a era! (ri#ini de n+ri1$rare' de$are#e re+ina n! mai (!tea
s(era de#)t !n sin+!r l!#r!' e.adarea< de$are#e re+ina n!2i (!tea
m!l-!mi l!i %!mneze! de#)t (entr! !n sin+!r l!#r!' #" i2ar ,i dat
mi1l$a#ele s" e.adeze.
%!(" #e r!+"#i!nea ,"#!t" n +)nd s2a n#/eiat' t$ate trei r"2
maser" t"#!te' ,"r" s" mai r$steas#" !n sin+!r #!.)nt. >"t!r"
!ns(reze#e #eas!ri< a($i amiaza. n #li(a n #are !ltima "taie r"s!n"
din #l$($t!l de r$nz' !n z+$m$t de arme n#e(! s" dea n".al" (e
s#ara n s(iral" &i s" !r#e ()n" la re+in".
? 5e s#/im" santinelele n ($st!ri' s(!se ea. A! s" .in" s" ne
#a!te.
Re+ina ."z! #" &i #!mnata &i ,ii#a ei ("lir".
? 0!ra1' le s(!se' ("lind &i ea.
? E amiaz"' se a!zi !n stri+"t de 1$s' ad!#e-i de-in!teleD
? Iat"2ne' d$mnil$r' r"s(!nse re+ina' #are' #! !n sentiment din
#are n! li(sea $ an!me ("rere de r"!' ar!n#" $ !ltim" (ri.ire &i2&i l!"
r"mas !n de la (ere-ii nt!ne#a-i &i de la m$ilele' n! +r$s$lane' dar
dest!l de sim(le' t$.ar"&ii #a(ti.it"-ii sale.
*rima !&i-" se des#/ise9 d"dea (e #$rid$r. 0$rid$r!l era nt!ne#$s
&i n $s#!ritate #ele trei #a(ti.e (!tea! s"2&i as#!nd" em$-ia. naintea
l$r aler+a mi#!-!l >la#;. %ar' #)nd a1!nser" la a d$!a !&i-"' adi#"
l)n+" !&a de #are :aria2Ant$aneta n#er#a s"2&i ,ereas#" (ri.irea'
animal!l #redin#i$s se d!se s"2&i li(eas#" $t!l de #!iele a#elea #!
,l$area mare' &i' d!(" #e d"d! dr!m!l mai m!lt$r s#/e!n"ri s#!rte &i
t)n+!it$are' s#$ase !n +eam"t d!rer$s &i (rel!n+. Re+ina tre#!
re(ede' ,"r" s" mai ai" (!terea de a2&i #/ema #)inele' #"!t)nd zid!l
s" se s(ri1ine.
%!(" #e mai ,"#! #)-i.a (a&i' sim-i #" $ las" (i#i$arele &i tre!i s"
se $(reas#". 3ii#a &i #!mnata ei se a(r$(iar" de d)nsa &i $ #li(" #ele
trei ,emei r"maser" nemi&#ate' ,$rm)nd !n +r!( nd!rerat' mama
s(ri1inind!2&i ,r!ntea (e #a(!l (rin#i(esei.
>la#;' #"-el!&!l' .eni l)n+" ea.
? EiD' stri+" .$#ea de 1$s' #e ,a#eA #$$ar" $ri n! mai #$$ar"A
? Iat"2ne' r"s(!nse m!ni#i(al!l' #are r"m"sese n (i#i$are
res(e#t)nd d!rerea' a#eea at$t de mae #n !implitatea ei-
* Haidem+ !pu!e e"ina-
Ii #$$r)r".
0)nd arestatele a1!nser" la #a("t!l s#"rii n s(iral"' n ,a-a !ltimei
!&i' (e s! #are s$arele trasa ni&te ,)&ii late de l!min" a!rit"' se a!zi $
"taie de t$" #are #/ema santinela' d!(" #are !rm" $ t"#ere ad)n#"'
(rile1!it" de #!ri$zitate' &i !&a +re$aie se des#/ise n#eti&$r' r$tind!2se
n alamalele #e s#)r-)ir".
O ,emeie &edea a&ezat" (e ("m)nt sa! mai #!r)nd #!l#at" l)n+"
(ietr$i!l de2al"t!ri de !&". Era ne.asta l!i Tis$n' (e #are re+ina n2$ mai
."z!se de .re$ d$!"ze#i &i (atr! de #eas!ri &i a #"rei li(s"' &i n tim(!l
serii din a1!n &i n #!rs!l dimine-ii a#eleia' i st)rnise mirarea.
Re+ina a.ea s! $#/i zi!a' ar$rii' +r"dina &i' din#$l$ de ariera
#are n#/idea +r"dina' (ri.irea ei la#$m" #"!ta #$lia mi#" a #antinei'
!nde (rietenii $ a&te(ta! ,"r" nd$ial"' #)nd' la z+$m$t!l (a&il$r ei'
,emeia l!i Tis$n &i d"d! la $ (arte m)inile de (e ,a-" &i re+ina ."z! !n
#/i( (ierit &i zdr$it s! ("r!l s!r al ,emeii.
Sc1im)aea ea at)t de mare' n#)t re+ina se $(ri mirat".
At!n#i' #! n#etineala ,iin-el$r #! mintea r"t"#it"' ,emeia .eni s"
n+en!n#/eze n ,a-a !&ii' $(rind tre#erea :ariei2Ant$aneta.
? 0e .rei d!mneata' ,emeie dra+"A ntre" re+ina.
? A s(!s #" tre!ie s" m" ier-i.
* CineA $ ntre" iar"&i re+ina.
? >"rat!l #! mantie' r"s(!nse ,emeia l!i Tis$n.
Re+ina se !it" #! !imire la d$amna Elisaet/ &i la ,ii#a ei.
? Bai' /ai' inter.eni #et"-ean!l m!ni#i(al' las" s" trea#" ."d!.a
0a(et' are .$ie s" se (lime n +r"din".
? Iti! e! asta' r"s(!nse "tr)na. %$ar de asta am .enit s2$
a&te(t ai#i' (entr! #" n2a! .r!t s" m" lase s" !r# la ea &i' de$are#e
tre!ie s"2i #er iertare' tre!ia s2$ a&te(t ai#i.
? %ar de #e n2a! .r!t s" te lase s" !r#i la mineA $ ntre" re+ina.
Aemeia lui ,i!on n#e(! s" r)d".
? *entr! #" ei s!s-in #"2s ne!n"D r"s(!nse ea.
Re+ina se !it" la ea &i ."z!' ntr2ade."r' n $#/ii r"t"#i-i ai
nen$r$#itei a#eleia l!#ind $ s#)nteie stranie' a#el li#"r nede,init #are
arat" li(sa +)ndirii.
* Vai& Doamne-Dumne%eule+ eFclam" ea' iata ,emeieD #e -i s2a
nt)m(latA
? :i s2a nt)m(lat... #e' n! &tiiA s(!se ,emeia< a da... $ &tii (rea
ine' #"#i din (ri#ina d!mitale e #$ndamnat"...
* Cine.
* H(loL!e-
* Aiica dumitale.
? %a' ea... iata mea ,ii#"D
? 0$ndamnat"A... dar de #"tre cine. cum. de ce.
? *entr! #" ea a .)nd!t !#/et!l...
* Cae )uc1et.
? >!#/et!l de +ar$a,e... Ii d$ar ea n!2i ,l$r"reas"' !rm" ,emeia
l!i Tis$n' de (ar#a2ar ,i #"!tat s"2&i trezeas#" amintirile. 0!m $are a
(!t!t ea s" .)nd" !#/et!l.
Re+ina se #!trem!r". O le+"t!r" ne."z!t" !nea s#ena a#eea #!
sit!a-ia (rezent" &i n-elese #" n! tre!ia s" (iard" tim(!l ntr2!n
dial$+ in!til.
? 3emeie dra+"' s(!se ea' te r$+ las"2m" s" tre#' mai t)rzi! ai
s"2mi ($.este&ti t$t!l.
? N!' #/iar a#!m. Tre!ie s" m" ier-i' tre!ie s" te a1!t s"
e.adezi' (entr! #a el s"2mi sal.eze ,ii#a.
Re+ina se ,"#! al" la ,a-" #a $ m$art".
? %$amne2%!mneze!leD &$(ti ea' ridi#)nd $#/ii s(re #er.
A($i' nt$r#)nd!2se s(re #et"-ean!l m!ni#i(al' i s(!se9
? %$mn!le' ,ii !n &i d" la $ (arte ,emeia asta' .ezi ine #" e
ne!n".
? Baide' /aide' m"i#!-"' zise m!ni#i(al!l' /ai s2$ l!"m din l$#.
%ar ,emeia l!i Tis$n se a+"-" de zid.
? N!' !rm" ea' tre!ie s" m" ierte ea (entr! #a el s"2mi sal.eze
,ata.
* Da cine-i acela.
? >"rat!l #! mantie.
? 5$r" dra+"' inter.eni d$amna Elisaet/' s(!ne2i #)te.a #!.inte
de m)n+)iere.
? >inen-eles' s(!se re+ina. %e ,a(t #red #" a&a se termin" mai
re(ede.
*e !rm"' nt$r#)nd!2se s(re ne!n"' $ ntre"9
? 3emeie dra+"' #e d$re&tiA s(!neD
? %$res# s" m" ier-i (entr! #)te te2am ,"#!t s" s!,eri' (entr!
$#"rile (e #are -i le2am ar!n#at' (entr! den!n-!rile (e #are le2am (!s
la #ale m($tri.a d!mitale' &i' #)nd ai s"2l .ezi (e $m!l a#ela #!
mantie' s"2i ($r!n#e&ti s"2mi sal.eze ,ii#a' ,iind#" el ,a#e t$t #e d$re&ti
d!mneata.
? N! &ti! #e .rei s" s(!i #! $m!l #! mantie' r"s(!nse re+ina' dar'
da#" n!2i .$ra de#)t s" #a(e-i de la mine' (entr! lini&tea s!,let!l!i'
iertarea t!t!r$r 1i+niril$r (e #are #rezi #" mi le2ai ad!s' din ad)n#!l
s!,let!l!i' s"rman" ,emeie' te iert #! t$at" sin#eritatea' &i ,ie #a a#eia
(e #are i2am 1i+nit s" m" ierte &i ei t$t a&aD
? O/D $,t" ,emeia l!i Tis$n ntr2$ iz!#nire de nes(!s" !#!rie'
mi .a sal.a ,ata de$are#e d!mneata m2ai iertat. %"2mi m)na'
d$amn"' d"2mi m)na.
Re+ina' mirat"' ,"r" s" n-elea+" nimi#' i ntinse m)na (e #are
,emeia l!i Tis$n $ a(!#" #! n,ri+!rare &i de #are &i li(i !zele.
n #li(a a#eea' .$#ea r"+!&it" a !n!i .estit$r de &tiri se a!zi
stri+)nd de (e strada Tem(le9
? Iat" 1!de#ata &i sentin-a #e #$ndamn" (e t)n"ra BEl$L!e ,is$n
la (edea(sa #! m$artea (entr! #rima de #$ns(ira-ieD
Aia a1!nser" .$rele de mai s!s ()n" la !re#/ile ,emeii l!i Tis$n
&i ,a-a i se des#$m(!se. 5e ridi#" ntr2!n +en!n#/i &i ntinse am)nd$!"
ra-ele' $(rind tre#erea re+inei.
? O/' %$amne2%!mneze!leD &$pti e"ina cae nu piedu!e nici un
cu0$nt din #n"o%itoaea 0e!te-
? 0$ndamnat" la (edea(sa #! m$arteaA iz!#ni mama ,etei.
3ii#a2mea #$ndamnat"A BEl$L!e piedut"A A&adar n2a sal.at2$ &i n2$
($ate sal.aA A&adar e (rea t)rzi!A... VaiD...
? 5"rman" ,emeie' #rede2m" #"2-i (l)n+ de mil".
? T!A se re(ezi ea &i $#/ii i se !m(l!r" de s)n+e. T!A t! m"
(l)n+iA Ni#i$dat"D Ni#i$dat"D
? Te n&eli' te (l)n+ din t$at" inima' dar las"2m" s" tre#.
? 5"2-i da! dr!m!l s" tre#iDA
Aemeia lui ,i!on i%)unci #nt-un 1o1ot de $!-
? N!D n!D Te l"sam s" ,!+i (entr! #"2mi s(!sese #"' da#"2-i #er
iertare &i te las s" ,!+i' ,ii#a mea .a ,i sal.at"' dar de$are#e ,ata mea
are s" m$ar"' t! n2ai s" s#a(i.
? A1!t$r' d$mnil$r' .eni-i2mi n a1!t$rD e6#lam" re+ina. %$am2
ne2%!mneze!leD d$ar .ede-i (rea ine #" ,emeia asta e ne!n".
? N!' n! s!nt ne!n"' n!. E! &ti! #e s(!n' iz!#ni ,emeia l!i
Tis$n. Iti-i' e ade."rat #" a ,$st $ #$ns(ira-ie. 5im$n a des#$(erit2$'
,ii#a mea' iata mea ,ii#" a .)nd!t !#/et!l. Ea a m"rt!risit n ,a-a
tri!nal!l!i re.$l!-i$nar... !n !#/et de +ar$a,e... n el era! /)rtii.
? %$amn"D e6#lam" re+ina' n n!mele 0el!i2de2s!sD
Se au%i din nou 0ocea 0e!titoului cae epeta4
? Iat" 1!de#ata &i sentin-a #are #$ndamn" (e t)n"ra BEl$L!e ,i!on
la pedeap!a cu moatea pentu cim" de #$ns(ira-ieD
? A!zi t!A !rl" ne!na' n 1!r!l #"reia se ad!na! s$lda-ii din
Carda na-i$nal"' a!zi t!A #$ndamnat" la m$arteD *entr! tine' (entr!
tine a! s"2mi $m$are ,ata' a!zi t!A' (entr! tine' a!stria#$D
* Domnilo& %i!e e"ina& pentu Dumne%eu& da#" n! .$i-i s" m"
s#"(a-i de ne!na asta' s"rmana' l"sa-i2m" #el (!-in s" !r# s!s na($i.
N! ($t s!($rta n.in!irile ,emeii a#esteia< a&a nedre(te #!m s!nt' m"
distr!+.
Ii re+ina nt$arse #a(!l' iz!#nind ntr2!n d!rer$s /$/$t de (l)ns.
* Da& da& pl$n"i& i($#rit$D stri+" ne!na. >!#/et!l t"! $ #$st"
s#!m(... %ealt,el ar ,i tre!it s" n! se n#read". A&a m$r t$-i #ei #are te
sl!1es#. T! ad!#i nen$r$#ire' a!stria#$D i2a! !#is (rietenii' s$-!l'
a("r"t$rii' n s,)r&it' a#!m mi !#id ,ata. 0)nd -i .ine r)nd!l &i -ie s" te
!#id" #a s" n! mai m$ar" nimeni (entr! tineA
Ii nen$r$#ita r$sti a#este !ltime #!.inte' !rl)nd &i ns$-ind!2le
de2!n +est de amenin-are.
? Nen$r$#it$D se n#!met" s" s(!n" Elisaet/' !i-i #" .$re&ti #!
re+inaA
? Re+in" eaA... re+in"A re(et" ,emeia l!i Tis$n' al #"rei a##es de
ne!nie #re&tea &i se nte-ea de la $ #li(" la alta. %a#" e re+in"' s"2i
$(reas#" (e #"l"i s"2mi !#id" #$(ila... s2$ +ra-ieze (e iata mea
BEl$L!e--- doa e"ii pot "a-ia... Bai' d"2mi na($i ,ata &i2am s" te
re#!n$s# de re+in". *)n" at!n#i' n! e&ti de#)t $ sim(l" ,emeie' a
#/iar $ ,emeie #are ad!#i nen$r$#ire' $ ,emeie #are !#ideD...
? VaiD ,ie2-i mil"' d$amn"' e6#lam" :aria2Ant$aneta' n! .ezi
d!rerea meaA Uit"2te la la#rimile meleD
Ii :aria2Ant$aneta n#er#" s" trea#"' n! n s(eran-a de2a mai
e.ada' #i d$ar n m$d a!t$mat' #a s" s#a(e de $sesia a#eea n2
,i$r"t$are.
? EiD n2ai s" tre#i' !rl" "tr)na. Vrei s" ,!+i' d$amn" Vet$... $ &ti!
ine' $m!l #! mantia mi2a s(!s2$' .rei s2a1!n+i la (r!sa#ii t"i... dar n2ai
s" ,!+i' !rm" ea' a+"-)nd!2se de r$#/ia re+inei. Am s" te m(iedi# e!D
La s()nz!r"t$are' d$amn" Vet$D La arme' #et"-eniD 5" mer+em...
s)n+ele s#)rna....
Ii' #! ra-ele n#le&tate' #! ("r!l s!r r"."&it' #! $ra1ii r$&ii #a
,$#!l' #! $#/ii ne#a-i n s)n+e' nen$r$#ita se (r"!&i r"st!rnat"'
r!()nd $ !#at" din r$#/ia de #are se a+"-ase.
Re+ina' t!l!rat"' dar s#"()nd #el (!-in de ne!n"' era +ata s"
,!+" ns(re +r"din"' #)nd de$dat"' !n stri+"t teriil' ameste#at #! !n
l"trat de #)ine &i ns$-it de $ zar." #i!dat" s#$aser" din am$r-ire
s$lda-ii din +"rzile na-i$nale #are' atra&i de s#ena de mai s!s' st"tea!
n 1!r!l :ariei2Ant$aneta.
? La armeD La armeD Tr"dareD stri+a !n $m (e #are d!(" .$#e
re+ina l re#!n$s#! #" e 5im$n #)r(a#i!l.
L)n+" $m!l a#ela' #are' #! saia n m)n"' ("zea (ra+!l #$liei'
mi#!-!l >la#; l"tra ,!ri$s.
? La arme' t$-i din ($stD stri+" 5im$n' s!ntem tr"da-i< "+a-i2$ (e
a!stria#" n"!ntr!. La armeD La armeD
Un $,i-er s$si n ,!+". 5im$n n#e(! s"2i .$reas#"' ar"t)nd!2i #!
$#/ii s#)nteiet$ri interi$r!l #aanei. O,i-er!l stri+" &i el' la r)nd!l s"!9
* La ame+
? >la#;D >la#;D #/em" re+ina ,"#)nd #)-i.a (a&i nainte.
%ar #)inele n!2i r"s(!nse' l"tr)nd mai de(arte' ,!ri$s. 5$lda-ii din
+"rzile na-i$nale aler+ar" la arme &i se n"(!stir" s(re #aan"' n
.reme #e m!ni#i(alii l!ar" n (rimire (e re+in"' (e #!mnata &i (e ,ii#a
ei &i silea! arestatele' +r"ind!2le' s" trea#" na($i (rin ($rti-a
t!rn!l!i' #are se n#/ise n !rma l$r.
? *re+"ti-i2." armeleD stri+ar" m!ni#i(alii #"tre santinele.
Ii se a!zi z+$m$t!l (!&til$r #are se n#"r#a!.
? E2a#$l$' e2a#$l$' s! #/e(en+' stri+" 5im$n. Am ."z!t
#/e(en+!l mi&#)nd!2se' s!nt si+!r. %ealt,el #)inele a!strie#ei' !n
#"-el!& de trea" #e n! ,"#ea (arte din #$m(l$t' a l"trat m($tri.a
#$ns(irat$ril$r' #are se .ede treaa #" s!nt n (i.ni-". EiD .ede-i' n#"
mai latr"D
ntr2ade."r' >a#;' n#!ra1at de stri+"tele l!i 5im$n' &i nte-i
l"trat!l.
O,i-er!l a(!#" inel!l #/e(en+!l!i. %$i +renadiri dintre #ei .$ini#i'
."z)nd #" n! re!&e&te s"2l ridi#e' l a1!tar"' dar ,"r" mai mult !ucce!-
? Vede-i #!m -in de #/e(en+ (e din"!ntr!A s(!se 5im$n. 3$#D
(rin #/e(en+' (rieteni' ,$#D
? EiD stri+" d$amna *l!mea!' $ s"2mi distr!+e-i sti#lele.
? 3$#D re(et" 5im$n' ,$#D
? Ia mai ta#i t!' ,le#ar!leD se r"sti $,i-er!l. Iar .$i' ad!#e-i ni&te
t$($are &i des(i#a-i s#)nd!rile. A#!ma' !n (l!t$n s" ,ie +ata. Aten-ieD
&i ,$# (rin +a!ra #/e(en+!l!i' de #!m .a ,i des#/is".
Un +eam"t' ni&te .aiete &i $ tres"ltare s!it" d"d!r" de .este
s$lda-il$r din +"rzile na-i$nale #" se (etre#!se $ mi&#are n"!ntr!.
0!r)nd d!(" a#eea se a!zi !n z+$m$t s!teran' de (ar#" !n +rila1 de
,ier s2ar ,i n#/is.
? 0!ra1D i ndemn" $,i-er!l (e s$lda-ii +eni&ti #are d"d!r" ,!+a.
T$($r!l des(i#" s#)nd!rile. %$!"ze#i de -e.i de (!&#" #$$r)r" n
dire#-ia des#/iderii' #are se l"r+ea din #li(" n #li(". %ar (rin
des#/idere n! ."z!r" (e nimeni. O,i-er!l a(rinse $ t$r-" &i $ ar!n#" n
(i.ni-"9 (i.ni-a era +$al".
0/e(en+!l' #are' de data a#easta' #ed" ,"r" s" $(!n" ni#i #ea mai
mi#" m($tri.ire' ,! ridi#at.
? Urma-i2m"D stri+" $,i-er!l n"(!stind!2se .ite1e&te (e s#ar".
? nainte' nainteD stri+ar" s$lda-ii din +"rzile na-i$nale'
re(ezind!2se n !rma $,i-er!l!i l$r.
? A/D ."d!." *l!mea!' s(!se Tis$n' .a s" zi#" -i m(r!m!-i
(i.ni-a arist$#ra-il$r.
@id!l era des,!ndat. Nen!m"ra-i (a&i #"l#aser" ("m)nt!l !med &i
!n t!nel lat de trei (i#i$are &i nalt de #in#i' de (ar#2ar ,i ,$st dr!m!l
str)mt al !nei tran&ee' se n,!nda ns(re strada 0$rnerie.
O,i-er!l se a.ent!r" n des#/iz"t!ra a#eea' /$t"r)t s" !rm"reas#"
arist$#ra-ii ()n" n inima ("m)nt!l!i. %ar' aia de ,"#!ser" trei2(atr!
(a&i &i ,! $(rit de !n +rila1 de ,ier.
? 5ta-iD le s(!se el #el$r #are2l m(in+ea! din s(ate' n! se ($ate
mer+e mai de(arte' e2!n $sta#$l.
? Ei ine' ntrear" #et"-enii m!ni#i(ali #are' d!(" #e n#/iseser"
de-in!tele' aler+ar" s" a,le .e&ti' #e eA 5(!ne-i2ne #e s2a nt)m(latA
? La naiaD e6#lam" $,i-er!l' ie&ind la i.eal"' e2$ #$ns(ira-ieD
Arist$#ra-ii .$ia! s2$ r"(eas#" (e re+in" n tim(!l (lim"rii sale' &i se
.ede treaa #" ea era n-eleas" #! ei.
* Ai da#!l!iD stri+" m!ni#i(al!l. %a-i r!+a d!(" #et"-ean!l
5anterre &i s" se ad!#" la #!n$&tin-a 0$m!nei.
? 5$lda-i' $rd$n" $,i-er!l' r"m)ne-i n (i.ni-" &i !#ide-i (e $ri#ine
ar .eni.
Ii $,i-er!l' d!(" #e d"d! $rdin!l de mai s!s' !r#" s!s s"2&i
nt$#meas#" ra($tul-
? AiD aiD stri+" 5im$n' ,re#)nd!2&i m)inile' aiD aiD' s2ar mai (!tea
s(!ne #" s!nt ne!nA Viteaz!l >la#;D >la#; e2!n (atri$t ,aim$sD >la#;
a sal.at Re(!li#aD Vin2ai#i' >la#;' .in2ai#iD
Ii t)l/ar!l' ,"#)nd $#/i d!l#i iet!l!i #)ine #are se a(r$(ie de el' i
trase $ l$.it!r" de (i#i$r' trimi-)nd!2l la .re$ d$!"ze#i de (a&i
de("rtare.
? VaiD #e dra+ mi e&ti' >la#;D zise el' t! ai s"2i tai +)t!l st"()nei
taleD Bai' .in2ai#i >la#;' .in2ai#iD
%ar' n l$# s"2l mai as#!lte' de data asta >la#; $ a(!#" s#/e2
l"l"ind' (e dr!m!l t!rn!l!i.
Capitolul XXVII
TUNRRUL RECALI5T
5" ,i tre#!t .re$ d$!" $re de #)nd se (etre#!ser" e.enimentele (e
#are t$#mai .i le2am ($.estit.
Loin !e plim)a pin camea lui Mauice #n 0eme ce A"e!ilau
2@

."#s!ia &i l!str!ia #izmele st"()n!l!i s"! n n#"(erea al"t!rat".
*entr! nlesnirea #$n.$ririi !&a r"m"sese ns" des#/is"' iar L$rin' #e
!mla de #$l$2#$l$' se $(rea din #)nd n #)nd n ,a-a !&ii a#eleia &i
(!nea ntre"ri Jndat$rit$r!l!iK.
? Ii t!' #et"-ene A+esila!' zi#i #" st"()n!l t"! a (le#at
azi2diminea-"A
? *"i daD
? La $ra $i&n!it"A
? 0! ze#e min!te mai de.reme sa! #! ze#e min!te mai t)rzi!' n!
&ti! (re#is.
? Ii de2at!n#i n! l2ai mai ."z!tA
? N!' #et"-ene.
L$rin ($rni iar"&i s" se (lime' ,"#! ,"r" s" s#$at" $ .$r"
trei2(atr! $#$l!ri' (e !rm"' $(rind!2se din n$!' ntre"9
? Ii2a l!at saia #! elA
? *"i' t$tdea!na #)nd se d!#e la se#-ie (lea#" #! saia.
? Ii e&ti si+!r #" s2a d!s la se#-ieA
? 0el (!-in a&a mi2a s(!s.
? n #az!l a#esta am s"2l +"ses#' r"s(!nse L$rin. %a#" ne
n#r!#i&"m #!m.a (e dr!m' s"2i s(!i #2am .enit &i #" am s" m"
rent$r#.
? 5tai (!-in' zise A+esila!.
* Ce.
? i a!d (as!l (e s#ar".
* Ce%i.
* Sunt !i"u-
2@ N$!a ($re#l" a Jndat$rit$r!l!iK. A+esila! a ,$st !n re+e al 5(artei
L#.399 ? #.3P0 .e.n.
ntr2ade."r' a(r$a(e n a#eea&i #li("' !&a se des#/ise &i :a!ri#e
intr".
L$rin i ar!n#" $ (ri.ire ,!+ar" &i ne."z)nd nimi# s#/imat la el'
zise9
? U,D Iat"2te n s,)r&itD Te a&te(t de d$!" #eas!ri.
? 0! at)t mai ine' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e z)mind' ai a.!t t$t tim(!l
s"2-i (re+"te&ti disti/!rile &i #atrenele.
? OD dra+!l me! :a!ri#e' s(!se im(r$.izat$r!l' m2am l"sat de
ele.
? %e disti/!ri &i de #atreneA
* Da-
? 0!m a&aA A .enit s,)r&it!l l!miiA
? :a!ri#e' dra+" (rietene' s!nt tare trist.
* ,u& ti!t.
* Sunt nenoocit-
* ,u& nenoocit.
? %a' am rem!&#"ri' n-ele+iA
? Rem!&#"riA
? Ei' %$amneD %a' r"s(!nse L$rin' t! sa! ea' dra+!l me!' alt"
($siilitate n! era. T! sa! ea' &i2-i dai seama #" n2am &$."it' dar &tii'
Art/Emise e n #!lmea dis(er"rii' era (rietena ei-
? >iata ,at"D
? Ii de$are#e ea mi2a dat adresa...
? Ai ,i ,"#!t de2$ mie de $ri mai ine s" ,i l"sat l!#r!rile s"2&i
!rmeze #!rs!l de la sine.
? %a' &i2at!n#i t! ai ,i n #li(a de ,a-" #$ndamnat n l$#!l ei.
Cr$za. te2ai mai +)ndit' dra+" ami#e. Ii e! #are .enisem s"2-i #er !n
s,atD Te #redeam mai #! s#a!n la #a(.
? 5" .edem' n2are a ,a#e' #ere2mi2l t$t!&i.
? Ei ine' n-ele+iA >iata ,at"' a& .rea s" n#er# s2$ sal.ez. %a#2a&
tra+e sa! da#" m2a& ale+e #2!n +/i$nt zdra."n' #red #" m2a& sim-i
ine.
? E&ti ne!n' L$rin' s(!se :a!ri#e' ridi#)nd din !meri.
? %ar da#2a& ,a#e !n demers (e l)n+" tri!nal!l re.$l!-i$narA
? E (rea t)rzi!' a ,$st #$ndamnat".
? La dre(t .$rind' #$ntin!" L$rin' e n+r$zit$r s" .ezi (ierind a&a
,emeia asta t)n"r".
* Cu at$t mai n+r$zit$r #! #)t sal.area mea i2a (ri#in!it m$artea.
%ar' la !rma !rmei' L$rin' tre!ie s" ne #$ns$leze ,a(t!l #" era $
#$ns(irat$are.
? Ei' %$amneD $are n .rem!rile (e #are le tr"im n! #$ns(ir"
t$at" l!mea' mai m!lt sa! mai (!-inA A ,"#!t &i ea #a t$at" l!mea.
>iata ,emeieD
? N2$ (l)n+e (rea m!lt' ami#e' &i mai ales n2$ (l)n+e n +!ra
mare' s(!se :a!ri#e' (entr! #" &i n$i (!rt"m $ (arte din .in".
0rede2m"' n! s!ntem n#" s#$&i #$m(let de s! a#!za-ia de #$m2
(li#itate' n#)t s" ,im ,"r" (at". Ast"zi la se#-ie am ,$st n!mit +ir$ndin
de #"(itan!l de .)n"t$ri de la 5aint2Le! &i a tre!it s"2i tra+ (e l$# $
l$.it!r" de saie' #a s"2i d$.edes# #" se n&elase.
? Va s" zi#" (entr! asta te nt$r#i a#as" at)t de t)rzi!.
* 'ntocmai-
* Da de ce nu mi-ai dat de &tireA
? *entr! #" n tre!ri de s$i!l "sta t! n! te ($-i st"()ni. Tre!ia
#a dr"#ia asta s" se termine n!maide#)t #a s" n! st)rneas#" .)l.".
3ie#are ne2am $#!(at de #ei (e #are i a.eam la ndem)n".
? Ii #analia aia te2a ,"#!t +ir$ndin (e tine' !n ins ,"r" de (at"A
? 0/iar a&aD 0eea #e -i d$.ede&te' dra+!l me!' #" n#" $
a.ent!r" #a asta &i n! .$m mai ,i ($(!lari. Ii d$ar &tii #" n zilele
n$astre' sin$nim!l #!.)nt!l!i ne($(!lar e #!.)nt!l s!s(e#t.
? O &ti! (rea ine' r"s(!nse L$rin' &i #!.)nt!l "sta i ,a#e &i (e #ei
mai .ite1i s" se #!trem!re. N2are a ,a#e... N! s!($rt +)nd!l s2$ las (e
iata BEl$L!e !" se d!#" la +/il$tin" ,"r" s"2i #er iertare.
* /e !cut& ce 0ei.
? A& .rea #a t! s" r"m)i ai#i' :a!ri#e' t! #are n2ai nimi# a2-i
im(!ta n (ri.in-a ei. 0! mine e alt#e.a. *entr! #" n! mai ($t ,a#e
nimi# (entr! ea' am s"2i ies nainte #)nd $ .$r d!#e' (ri#e(i t!' dra+"
:a!ri#e' #a m"#ar s"2mi ntind" m)naD...
? At!n#i' am s" te ns$-es#' s(!se :a!ri#e.
? 0! ne(!tin-"' dra+!l me!' ia +)nde&te2te9 t! e&ti #et"-ean
m!ni#i(al' e&ti se#retar de se#-ie' ai ,$st (!s n #a!z"' (e #)t" .reme
e!' e! n2am ,$st de#)t a("r"t$r!l t"!< te2ar (!tea #rede .in$.at' a&a
#" r"m)i< #! mine e alt#e.a' e! n! ris# nimi#' de#i m" d!#.
,oate cele pe cae le !punea Loin eau at$t de ntemeiate n#)t n! i
se (!tea $ie#ta nimi#. :a!ri#e' de2ar ,i s#/imat !n sin+!r semn #!
,ii#a l!i Tis$n n dr!m s(re e&a,$d' &i2ar ,i den!n-at sin+!r
#$m(li#itatea.
? At!n#i' d!2te' s(!se el' dar ,ii (r!dent. L$rin z)mi' i str)nse
m)na l!i :a!ri#e &i (le#".
:a!ri#e des#/ise ,ereastra &i2i trimise !n trist r"mas !n. %ar'
nainte #a (rieten!l l!i s" dea #$l-!l str"zii' :a!ri#e se rent$arse de
mai m!lte $ri s" se !ite la el' &i de ,ie#are dat"' atras de !n s$i de
sim(atie ma+neti#"' L$rin se nt$r#ea de asemenea' &i2l (ri.ea
s!r)z)nd.
n s,)r&it' d!(" #e dis("r! la #$l-!l #/ei!l!i' :a!ri#e n#/ise
,ereastra' se l"s" ntr2!n ,$t$li! &i #"z! ntr2$ s$mn$len-" dintre a#elea
#are la ,irile tari &i la tem(eramentele ner.$ase s!nt (re.estit$are de
mari nen$r$#iri' #"#i seam"n" #! lini&tea #e (re#ede .i1elia.
%in .isare sa! mai #!r)nd din a-i(eal" l2a s#$s Jndat$rit$r!lK s"!'
#are' na($ind!2se dintr2$ #!rs" (rin $ra&' intr" #! aer!l ns!,le-it al
sl!1it$ril$r #e ard de ner"dare s" s(!n" st"()n!l!i .e&tile pe cae
le-au cule!-
%ar' ."z)nd!2l (e :a!ri#e d!s (e +)nd!ri' n! ndr"zni s"2l
#$nt!re' m!l-!mind!2se s" trea#" &i iar s" trea#" (rin ,a-a l!i ,"r"
(ri#in"' dar #! n#"("-)nare.
? 0e eA ntre" :a!ri#e ntr2$ d$ar". 5(!ne da#" ai #e.a de s(!s.
* Vai+ cet"-ene' n#" $ #$ns(ira-ie stra&ni#"' asta2iD
:a!ri#e d"d! din !meri.
? O #$ns(ira-ie de -i se ,a#e ("r!l m"#i!#"' !rm" A+esila!.
? @"! a&aA ,"#! :a!ri#e #a !n!l $i&n!it #! #)te treize#i de
#$ns(ira-ii (e zi' #!m era (e .remea a#eea.
? %a' #et"-ene' ren#e(! A+esila!' s" te #!trem!ri' n! altaD
N!mai da#" te +)nde&ti la ea &i te a(!#" +r$aza' #a !n (atri$t.
? Ii #e ,el de #$ns(ira-ieA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? A!stria#a' (!-in a li(sit s" ,!+".
? A&iD e6#lam" :a!ri#e' n#e()nd s" ,ie mai atent.
? 5e (are' !rm" A+esila!' #" ."d!.a 0a(et a.ea le+"t!ri #! ,ata
l!i Tis$n' (e #are $ +/il$tineaz" ast"zi. :erit" #e2a ("-it' nen$r$#ita.
? Ii #!m a.ea re+ina le+"t!ri #! ,ata astaA ntrea" :a!ri#e #are
sim-ea #!m i se mr$$neaz" ,r!ntea de s!d$are.
? *rintr2$ +ar$a,"' n#/i(!ie&te2-i' #et"-ene' #" i2a stre#!rat (lan!l
e.ad"rii ntr2$ +ar$a,".
? ntr2$ +ar$a,"D... Ii #ine $areA
? %$mn!l 0a.aler de... stai (!-in... e t$t!&i !n n!me +r$za. de
#!n$s#!t' dar e!... e! !it t$ate n!mele astea... Un #a.aler de
0/)tea!... #e (r$st !unt--- doa nu mai !unt ca!tele--- Un ca0ale de
Mai!on---
* Mai!on-Rou"e-
* 'ntocmai-
? 0! ne(!tin-".
? 0!m #! ne(!tin-"A %a#"2-i s(!n #" s2a +"sit $ tra("' $
s!teran"' ni&te #"le&ti.
? %ar #!mA d$ar n2ai s(!s n#" nimi# din t$ate astea.
? Ei ineD iat" #"2-i s(!n a#!m.
? 5(!ne. %a#"2i $ n"s#$#ire' #el (!-in e ,r!m$as"A
? N!' #et"-ene' n!2i n"s#$#ire' ni#i +)nd' &i #a (r$" ? t$ate le
&ti! de la #et"-ean!l ($rtar. Arist$#ra-ii a! s"(at $ +alerie de min".
Caleria ($rnea din strada 0$rderie &i d!#ea ()n"2n (i.ni-a #antinei
#et"-enei *l!mea!' &i ()n" &i ea' #et"-eana *l!mea!' era #)t (e2a#i s"
,ie a#!zat" de #$m(li#itate. O #!n$&ti' n!A
? %a' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e. Ii (e !rm"A
? Ei ine' ."d!.a 0a(et tre!ia s" ,!+" (rin s!terana a#eea. Era
#/iar #! (i#i$r!l (e (rima trea(t"D 0et"-ean!l 5im$n a (rins2$ de
r$#/ie' iat"' s!n" +enerala n $ra& &i a(el!l n se#-iiD A!zi t$aA 5e zi#e
#" (r!sa#ii s!nt la %ammar-in &i #2a! a1!ns #! re#!n$a&terile ()n" la
,r$ntiere.
n a#el t$rent de .$re' !nele ade."rate' altele min#in$ase' !nele
($siile' altele as!rde' :a!ri#e ntrez"ri ,ir!l #$nd!#"t$r. T$t!l ($rnea
de la +ar$a,a dat" re+inei s! $#/ii l!i &i #!m("rat" de el de la
nen$r$#ita a#eea de ,l$r"reas". Car$a,a as#!ndea (lan!l !nei
#$ns(ira-ii #are se n,"(t!ise' #! am"n!ntele mai m!lt sa! mai (!-in
ade."rate' ($.estite de A+esila!.
ntre tim(' "t"ile de t$" se a(r$(iar" &i :a!ri#e a!zi
stri+)nd!2se (e strad"9
? :are #$ns(ira-ie des#$(erit" la Tem(le de #et"-ean!l 5im$nD
:are #$ns(ira-ie n ,$l$s!l ."d!.ei 0a(et' des#$(erit" la Tem(leD
? %a' da' e6#lam" :a!ri#e' e t$#mai #eea #e +)ndeam. E #e.a
ade."rat ai#i. Ii L$rin' #are n mi1l$#!l m!l-imii e6altate' are s"2i
ntind" ($ate ,etei a#eleia m)na' ris#)nd s" ,ie s,)&iat n !#"-i...
:a!ri#e &i l!" ("l"ria' &i (rinse saia la #ent!r" &i din d$!"
salt!ri a1!nse n strad".
JUnde s" ,ieA se ntre" :a!ri#e. n dr!m s(re 0$n#ier+erie' ,"r"
nd$ial".K
Ii2$ ($rni s(re #/ei.
La #a("t!l #/ei!l!i :E+isserie' ni&te s!li-e &i ai$nete' r"s"rind
dintr2$ ad!n"t!r" de $ameni' i izir" (ri.irea' i ("r! #" n mi1l$#!l
+r!(!l!i desl!&e&te !ni,$rma !n!ia din Carda na-i$nal" &i +est!rile
d!&m"n$ase ale #el$r din +r!(. 0! inima str)ns" aler+" s(re m!l-imea
#are se n+/es!ise (e mal!l a(ei.
0et"-ean!l din Carda na-i$nal" m(res!rat de #$/$rta marsiliezil$r
era t$#mai L$rin9 li.id la ,a-"' #! !zele str)nse' #! (ri.irea
amenin-"t$are' #! m)na (e (l"selele s"iei' m"s!r)nd din $#/i l$#!l n
.ederea l$.it!ril$r (e #are se (re+"tea s" le dea.
La d$i (a&i de L$rin se a,la 5im$n. A#esta din !rm"' #! !n r)n1et
s"lati#' l ar"ta (e L$rin marsiliezil$r &i +l$atei' s(!n)nd9
? Iat"' iat"D l .ede-i (e #el de #$l$' e !n!l din arist$#ra-ii (e #are
i2am al!n+at ieri din Tem(le< !n!l din #ei #are nlesnes# s#/im!l
s#ris$ril$r (rin +ar$a,e. El e #$m(li#ele ,etei l!i Tis$n #are .a tre#e
ndat". Ei ine' l .ede-i #!m se (lim" lini&tit (e #/ei' n tim( #e
#$m(li#ea l!i .a ,i d!s" la +/il$tin"D >a ($ate #"2i era mai m!lt de#)t
#$m(li#e' ($ate #"2i era amant" &i #2a .enit ai#i #a s"2i s(!n" r"mas
!n' sa! s"2n#er#e s2$ s#a(e.
L$rin n! era $m!l #are s2a&te(te s2a!d" mai m!lt. &i trase saia
din tea#".
n a#ela&i tim( +l$ata ,"#! l$# !n!i "rat #are intra n m!l-ime #!
#a(!l (le#at &i a #"r!i !meri lar+i &i .)n1$&i r"st!rnar" trei sa! (atr!
s(e#tat$ri #e se (re+"tea! s" de.in" a#t$ri.
? 3ii ,eri#it' 5im$n' s(!se :a!ri#e. 3"r" nd$ial" -i (are r"! #"
s!nt &i e! ai#i #! (rieten!l me! #a s"2-i ,a#i din (lin meseria de
den!n-"t$r. %en!n-"' 5im$n' /ai' den!n-"' iat"2m".
? @"!' #/iar a&a' e6#lam" 5im$n #! r)n1et!2i /id$s' s$se&ti t$#mai
la tim(. A#ela' ,"#! el' e ,r!m$s!l :a!ri#e Linde=' #are a ,$st a#!zat
$dat" #! ,ata l!i Tis$n &i #are a s#"(at ,iind#" e $+at' deD
? La s()nz!r"t$are' la s()nz!r"t$are #! elD stri+ar" marsiliezii.
? %a' daD n#er#a-i n!mai' ri($st" :a!ri#e.
Ii' ,"#)nd !n (as nainte' m(!nsese' d$ar a&a' #a s"2&i n#er#e
(!terile' dre(t n mi1l$#!l ,r!n-ii (e !n!l dintre #ei mai n,$#a-i #"l"i' (e
#are2l n"("di s)n+ele' $rind!2l.
? A1!t$rD stri+" el.
:arsiliezii a(le#ar" s!li-ele' ridi#ar" se#!rile' &i n#"r#ar" ,lintele.
:!l-imea ns("im)ntat" se trase n l"t!ri &i #ei d$i (rieteni r"maser"
iz$la-i &i e6(!&i t!t!r$r l$.it!ril$r' #a $ -int" d!l".
5e (ri.ir" #! !n !ltim s!r)s' (entr! #" se a&te(ta! s" ,ie s,)&ia-i
de .)rte1!l de ,ier &i ,$# #are2i amenin-a' #)nd' dintr2$dat"' !&a #asei
de #are se s(ri1inea! #! s(atele se des#/ise &i $ #eat" de tineri n
!ni,$rm"' dintre #ei n!mi-i la .remea a#eea tineri re+ali&ti sa!
m!s#adini' t$-i narma-i #! s"ii &i ,ie#are a.)nd #)te $ (ere#/e de
(ist$ale la #in+"t$are' se n"(!stir" as!(ra marsiliezil$r' (r$.$#)nd $
n#"ierare #r)n#en".
? UraD stri+ar" ntr2!n +las L$rin &i :a!ri#e' rens!,le-i-i de
a1!t$r!l nea&te(tat' ,"r" s" se +)ndeas#" #" l!(t)nd al"t!ri de a#ei
n$!2.eni-i ndre(t"-ea! n.in!irile l!i 5imon- Ua+
%ar da#" ei n! se +)ndea! la sal.area l$r' !n alt!l se +)ndi (entr!
ei. Un t)n"r mi# de stat!r"' de .re$ d$!"ze#i &i #in#i' d$!"ze#i &i &ase
de ani' #! $#/i ala&tri' m)n!ind #! nemai($menit" di"#ie &i n,$#are
$ saie de +enist' (e #are ai ,i zis #" m)na l!i deli#at" ni#i n2ar ,i (!t!t
s2$ ridi#e' ."z)nd #" :a!ri#e &i L$rin' n l$# s" ,!+" (e !&a (e #are
("rea #" $ l"sase an!me des#/is"' l!(ta! al"t!ri &i m(re!n" #! el' se
nt$arse' s(!n)nd!2le n#et9
? 3!+i-i (e !&a a#eea< #eea #e ,a#em n$i ai#i n! ." (ri.e&te &i ."
#$m(r$mite-i de (ris$s.
A($i' ."z)nd #" #ei d$i (rieteni &$."ia!' stri+" #"tre :a!ri#e9
? na($iD n2a.em ne.$ie de (atri$-i' #et"-ene Linde=' n$i s!ntem
arist$#ra-i.
A!zind n!mele a#ela &i ."z)nd ndr"zneala t)n"r!l!i de a2&i
de#lina $ #alitate #are (e2at!n#i nsemna #$ndamnarea la m$arte'
m!l-imea s#$ase !n stri+"t.
%ar t)n"r!l #el l$nd &i n#" trei sa! (atr! dintre (rietenii l!i' ,"r"
s" se s(erie de stri+"t!l a#ela' i m(inser" (e :a!ri#e &i (e L$rin
ntr2!n +an+' n#/iz)nd ($arta n !rma l$r. A($i se nt$arser"'
ameste#)nd!2se n n."lm"&eala #are #res#!se de$are#e se a(r$(ia
#"r!-a #$ndamna-il$r.
:a!ri#e &i L$rin' sal.a-i #a (rintr2$ min!ne' se (ri.ea! mira-i'
!l!i-i.
5al.area l$r ("rea (re+"tit" an!me. Intrar" ntr2$ #!rte' n ,!nd!l
#"reia +"sir" $ ($rti-" taini#" #e da n strada
5aint2Cerimain2lGA!6err$is.
n #li(a a#eea' de (e *$nt2a!20/an+e ie&i !n deta&ament de
1andarmi #are tre#! re(ede #/ei!l' #! t$ate #" de (e strada (er2
(endi#!lar" (e #ea !nde &edea! :a!ri#e &i L$rin se mai a!zi .reme
de2$ #li("2d$!" $ l!(t" nd)r1it".
? La +al$(D stri+" $ .$#e' la +al$(D
0"r!-a $ ($rni n +al$(. L$rin z"ri (e t)n"ra nen$r$#it"' n
(i#i$are' #! s!r)s!l (e !ze &i #! $#/ii seme-i. %ar n! (!t! s" s#/ime
ni#i m"#ar !n semn #! ea< tre#!' ,"r" s"2l .ad"' (e l)n+" $ +l$at" de
$ameni #are stri+a!9
* La moate& ai!tocata+ La moate+
Ii z+$m$t!l se de("rta' ($t$lind!2se &i ndre(t)nd!2se s(re
(alat!l T!ileries.
n a#ela&i tim(' ($rti-a (e !nde ie&iser" :a!ri#e &i L$rin se
redes#/ise &i trei sa! (atr! tineri re+ali&ti #! /ainele s,)&iate &i (line de
s)n+e ie&ir" &i ei t$t (e a#$l$. Era! (esemne sin+!rii #are mai
r"m"seser" din +r!(.
T)n"r!l l$nd ie&i #el din !rm".
? VaiD $,t" el' #a!za (entr! #are l!(t"m se .ede #" e lestemat"D
Ii' ar!n#)nd!2&i saia r!(t" &i (lin" de s)n+e' se ndre(t" s(re
strada La.andiBe!-
Capitolul XXVIII
CAVALERUL DE MAISON-ROUGE
:a!ri#e se +r"i s" se nt$ar#" la se#-ie #a s" ,a#" $ (l)n+ere
m($tri.a l!i 5im$n.
E2ade."rat #" nainte de2a se des("r-i de :a!ri#e' L$rin +"sise !n
mi1l$# mai e6(editi.9 s2ad!ne #)-i.a memri ai se#-iei Term$(ile' s"2l
a&te(te (e 5im$n la (rima l!i ie&ire din Tem(le &i s"2l $m$are ntr2$
n#"ierare (!s" la #ale.
%ar :a!ri#e se m($tri.ise /$t"r)t !n!i asemenea (lan.
? E&ti (ierd!t da#" a(!#i #alea .i$len-ei. 5"2l zdr$im (e 5im$n'
dar s"2l zdr$im (e #"i le+ale. *entr! 1!ri&ti tre!ie s" ,ie !n l!#r! !&$r.
0a !rmare' a d$!a zi de diminea-" :a!ri#e se d!se la se#-ie &i2&i
,$rm!l" (l)n+erea.
3! ns" !imit #)nd la se#-ie (re&edintele &i de#lin" r"s(!nderea'
s! m$ti. #" n! (!tea s" ia (arte la $ dis(!t" ntre d$i !ni #et"-eni'
ns!,le-i-i amii de dra+$ste de (atrie.
? >ineD s(!se :a!ri#e' &ti! a#!ma #e tre!ie s" ,a#i (entr! a
merita re(!ta-ia de !n #et"-ean. 5" ad!ni +l$ata #a s" asasinezi !n
$m (e #are n!2l ($-i s!,eri' asta n!me&ti d!mneata a ,i ns!,le-it de
dra+$ste de (atrieA At!n#i m" al"t!r sentimentel$r l!i L$rin' (e #are
am +re&it #$m"t)nd!2le. 0! n#e(ere de azi am s" m2a(!# s" (ra#ti#
(atri$tism!l a&a #!m l n-ele+e-i .$i' &i e6(erien-a $ .$i ,a#e #! 5im$n.
? 0et"-ene :a!ri#e' i r"s(!nse (re&edintele' 5im$n are ($ate
mai m!lt" dre(tate de#)t tine n (r$lema de ,a-". A des#$(erit $
#$ns(ira-ie' ,"r" a ,i ,$st #/emat s2$ ,a#" (rin sl!1a (e #are $ are'
a#$l$ !nde t! n2ai ."z!t nimi#' t! #are a.eai dat$ria s2$ des#$(eri. :ai
m!lt' t! e&ti #$m(li#e nt)m(l"t$r sa! inten-i$nat... n! &tim n#"...' dar
e&ti #$m(li#e #! d!&manii na-i!nii.
? E!D e6#lam" :a!ri#e. Asta2i !n"' iat" l!#r!ri n$iD %ar #! #ine
an!me' #et"-ene (re&edinteA
? 0! #et"-ean!l :ais$n2R$!+e.
? E!A ,"#! :a!ri#e !imit la #!lme' e!A E! s!nt #$m(li#e #!
0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+eA Ni#i n!2l #!n$s#' ni#i$dat" n! l2am...
? Ai ,$st ."z!t .$rind!2i.
* Eu.
* St$n"$ndu-i m$na-
* Eu.
* Da-
? UndeA 0)ndA... 0et"-ene (re&edinte' s(!se :a!ri#e' n".alni#'
n#redin-at de ne.in$."-ia l!i' ai ,$st min-it.
? @el!l t"! (entr! (atrie te m(in+e (!-in #am de(arte' re(li#"
(re&edintele' &i2are s"2-i (ar" r"! de t$t #e2ai s(!s' #)nd am s"2-i
d$.edes# #" n2am r$stit de#)t ade."r!l!i. Iat" trei ra($arte di,erite
#are te n.in!ies#.
? Ei asta2iD zise :a!ri#e' adi#" d!mneata #rezi #" s!nt at)t de
ner$d n#)t s" #red n #a.aler!l d!mitale de :ais$n2R$!+eA
? Ii de #e n2ai #redeA
? *entr! #" n!2i de#)t !n #$ns(irat$r ima+inar #are te a1!t" s" ai
mere! $ #$ns(ira-ie +ata ,"#!t" la ndem)n"' #a s"2-i im(li#i t$-i
d!&mani.
? 0ite&te den!n-!rile.
? N! #ites# nimi#' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e. *r$testez &i ne+ #" l2a& ,i
."z!t .re$dat" (e 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e sa! #" a& ,i .$rit ieri #!
el. 0ine n! #rede n #!.)nt!l me! de $n$are' s" .in" s"2mi s(!n" &i
&ti! &i e! #!m am s"2i r"s(!nd.
*re&edintele ridi#" din !meri. :a!ri#e' #are n! .$ia s" r"m)n"
dat$r nim"n!i #! nimi#' ,"#! la ,el.
Iedin-a #$ntin!" ntr2$ atm$s,er" a("s"t$are &i (lin" de
nencedee-
%!(" &edin-"' (re&edintele' ra. (atri$t ridi#at la (rim!l ran+ al
distri#t!l!i (rin s!,ra+iile #$n#et"-enil$r s"i' se a(r$(ie de :a!ri#e &i2i
s(!se9
? Vin$' :a!ri#e' .rea! s"2-i mai s(!n #e.a.
:a!ri#e ("&i n !rma (re&edintel!i' #are l d!se ntr2$ n#"(ere
al"t!rat" s"lii de &edin-e.
A1!ns a#$l$' l (ri.i n $#/i &i' (!n)nd!2i m)na (e !m"r' i s(!se9
? :a!ri#e' l2am #!n$s#!t &i l2am admirat (e tat"l t"!' dre(t #are
te stimez &i -in la tine. :a!ri#e' #rede2m"' te e6(!i !nei mari (rime1dii
da#" -i (ierzi n#rederea' (rim!l semn de de#lin al !n!i s(irit #!
ade."rat re.$l!-i$nar. :a!ri#e' dra+!l me!' de ndat" #e2-i (ierzi
n#rederea' -i (ierzi &i ata&ament!l. T! n! #rezi n d!&manii na-i!nii' de
a#eea tre#i (e l)n+" ei ,"r" s"2i .ezi &i a1!n+i s" ,ii instr!ment!l
!neltiril$r l$r ,"r" s"2-i dai seama.
? 0e dra#!D 0et"-ene' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' d$ar &ti! #e ,a#' s!nt !n
$m de s!,let &i !n (atri$t zel$s' dar zel!l me! n! m2a ,"#!t ,anati#9 iat"
d!"ze#i de (retinse #$ns(ira-ii (e #are Re(!li#a le atri!ie (e t$ate
a#el!ia&i n!me. ntre' $dat" (entr! t$tdea!na' #ine le d" n .ilea+A
? N! #rezi n #$ns(irat$ri' :a!ri#e' zise (re&edintele. Ei ine'
s(!ne2mi' #rezi n +ar$a,a r$&ie (entr! #are a ,$st +/il$tinat" ieri ,ii#a
l!i Tis$nA
:a!ri#e tres"ri.
* Ce%i n s!terana #$nstr!it" n +r"dina Tem(le' #are e $ #ale de
#$m!ni#are ntre (i.ni-a #et"-enei *l!mea! &i $ an!me #as" de (e
strada 0$rderieA
? N!' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e.
? At!n#i ," #a a($st$l!l T$ma' d!2te &i .ezi.
? N! s!nt de +ard" la Tem(le &i n2am s" ,i! l"sat s" intr!.
? A#!m t$at" l!mea ($ate s" intre la Tem(le.
? 0!m a&aA
? 0ite&te ra($rt!l "sta. %e .reme #e e&ti at)t de nen#rez"t$r' am
s" te #$n.in+ n!mai #! a#te $,i#iale.
? 0!mA e6#lam" :a!ri#e #itind ra($rt!l' s2a a1!ns #/iar ()n"
ai#iA
? 0ite&te mai depate-
? Re+ina e trans($rtat" la 0$n#ier+erieA
? Ei' #e zi#iA ntre" (re&edintele.
? VaiD e6#lam" :a!ri#e.
? 0rezi $are #" (e temei!l !n!i .is' sa! al !nei ,antasme' #!m i
s(!i t!' sa! ai !nei tr"sn"i' 0$mitet!l 5al."rii *!li#e a ad$(tat $
m"s!r" at)t de +ra."A
? :"s!ra a ,$st ad$(tat"' dar n! .a ,i e6e#!tat"' la ,el #! m!lte
alte m"s!ri (e #are le2am ."z!t l!ate' &i asta2i t$t...
? 0ite&te ()n" la #a("t' s(!se (re&edintele. Ii i mai d"d! !n
!ltim d$#!ment.
? A.iz!l de re#e(-i$nare al l!i Ri#/ard' temni#er!l de la
0$n#ier+erieD e6#lam" :a!ri#e.
? A ,$st ntemni-at" a#$l$ la $rele d$!".
%e data a#easta :a!ri#e r"mase (e +)nd!ri.
? 0$m!na' d!(" #!m &tii' #$ntin!" (re&edintele' a#-i$neaz" n
.ederea !n$r s#$(!ri temeini#e. Ea &i2a s"(at !n dr!m lar+ &i dre(t' iar
m"s!rile (e #are le ia n! s!nt del$# nai.e' #"#i a (!s n a(li#are
(rin#i(i!l !rm"t$r al l!i 0r$mXell9 JRe+ii n! tre!ie l$.i-i de#)t la #a(K .
0ite&te n$ta asta se#ret" a ministr!l!i ($li-iei.
Mauice citi4
J%at ,iind #" a.em #ertit!dinea #" n!mit!l 0a.aler de
:ais$n2R$!+e se a,l" la *aris< #" a ,$st ."z!t n di,erite l$#!ri< #" a
l"sat !rme ale inter.en-iei sale n mai m!lte #$m(l$t!ri' din ,eri#ire z"2
d"rni#ite' ($,tes# (e t$-i &e,ii de se#-ii s" intensi,i#e .i+ilen-a.K
* Ei& ce %ici. #ntre" (re&edintele.
? Tre!ie s" te #red' #et"-ene (re&edinte' e6#lam" :a!ri#e. Ii
#$ntin!"9
J5emnalmentele 0a.aler!l!i de :ais$n2R$!+e9 #in#i (i#i$are &i trei
de+ete n"l-ime' ("r!l l$nd' $#/ii ala&tri' nas!l dre(t' ara #astanie'
"rie r$t!nd"' .$#e (l"#!t"' m)ini #a de ,emeie. ntre treize#i &i #in#i
&i treize#i &i &ase de ani.K
La semnalmentele indi#ate' $ str",!l+erare #i!dat" tre#! (rin
mintea l!i :a!ri#e< se +)ndi la t)n"r!l #e #$manda tr!(a de tineri
re+ali&ti' n!mi-i la .remea a#eea m!s#adini' #are i sal.ase n a1!n (e
L$rin &i (e d)ns!l &i #are i l$.ea #! at)ta /$t"r)re (e marsiliezi #!
saia l!i de +enist.
JEi' dr"#ieD &$(ti :a!ri#e' s" ,i ,$st elA n #az!l a#esta' den!n-!l n
#are se s(!ne #" am ,$st ."z!-i st)nd de .$r" n! ($ate ,i ,als. N!mai
#" n!2mi ad!# aminte s"2i ,i str)ns m)na.K
? Ei ine' :a!ri#e' ntre" (re&edintele' a#!ma #e mai ai de s(!s'
dra+!l me!A
? 5(!n #" te #red' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' medit)nd #! triste-e' #"#i
de2$ !#at" de .reme' ,"r" s" &tie #e in,l!en-" ne,ast" i nt!ne#a
.ia-a' .edea #!m t$t!l n 1!r!l l!i se nne+!ra.
? N!2-i (!ne n 1$# ($(!laritatea' :a!ri#e' !rm" (re&edintele.
Ast"zi ($(!laritatea nseamn" .ia-"< ne($(!laritatea' ia aminte'
nseamn" "n!ial" de tr"dare' &i #et"-ean!l Linde= n! ($ate ,i "n!it
#" e tr"d"t$r.
:a!ri#e n! a.ea nimi# de r"s(!ns !nei $(inii (e #are sim-ea #" $
m("rt"&e&te nt$#mai. :!l-!mi .e#/i!l!i s"! (rieten &i ("r"si sedi!l
se#-iei.
? EiD &$(ti el' s" res(ir"m (!-in. *rea m!lte "n!ieli &i l!(te. 5"
mer+em la Cene.iB0e-
Ii :a!ri#e a(!#" dr!m!l #"tre .e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es.
0)nd a1!nse la me&ter!l t""#ar' %i6mer &i :$rand i d"dea!
n+ri1iri Cene.iB0ei& cupin!" de $ .i$lent" #riz" de ner.i.
A&a #"' n l$# de a i se n+"d!i s" intre' !n sl!1it$r i $(ri tre#erea.
? T$t!&i' an!n-"2m"' s(!se :a!ri#e n+ri1$rat' &i da#" %i6mer n!
m" ($ate (rimi' am s" (le#.
5l!1it$r!l intr" n (a.ili$n!l #el mi#' n tim( #e el' :a!ri#e' r"mase
n +r"din".
i ("r! #" se (etre#e #e.a #i!dat n #as". L!#r"t$rii t""#ari n!
era! la l$#!l l$r de m!n#"' #i str""tea! +r"dina #! !n aer n+ri1$rat.
%i6mer .eni (ers$nal ()n" la !&".
? Intr"' dra+" :a!ri#e' intr"' s(!se el. %$ar n! e&ti dintre #ei
#"r$ra !&a le e n#/is".
? %ar #e s2a nt)m(latA ntre" t)n"r!l n$str!.
* Gene0iB0e e )olna0"' r"s(!nse %i6mer. :ai m!lt #/iar' ai!reaz".
? %$amne2%!mneze!le' e6#lam" :a!ri#e ntristat #" ni#i a#$l$
n! +"se&te de#)t t!l!rare &i s!,erin-". %ar #e areA
? %ra+!l me!' !rm" %i6mer' des(re $lile ,emeil$r nimeni n! &tie
nimi#' &i #! at)t mai (!-in s$-!l.
Cene.iV.e &edea l!n+it" (e $ #ana(ea. L)n+" ea se a,la :$rand'
#are i d"dea s" as(ire s"r!ri.
? Ei' #!m eA ntre" %i6mer.
? La ,el' r"s(!nse :$rand.
* H(loL!e+ H(loL!e+ mumu" t)n"ra ,emeie (rintre din-ii n#le&ta-i
&i !zele .inete9
* H(loL!e+ epet" :a!ri#e #! miae-
? Ei %$amneD da' inter.eni +r"it %i6mer' Cene.iB0e a a0ut
nenoocul !" ias" ieri n $ra& &i a ."z!t tre#)nd nen$r$#ita a#eea de
#"r!-" a #$ndamna-il$r' #! $ iat" ,at" (e n!me BEl$L!e& pe cae o
duceau la "1ilotin". %in #li(a a#eea a a.!t #in#i sa! &ase #rize de ner.i
&i re(et" ntr!na n!mele "sta.
? A im(resi$nat2$ mai #! seam" ,a(t!l #" n ,ata a#eea a
re#!n$s#!t2$ (e ,l$r"reasa #are i2a .)nd!t +ar$a,ele (e #are le &tii.
? 5i+!r #" le &ti!' d$ar din (ri#ina l$r era #)t (e2a#i s" mi se taie
#a(!l-
? %a' am &ti!t t$ate a#estea' dra+" :a!ri#e' &i #rede2m" #" am
,$st ns("im)nta-i la #!lme. %ar :$rand a ,$st la &edin-" &i te2a ."z!t
ie&ind lier.
? T"#ereD e6#lam" :a!ri#e< iar"&i .$re&te' #red.
? 0!.inte ntret"iate' de nen-eles' #$ntin!" %i6mer.
* :a!ri#eD &$(ti Cene.iV.e' a! s"2l !#id" (e :a!ri#e. A1!t$rD
#a.alere' a1!t$rD
O t"#ere ad)n#" se l"s" d!(" #!.intele a#estea.
? :ais$n2R$!+e' &$(ti iar"&i Cene.iB0e& Mai!on-Rou"e+
:a!ri#e sim-i $ !rm" de "n!ial"' d$ar at)t' $ !rm". %ealt,el era
(rea n+ri1$rat de s!,erin-a Cene.iB0ei ca !" mai #$menteze #!.intele
ei.
? A-i #/emat !n medi#A ntre" el.
? OD n!2i nimi# +ra.' r"s(!nse %i6mer' delireaz" (!-in' asta e t$t.
Ii str)nse at)t de tare ra-!l s$-iei sale' n#)t Cene.iV.e &i re.eni
&i' s#$-)nd !n stri+"t stins' des#/ise $#/ii (e #are ()n" at!n#i i -in!se
t$t tim(!l n#/i&i.
? A/D iat"2." (e t$-i' s(!se ea' &i :a!ri#e #! .$i. OD s!nt ,eri#it"
#" te ."d (rietene' da#" ai &ti #)t am...
Rel!"9
?... #)t am s!,erit #! t$-ii de d$!" zile n#$a#eD
* Da& !p!se :a!ri#e' iat"2ne (e t$-i. Lini&te&te2te' a&adar' n! mai
,i ns("im)ntat". Ii mai #! seam"' n#ear#" s" te dez$i&n!ie&ti a mai
r$sti !n n!me #are n #li(ele de ,a-" n! e ."z!t #! $#/i !ni.
? 0are e a#elaA ntre" re(ede Cene.iB0e-
* Al Ca0aleului de Mai!on-Rou"e-
? Am r$stit e! n!mele #a.aler!l!i de :ais$n2R$!+eA ntre"
Cene.iB0e #n!p"im)ntat".
? 3"r" nd$ial" #" da' r"s(!nse %i6mer #! !n r)s silit. %ar'
n-ele+i d!mneata' :a!ri#e' n! e de mirare' de$ar#e se s(!ne n m$d
(!li# #" el a ,$st #$m(li#ele ,ii#ei l!i Tis$n &i #" a #$nd!s tentati.a de
r"(ire #are' din ,eri#ire' a e&!at ieri.
? N! s(!n #2ar ,i #e.a de mirare n asta' re(li#" :a!ri#e' s(!n
d$ar #" tre!ie s" se as#!nd" ine.
? 0ineA ntre" %i6mer.
* Ei na+ Ca0aleul de Mai!on-Rou"e+ Comuna l #a!t" &i #$($ii ei
a! mir$s!l ,in.
? N!mai da#" l2ar aresta nainte de2a (!ne la #ale $ n$!"
tentati."' #are s"2i re!&eas#" mai ine de#)t #ea din !rm"' s(!se
:$rand.
? n $ri#e #az' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' n! .a mai ,i n sl!1a re+inei.
? Ii de #e' m" r$+A ntre" :$rand.
? *entr! #" de2a#!m nainte re+ina e (!s" la ad"($st de ser.i#iile
sale.
? Ii !nde e ea a#!mA ntrea" %i6mer.
? La 0$n#ier+erie' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e< a! trans,erat2$ ast"2n$a(le.
%i6mer' :$rand &i Cene.iV.e s#$aser" !n stri+"t (e #are :a!ri#e
l2a l!at #a (e $ e6#lama-ie de s!r(riz".
? A&a #"' ." da-i seama' !rm" el' adi$ #! (lan!rile #a.aler!l!i
re+ineiD n#/is$area 0$n#ier+erie e mai si+!r" de#)t Tem(le.
:$rand &i %i6mer s#/imar" $ (ri.ire #are i s#"(" l!i :a!ri#e.
? VaiD %$amneD e6#lam" el' iat" #" d$amna %i6mer ("le&te iar.
* Gene0iB0e& #i !pu!e DiFme !o-iei sale' tre!ie s" te #!l#i' e&ti
s!,erind".
:a!ri#e ."z! #" i se da a n-ele+e s" (le#e. 5"r!t" m)na
Cene.iV.ei &i ie&i.
:$rand l ns$-i ()n" n .e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es. A#$l$ l
("r"si &i se d!se s" s(!n" #)te.a #!.inte !n!i sl!1it$r #are -inea de
#"("str! !n #al +ata n&e!at.
:a!ri#e era at)t de (re$#!(at' n#)t ni#i m"#ar n!2l ntre" (e
:$rand' #! #are dealt,el n! s#/imase ni#i !n #!.)nt de #)nd ie&iser"
din #as"' #ine era $m!l a#ela &i #e r$st a.ea a#$l$ #al!l n&e!at. O
a(!#" (e strada 3$sses25aint2Vi#t$r &i a1!nse (e #/ei!ri.
? 0e #i!datD &i s(!nea el (e #)nd mer+ea. Oare mi sl"e&te
minteaA Oare e.enimentele ia! $ nt$rs"t!r" +ra."A Ori#!m' t$t!l
a(are m"rit #a (rintr2un mico!cop-
Ii' #a s" +"seas#" (!-in" lini&te' :a!ri#e &i nt$arse ,a-a #"tre
riza serii &i se s(ri1ini de (ara(et!l ($d!l!i.
Capitolul XXIX
/A,RULA
Ii (e #)nd &i des".)r&ea n #!+et medita-iile de mai s!s' (ri.ind
#!r+erea a(ei #! $ aten-ie melan#$li#"' ale #"rei sim(t$me s!nt de
+"sit la $ri#e (arizian nea$&' :a!ri#e' s(ri1init de (ara(et!l ($d!l!i'
a!zi a(r$(iind!2se $ #eat" mi#" de $ameni #! (as e+al' #a de (atr!l".
5e nt$arse9 era $ #$m(anie a C"rzii na-i$nale' #are .enea (e
(artea #ealalt". n (lin nt!neri#' l!i :a!ri#e i se ("r! #"2l re#!n$a&te
(e L$rin.
Era el' ntr2ade."r. %e #!m l re#!n$s#!' aler+" s"2l nt)m(ine #!
ra-ele des#/ise.
? n s,)r&it' e6#lam" L$rin' iat"2teD Ei dr"#ieD E +re! s" te
+"seas#" $m!l9
Da& cum un da" pieten n #ale mi2a ie&it
Ii s$arta2mi .a s" ai" !n m!lt mai !n s,)r&itD
%e data asta n"d"1d!ies# #" n2ai s" te mai m($tri.e&ti< -i $,er
.ers!ri de Ra#ine' n! de L$rin.
? 0e #a!-i (e2ai#i #! (atr!laA ntre" :a!ri#e' (e #are $ri&i#e
n#e(!se s"2l nelini&teas#".
? 5!nt &e, de misi!ne' dra+!l me!. Tre!ie s" restailes# re2
(!ta-ia n$astr" zdr!n#inat".
Apoi& #ntoc$ndu-!e !pe companie& !pu!e4
? *entr! $n$r' armGD *e l$# re(a!sD Bai' "ie-iD n#" n! s2a
nn$(tat de t$t. V$ri-i &i .$i de ne#az!rile .$astre' #"#i &i n$i a.em s"
.$rim de2ale n$astre.
nt$r#)nd!2se #"tre :a!ri#e' L$rin #$ntin!"9
? Ast"zi la se#-ie am a,lat d$!" .e&ti +r$za.e.
* Cae.
? 0ea dint)i9 n#e(em s" ,im s!s(e#-i' t! &i #! mine.
? O &ti!. 0ealalt"A
? AD O &tiiA
* Da-
? A d$!a9 t$at" #$ns(ira-ia #! +ar$a,a a ,$st (!s" la #ale &i
#$mandat" de 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e.
? Ii (e asta $ &ti!.
? At!n#i s" tre#em la a treia .este' (e #are n2$ mai &tii' s!nt
si+!r' n seara asta l (rindem (e 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e.
? l (rinde-i (e 0a.aler!l de Mai!on-Rou"e.
* Da-
? A&adar' te2ai ,"#!t 1andarmA
? N!' dar s!nt (atri$t. Un (atri$t are $li+a-ii ,a-" de (atria sa.
Or' (atria mea este +ra. (rime1d!it" de 0a.aler!l "sta de :ai2
s$n2R$!+e' #are (!ne la #ale !neltiri (este !neltiri. Or' (atria mi
($r!n#e&te mie' #are s!nt (atri$t' s2$ des#$t$r$ses# de s!s2n!mit!l
0a.aler de :ais$n2R$!+e' #are $ stin+/ere&te teriil' &i e! mi as#!lt
(atria.
? T$t!na e' zise :a!ri#e' dar este #i!dat #"2-i iei $ asemenea
misi!ne.
* Nu eu mi-am luat mi!iunea& ci am pimit-o. %ar' dealt,el' tre!ie
s"2-i s(!n #" a& ,i as(irat la $ asemenea misi!ne. A.em ne.$ie de $
is(ra." str"l!#it" #a s" ne reailit"m' dat ,iind #" reailitarea n$astr"
n! nseamn" n!mai si+!ran-a e6isten-ei' #i &i dre(t!l de2a .)r #!
(rima $#azie !n .)r, de saie n !rta dez+!st"t$r!l!i 5im$n.
? %ar #!m s2a a,lat #" n ,r!ntea #$ns(ira-iei #! s!terana a ,$st
0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+eA
? n#" n! e #/iar si+!r' dar se (res!(!ne.
? AD a&adar (r$#eda-i (rin ded!#-iiA
? N!' (r$#ed"m (rin #ertit!dini.
? Ii #e (lan -i2ai ,"#!tA Ia s" .edem' #"#i' n s,)r&it...
? As#!lt" #! aten-ie.
* ,e a!cult-
? %e ndat" #e2am a!zit stri+)nd!2se9 J:are #$ns(ira-ie des2
#$(erit" de #et"-ean!l 5im$n...K L#analia asta de 5im$nD (ret!tindeni
dai de el' mizerail!lDF' am .r!t s" a,l! (rin (r$(riile2mi mi1l$a#e. Or'
era .$ra de2$ s!teran".
? E6ist" s!teranaA
? E6ist"' am ."z!t2$.
0! $#/ii mei' e! ns!mi' ."z!t2am' de#i ."z!i. Na' de #e n! m"
,l!ieriA
? *entr! #" .ers!l e de :$liVre &i (entr! #"' tre!ie s"
m"rt!rises#' m(re1!r"rile s!nt (rea +ra.e #a s"2mi mai ard" de +l!m".
? Ei naD %ar #)nd .rei t! s" +l!mim' da#" n! #)nd l!#r!rile s!nt
+ra.eA
? 5(!i' a&adar' #2ai ."z!t...
? 5!terana... -i re(et #2am ."z!t s!terana' #" am tre#!t (rin
ea &i #" ,a#e le+"t!ra ntre (i.ni-a #et"-enei *l!mea! &i $ #as" de (e
strada 0$rderie' #asa #! n!m"r!l 17 sa! 1M' n!2mi mai ad!# ine
aminte.
? Ade."rat' L$rin' ai tre#!t (rin eaA...
? 0)t e de l!n+" &i' z"!' te2n#redin-ez #" era !n t!nel +r$za. de
,r!m$s s"(at. :ai m!lt' era ntret"iat de trei +rila1e de ,ier' (e #are am
,i ,$st sili-i s" le dez+r$("m !n!l d!(" alt!l' dar #are le2ar ,i dat
#$n1!ra-il$r t$t tim(!l' sa#ri,i#)nd!2&i trei sa! (atr! dintr2ai l$r' s2$
(!n" (e d$amna ."d!." 0a(et la l$# si+!r' n #az!l n #are ar ,i re!&it.
%in ,eri#ire n2a ,$st a&a &i a,!risit!l "la de 5im$n a des#$(erit2$ &i
(e2asta.
? %ar' s(!se :a!ri#e' mi (are #" (rimii "n!i-i ar ,i tre!it s" ,ie
l$#!it$rii #asei din strada 0$rderie.
? Asta s2ar ,i ,"#!t' da#" n #as" s2ar ,i +"sit m"#ar !n l$#atar.
* 5ine& da #asa a#eea tre!ie s" ,ie a #!i.aA
? %a' este a !n!i n$! (r$(rietar' dar nimeni n!2l #!n$a&te. 5e &tia
#" im$il!l &i s#/imase (r$(rietar!l de .re$ #in#is(reze#e zile sa! trei
s"(t"m)ni' &i asta2i t$t. Ve#inii a!ziser" z+$m$te' ns" #asa ,iind
.e#/e' a! #rez!t #" se l!#ra la re(ararea ei. 0)t des(re #el"lalt
(r$(rietar' el a ("r"sit *aris!l. E! am s$sit t$#mai at!n#i.
K%"2-i seama' i2am s(!s l!i 5anterre tr"+)nd!2l la $ (arte' s!nte-i
#! t$-ii n mare n#!r#"t!r".K
KE2ade."rat' r"s(!nse el' s!ntem.K
KCa!a asta a ,$st .)nd!t"' n!2i a&aAK
KDa-C
KAcum cin!pe%cce %ile.C
J0ins(reze## zile sa! trei s"(t"m)ni.K
JV)nd!t" n (rezen-a !n!i n$tarAK
J%a' a&a e.K
JEi ine' tre!ie de #"!tat la t$-i n$tarii din *aris' (entr! a a,la
#ine a .)nd!t #asa &i (entr! a $-ine a#t!l de .)nzare. n el are s" se
.ad" n!mele &i d$mi#ili!l #!m("r"t$r!l!i.K
J>ra.$D e6#lam" 5anterre' iat" !n s,at !n. Ii t$t!&i $m!l #are
mi2l d" e n.in!it #" n!2i !n !n (atri$t. L$rinD e! am s" te reailitez'
sa! de n!' s" m" ia dra#!lDK
A&a #"' !rm" L$rin' zis &i ,"#!t. 3! #"!tat n$tar!l' ,! +"sit &i a#t!l
&i (e a#t n!mele &i d$mi#ili!l .in$.at!l!i. %re(t #are 5anterre &i2a -in!t
#!.)nt!l &i m2a m(!terni#it s"2l arestez.
? Ii $m!l a#ela e 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+eA
? N!. E #$m(li#ele l!i. Adi#" a&a "n!im.
? At!n#i #!m s(!i #2ai s"2l arestezi (e 0a.aler!l :ais$n2R$!+eA
? A.em s"2i arest"m (e t$-i.
? %ar t! l #!n$&ti (e 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+eA
* De minune-
* 'i ai !emnalmentele.
? Ei naD :i le2a dat 5anterre. nalt de #in#i (i#i$are &i d$!"2trei
de+ete' ("r!l l$nd' $#/i ala&tri' nas!l dre(t' ara #astanie. %ealt,el
l2am ."z!t.
* C$nd.
? Ast"zi #/iar.
? L2ai ."z!tA
? L2ai ."z!t &i t!.
:a!ri#e tres"ri.
? Tinerel!l a#ela l$nd' #are ne2a sal.at azi2diminea-"' &tii' #el
#are #$manda #eata de m!s#adini &i #are l$.ea din r"s(!teri.
? A&adar el eA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? 0/iar el. A ,$st !rm"rit' dar i s2a (ierd!t !rma n (rea1ma
d$mi#ili!l!i (r$(rietar!l!i n$str! din strada 0$rderie. A&a n#)t se
"n!ie&te #" l$#!ies# m(re!n".
? ntr2ade."r e ($siil.
* 5a e c1ia !i"u-
? %ar' d!(" #)te2mi (are' dra+" L$rin' ad"!+" :a!ri#e' da#" t! l
arestezi n seara asta (e #el #are ne2a sal.at azi2diminea-"' dai d$.ad"
de $are#are li(s" de re#!n$&tin-".
? Ei' naD ,"#! L$rin' 0rezi $are #" el ne2a sal.at #a s" ne sal.e%e.
* Da atunci pentu ce.
? Ni#i +)nd' dra+!l me!. Iedea! a#$l$ la ()nd" #a s2$ r"(eas#"
(e s"rmana BEl$L!e ,i!on& c$nd a0ea !" trea#". Asasinii n$&tri i
stin+/erea! &i2at!n#i a! s"rit as!(ra l$r. N$i am ,$st sal.a-i (rin
#$ntral$.it!r" &i dat$rit" ei. Ii #!m n!mai inten-ia are .al$are' iar n
#az!l n$str! inten-ia a li(sit' n2am a2mi re(r$&a ni#i #ea mai mi#"
in+ratit!dine. %ealt,el' esen-ial" e ne#esitatea. Or' tre!ie nea("rat s"
ne reailit"m (rintr2$ l$.it!r" +r$za.". :i2am l!at r"s(!nderea &i
(entu tine-
? 3a-" de #ineA
? 3a-" de 5anterre. El &tie #" t! e&ti n ,r!ntea e6(edi-iei.
* Cum a!ta.
? JE&ti si+!r #2ai s2arestezi m(ri#ina-iiAK' m2a ntreat el. J%a'
i2am r"s(!ns e!' da#" .ine &i :a!ri#e #! mine.K
J%ar te iz!i (e :a!ri#eA %e2$ !#at" de .reme i2a s#"z!t
n,l"#"rarea.K
J0ei #e s!s-in a&a #e.a se n&eal". :a!ri#e e t$t at)t de n,l"#"rat
#)t s!nt &i e!.K
JIi r"s(!nzi de elAK
J0a de mine ns!miK' i2am r"s(!ns e!. %!(" a#eea am tre#!t (e la
tine' dar n! te2am +"sit< am a(!#at2$ a($i (e dr!m!l "sta' mai nt)i
(entr! #" e #el (e #are mer+i t! de $i#ei' n s,)r&it' te2am nt)lnit'
iat"2te. nainte mar&D
'n c$ntec de 0ictoie
De!c1idem dum !pe "loie---
? %ra+" L$rin' mi (are nes(!s de r"!' dar n2am ni#i !n #/e, s"
mer+ n asemenea misi!ne. 5(!ne2le #" n2ai dat de mine.
? 0! ne(!tin-"D T$-i $amenii n$&tri te2a! ."z!t.
? Ei ine' at!n#i ai s" le s(!i #" m2ai nt)lnit &i #" n2am .r!t s"
m" al"t!r .$!".
? Ii asta2i #! ne(!tin-"D
? %ar' m" r$+' de #eA
? *entr! #" n #az!l de ,a-" n! .ei ,i d$ar !n $m li(sit de
n,l"#"rare' #i (!r &i sim(l! !n s!s(e#t. Ii d$ar &tii #are2i s$arta
s!s(e#-il$r9 s!nt d!&i n *ia-a Re.$l!-iei &i ($,ti-i s" sal!te stat!ia
Liert"-ii' n!mai #" n l$# s2$ sal!te #! ("l"ria' $ sal!t" #! #a(!l.
? Ei ine' L$rin' nt)m(l"2se #e s2$2nt)m(la' dar are s"2-i (ar" #!
si+!ran-" #i!dat #eea #e am s"2-i s(!n.
L$rin #"s#" $#/ii mari &i se !it" la :a!ri#e.
? Itii t!' !rm" :a!ri#e' mi2e2sil" de .ia-".
Loin i%)ucni #n $!-
? >!nD zise el' ne2am l!at la /ar-" #! i!ita' &i iat" #" ne2a!
n"("dit ideile ne+re. Baide' ,r!m$s!le Amadis
2=
' ,ii iar"&i "rat'
&i2a($i .ei rede.eni #et"-ean. E!' dim($tri."' n!2s ni#i$dat" (atri$t
mai !n #a at!n#i #)nd s!nt #ertat #! Art/Emise. A(r$($' di.ina zei-"
Ra-i!ne -i trimite !n mili$n de #alde sal!t"i-
? 5"2i m!l-!me&ti din (artea mea. Adi$' L$rin.
* Cum adio.
* Da& plec-
* Unde pleci.
? A#as" la mine' ei dr"#ieD
* Mauice& me"i pe calea pie%aniei-
? At)ta (a+!"D
? :a!ri#e' +)nde&te2te' dra+!l me!' +)nde&te2te.
? 5!nt /$t"r)t.
? N! -i2am s(!s t$t...
* ,ot ce.
* ,ot ce mi-a !pu! Santee-
? 0e -i2a s(!sA
? 0)nd te2am #er!t #a &e, al misi!ni' mi2a s(!s9 JIa seama.C KLa
cine.C KLa Mauice-C
* La mine.
? %a. J:a!ri#e' a ad"!+at el' se d!#e ,$arte des n #artier!l
a#ela.K
* 'n cae catie.
* 'n cel al lui Mai!on-Rou"e-
? 0!m astaDA e6#lam" :a!ri#e' (e ai#i se as#!ndeA
? 0el (!-in a&a se "n!ie&te' (entr! #" (e ai#i l$#!ie&te #$m2
(li#ele s"! (res!(!s' #!m("r"t$r!l #asei din strada 0$rderie.
* 'n catieul Victo.
* Da& #n catieul Victo-
? Ii (e #e strad" din #artierA
? *e .e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es.
? VaiD %$amne2%!mneze!leD &$(ti :a!ri#e' n#remenit &i tr"snit
#a de2!n ,!l+er. Ii2&i d!se m)na la $#/i.
A($i' d!(" $ #li("' #a &i #!m n #li(a a#eea &i ad!nase t$t #!ra1!l'
ntre"9
* Ce pofe!ie ae.
? :e&ter t""#ar.
? Ii #!m l #/eam"A
* DiFme-
? Ai dre(tate' L$rin' s(!se :a!ri#e st"()nind!2&i (rin (!terea
.$in-ei ()n" &i #ea mai mi#" !rm" de em$-ie' mer+ #! .$i.
2= /e!ona3 pincipal& caactei%at pin !tatonicie #n da"o!te& al unui
cele)u oman ca0alee!c& Amadi! de Geada-
? >ine ,a#i' e&ti narmatA
* Am !a)ia& ca de o)icei-
? Ia &i (ist$alele astea am)nd$!".
? Ii t!A
? E! am #araina. %re(-iD Arma la !m"rD nainte mar&D
*atr!la ($rni' ns$-it" de :a!ri#e' #are mer+ea al"t!ri de L$rin' &i
(re#edat" de2!n "rat mr"#at n #en!&i!' #are $ #$nd!#ea9 era
$m!l ($li-iei.
%in #)nd n #)nd' din #$l-!rile str"zil$r sa! de (e s! ($r-ile
#asel$r se .edea des(rinz)nd!2se #)te2$ !mr" #e .enea s" s#/ime
#)te.a #!.inte #! "rat!l mr"#at n #en!&i!9 era! $ameni (!&i s"
s!(ra.e+/eze.
A1!nser" la stradel". Om!l #en!&i! n! &$."i ni#i $ sin+!r" #li("<
era ine in,$rmat< a(!#" (e stradel".
n ,a-a ($r-ii de la +r"din"' (rin #are #)nd.a :a!ri#e tre#!se le+at
,edele&' $m!l se $(ri.
* Aici& %i!e el-
? 0e ai#iA ntre" L$rin.
? Ai#i i +"sim (e #ei d$i &e,i.
:a!ri#e se s(ri1ini de zid. 5im-i #" are s" se (r"!&eas#" (e s(ate.
? A#!ma' !rm" $m!l #en!&i!' a.em trei intr"ri9 intrarea (rin2
#i(al"' a($i asta &i n#" $ intrare #are d" ntr2!n (a.ili$n. E! am s"
intr! #! &ase sa! $(t $ameni (rin intrarea (rin#i(al"< ("zi-i intrarea de
ai#i #! (atr! sa! #in#i $ameni &i (!ne-i trei $ameni de n#redere la
ie&irea (a.ili$n!l!i.
? E!' s(!se :a!ri#e' am s" tre# (este zid &i2am s" sta! de .e+/e
n +r"din".
? %e min!ne' e6#lam" L$rin' mai #! seam" #"' ,iind n"!ntr!' ai
s" ne des#/izi ($arta.
? >!#!r$s' i r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' n!mai s" n! ("r"si-i aleea &i s"
n! .eni-i ()n" n! ." #/em. Am s" ."d din +r"din" t$t #e se .a (etre#
n"!ntr!.
? A&adar' #!n$&ti #asaA ntre" L$rin.
? Am .r!t s2$ #!m("r #)nd.a.
L$rin &i (iti $amenii (rin !n+/erele +ard!ril$r' (e la #$l-!rile
!&il$r' n tim( #e a+ent!l de ($li-ie se de("rta #! $(t sa! ze#e s$lda-i
din Carda na-i$nal" #a s" ,$r-eze' d!(" #!m s(!sese' intrarea
(rin#i(al"-
%!(" $ #li("' z+$m$t!l (a&il$r l$r se stinse ,"r" s" ,i trezit n
mi1l$#!l (!sti!l!i a#el!ia ni#i !rm" de n+ri1$rare.
Oamenii l!i :a!ri#e se a,la! la ($st!rile l$r &i se (it!la! n !mr"'
#)t (!tea! mai ine. Ai ,i 1!rat #" (este t$t d$mne&te lini&tea &i #" n!
se (etre#e nimi# ne$i&n!it n .e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!es.
:a!ri#e n#e(!' a&adar' s" es#aladeze zid!l.
? A&tea(t"' i s(!se L$rin.
* Ce.
* /aola-
? Ade."rat.
? Car$a," &i s!teran". Aresteaz" (e t$-i #ei #e n!2-i s(!n a#este
d$!" #!.inte. Las"2i s" trea#" (e t$-i #ei #e -i le .$r s(!ne. Rsta2i
#$nsemn!l.
? -i m!l-!mes#' s(!se :a!ri#e.
Ii s"ri de (e #reasta zid!l!i n +r"din".
Capitolul XXX
CAROA3R II 5U>TERANR
*rim!l &$# a ,$st teriil &i n!mai (rintr2$ mare st"()nire de sine a
iz!tit :a!ri#e s"2i as#!nd" l!i L$rin t!l!rarea #e2i #!(rinsese
ntrea+a ,iin-". %ar de ndat" #e se a,l" n +r"din"' sin+!r n t"#erea
n$(-ii' s(irit!l i se mai lini&ti' &i +)nd!rile' n l$# s" i se r$st$+$leas#"
dez$rd$nate n #reier' i se n,"-i&ar" (e r)nd #!+et!l!i' (!t)nd ,i
ad)n#ite &i #)nt"rite de ra-i!ne.
0!mDA 0asa asta n #are :a!ri#e intrase at)t de des #! #ea mai
#!rat" !#!rie' #asa asta #are ,!sese (entr! el rai!l (e ("m)nt' n! era
alt#e.a de#)t !n #!i de intri+i s)n+er$aseA T$at" !n".$in-a #! #are
a ,$st (rimit" (rietenia l!i n,l"#"rat" s" ,ie d$ar i($#rizieA T$at"
dra+$stea Cene.iB0ei !" ,i ,$st n!mai ,ri#"A
Itim #!m era m("r-it" +r"dina n #are n! $ dat" #itit$rii i2a!
!rm"rit (e tinerii n$&tri er$i. :a!ri#e se stre#!r" din t!,i& n t!,i& ()n"
#e se +"si ,erit de razele l!nii' n !mra serei im(r$.izate !nde ,!sese
n#/is n (rima zi #)nd ("tr!nsese n #as".
5era era n ,a-a (a.ili$n!l!i n #are l$#!ia Cene.iB0e-
%ar n seara a#eea' n #amera tinerei n$astre n! se .edea $
l!min" stat$rni#" &i iz$lat"' #a de $i#ei. L!mina tre#ea a#!m de la $
,ereastr" la alta. :a!ri#e $ z"ri (e Cene.iB0e pint-o pedea idicat" (e
1!m"tate' din nt)m(lare9 n+/es!ia n +ra" ni&te l!#r!ri ntr2!n #!,"r
&i #! !imire $ser." l!#irea !n$r arme n m)inile ei.
Se !ui (e $ $rn" de (iatr" #a s" .ad" mai ine #e se (etre#e n
#amer". n .atr" se ridi#a! ,l"#"ri mari #are2i atraser" aten-ia9 era!
ni&te /)rtii (e #are Cene.iB0e le adea-
n #li(a a#eea $ !&" se des#/ise &i !n "rat intr" la Cene.iB0e-
La #nceput Mauice se +)ndi #" n! (!tea ,i de#)t %i6mer.
T)n"ra aler+" la el' i a(!#" m)inile &i am)nd$i r"maser" $ #li("
!n!l n ,a-a alt!ia' ("r)nd #!(rin&i de $ em$-ie (!terni#". 0e em$-ie
(!tea ,i $areA :a!ri#e n! era n stare s2$ +/i#eas#"' s!net!l .$rel$r
l$r n2a1!n+ea ()n" la el.
%ar dintr2$ dat" :a!ri#e i m"s!r" stat!ra #! $#/ii. JRsta n! e
%i6merK' &$(ti el.
ntr2ade."r' #el #are intrase era s!-ire &i s#!nd< %i6mer era nalt
&i tr!(e&.
Cel$zia e !n stim!lent ener+i#' ntr2$ #li("' :a!ri#e #al#!lase
stat!ra ne#!n$s#!t!l!i #! $ (re#izie a(r$a(e (er,e#t" &i analizase n
+)nd &i sil!eta s$-!l!i.
JN! e %i6merK' &$(ti el iar"&i' #a &i #!m ar ,i ,$st silit s"2&i re(ete
l!i ns!&i #ele ."z!te #a s" se n#redin-eze de (er,idia Cene.iB0ei-
5e a(r$(ie de ,ereastr"' dar #! #)t se a(r$(ia mai tare #! at)t
.edea mai (!-in9 ,r!ntea i ardea #a ,$#!l.
*i#i$r!l i se izi de2$ s#ar". 3ereastra era la $ n"l-ime de
&a(te2$(t (i#i$are. :a!ri#e l!" s#ara &i se d!se s2$ s(ri1ine de zid.
5e !r#" &i2&i li(i $#/i!l n des(i#"t!ra (erdelei.
Necuno!cutul din camea Gene0iB0ei ea un t$n"r de d$!"ze#i &i
&a(te' d$!"ze#i &i $(t de ani' #! $#/i ala&tri &i #! $ n,"-i&are &i -in!t"
ele+ant". A(!#ase m)inile tinerei n$astre &i .$rea #! ea &ter+)nd!2i
ntr!na la#rimile #are n#e-$&a! ,erme#"t$area pi0ie a Gene0iB0ei-
Un z+$m$t !&$r (r$d!s de :a!ri#e l ,"#! (e t)n"r s" nt$ar#"
(ri.irile s(re ,ereastr".
:a!ri#e &i st"()ni !n stri+"t de !imire9 re#!n$s#!se (e mis2
teri$s!l s"! sal.at$r din *ia-a 0/)telet.
n #li(a a#eea Cene.iV.e &i trase m)inile din #ele ale ne#!2
n$s#!t!l!i &i a($i se ndre(t" s(re #"min #a s" se n#redin-eze #"
/)rtiile ,!seser" nimi#ite de ,$#.
:a!ri#e n! se mai (!t! st"()ni. T$ate (atimile +r$azni#e #are
t$rt!reaz" $m!l' dra+$stea' r"z!narea' +el$zia' i str)n+ea! inima #!
din-ii l$r de ,$#. N! mai a&te(t"' m(inse #! (!tere ,ereastra (r$st
n#/is" &i s"ri n #amer".
n a#eea&i #li(" d$!" (ist$ale2i ,!r" (!se n (ie(t.
La z+$m$t!l ,"#!t' Cene.iB0e !e #ntoa!eJ %"rind!2l (e :a!ri#e'
r"mase m!t".
? %$mn!le' s(!se #! r"#eal" t)n"r!l re(!li#an #el!i #are2i -inea
de d$!" $ri .ia-a n m)n"' la #a(etele #el$r d$!" arme' d$mn!le'
d!mneata e&ti 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+eA
? Ii da#2ar ,i a&aA r"s(!nse #! $ ntreare #a.aler!l.
? AD da#"2i a&a' nseamn" #" e&ti !n "rat .iteaz &i #a atare !n
$m #alm' dre(t #are am s"2-i s(!n d$!" #!.inte.
? V$re&te' s(!se #a.aler!l ,"r" s" #linteas#" (ist$alele.
? %!mneata ($-i s" m" !#izi' dar n2ai s" m" !#izi mai nainte
de2a ,i s#$s !n stri+"t' sa! mai ine zis n2am s" m$r ,"r" s"2l ,i s#$s.
%a#" s#$t stri+"t!l' $ mie de $ameni #are a! m(res!rat #asa a! s2$
,a#" (!lere n ze#e min!te. A&adar' (!ne 1$s (ist$alele &i as#!lt"
#e2am s"2i s(!n d$amnei.
* Gene0iB0ei. #nte)" #a.aler!l.
? :ieA &$(ti t)n"ra.
* Da& dumitale-
Gene0iB0e& mai al)" de#)t $ stat!ie' l (rinse de ra- (e :a!ri#e<
t)n"r!l $ res(inse.
? Itii d$ar #eea #e mi2ai m"rt!risit' d$amn"' zise :a!ri#e #! !n
(r$,!nd dis(re-. V"d #" ai s(!s ade."r!l' ntr2ade."r' n!2l i!e&ti (e
d$mn!l :$rand.
? :a!ri#e' as#!lt"2m"D e6#lam" Cene.iB0e-
* Nu mai am nimi# de a!zit' d$amn"' s(!se :a!ri#e. :2ai n&elat.
%intr2$ sin+!r" l$.it!r" ai ,r)nt t$ate le+"t!rile #are2mi !niser" inima
de a d!mitale #a s! !n si+ili!. :i2ai m"rt!risit #" n!2l i!e&ti (e
d$mn!l :$rand' dar n! mi2ai s(!s #" i!e&ti (e alt!l.
* %$mn!le' s(!se #a.aler!l' #e t$t s(!i d!mneata de :$rand'
sa!' mai #!r)nd' des(re #e :$rand .$re&ti d!mneataA
* De!pe Moand c1imi!tul-
? :$rand #/imist!l se a,l" n ,a-a d!mitale. :$rand #/imist!l &i
0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e s!nt !na &i a#eea&i (ers$an".
Ii ntinz)nd m)na s(re $ m"s!-" al"t!rat"' ntr2$ #li(" &i (!se (e
#a( (er!#a nea+r"' #are l ,"#!se a&a de m!lt" .reme de nere#!n$s#!t
n $#/ii t)n"r!l!i re(!li#an.
? A/D da' e6#lam" :a!ri#e' #! !n nd$it dis(re-' da' n-ele+'
d!mneata n!2l i!eai (e :$rand' (entr! #" :$rand n! e6ista< dar de&i
s!ter,!+i!l e dia#i' n! e mai (!-in .redni# de dis(re-.
0a.aler!l ,"#! $ mi&#are amenin-"t$are.
? %$mn!le' !rm" :a!ri#e' ine.$ie&te &i m" las" $ #li(" s" sta!
de .$r" #! d$amna. %a#" d$re&ti' ($-i s" asi&ti la #$n.$rirea
n$astr"' n! .a ,i l!n+"' te asi+!r.
Gene0iB0e f"#! !n semn' ($,tind!2l (e :ais$n2R$!+e s" ai"
r"dare.
? A&adar' !rm" :a!ri#e' d!mneata' Cene.iB0e& m-ai f"#!t de r)s
n ,a-a (rietenil$r meiD Am a1!ns s" le ins(ir sil"D :2ai ,"#!t s" sl!1es#
$re&te t!t!r$r #$m(l$t!ril$r d!mnitaleD :2ai ,$l$sit #a (e $ !nealt"D
As#!lt"9 e $ a#-i!ne in,am"' dar .ei ,i (ede(sit"' d$amn"' #"#i d$mn!l'
ai#i (rezent' are s" m" !#id" s! $#/ii d!mitaleD %ar' n mai (!-in de
#in#i min!te' &i el .a m(ietri a#$l$' z"#)nd!2-i la (i#i$are' sa! da#" .a
s#"(a #! .ia-"' .a tr"i d$ar #a s"2&i d!#" ti+.a (e e&a,$d.
? El s" m$ar"DA e6#lam" Cene.iB0e- El !"2&i d!#" ti+.a (e
e&a,$dDA %ar n! &tii' :a!ri#e' #" el este $#r$tit$r!l me!' al ,amiliei
mele' #" mi2a& da .ia-a #a s" i2$ a("r (e2a l!i< #" da#" el m$are' am s"
m$r &i e!' &i #" da#" d!mneata e&ti dra+$stea mea' el e reli+ia meaA
? VaiD zise :a!ri#e' #$ntin!i s" s(!i #" m" i!e&tiD ntr2ade."r'
,emeile s!nt (rea slae &i (rea la&eD
A($i' nt$r#)nd!2se' i se adres" t)n"r!l!i re+alist9
? Bai' d$mn!le' tre!ie s" m" !#izi sa! s" m$ri.
* Da pentu ce.
? *entr! #" da#" n! m" !#izi' te arestez.
:a!ri#e ntinse m)na #a s"2l n&,a#e de (ie(t.
? E! n2am s"2mi a("r .ia-a l!(t)nd #! d!mneataD s(!se 0a2
.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e.
Ii2&i ar!n#" armele (e !n ,$t$li!.
? Ii de #e n2ai s"2-i a(eri .ia-a l!(t)nd #! mineA
? *entr! #" .ia-a mea n! r"s#!m("r" rem!&#area de2a ,i !#is !n
$m de $n$are &i mai ales' da' mai ales (entr! #" Cene.iV.e te i!e&te.
? VaiD e6#lam" t)n"ra n$astr" m(re!n)nd!2&i m)inile' #)t e&ti de
!n' de m"rinim$s' de leal &i de +ener$s' ArmandD
:a!ri#e se !it" la am)nd$i #! $ !imire a(r$a(e (r$steas#".
? Iat"' s(!se #a.aler!l' intr! n #amera mea. -i da! #!.)nt!l de
$n$are #" n! (entr! a ,!+i' #i (entr! a as#!nde !n potet-
:a!ri#e &i ndre(t" re(ede $#/ii #"tre ($rtret!l Cene.iB0eiJ ea la
locul !"! $i&n!it.
3ie #" :ais$n2R$!+e .a ,i +/i#it +)nd!l l!i :a!ri#e' ,ie #" .a ,i .$it
s" m(in+" +ener$zitatea ()n" la #!lme' s(!se9
? *$,tim' &ti! #" d!mneata e&ti re(!li#an' dar t$t$dat" &ti! #" ai
!n s!,let #!rat &i #instit. Am s" m" dest"in!i d!mitale ()n" la #a("t.
*ri.e&teD
Ii s#$ase din s)n $ miniat!r" (e #are i2$ ar"t" l!i :a!ri#e9 era
($rtret!l re+inei.
:a!ri#e l"s" #a(!l n 1$s &i2&i a("s" m)na (e ,r!nte.
? A&te(t $rdinele d!mitale' d$mn!le' s(!se :ais$n2R$!+e. %a#"
!rm"re&ti arestarea mea' s" a-i la !&a asta #)nd .a ,i tim(!l s" m"
(reda!. N! mai -in la .ia-a mea' de .reme #e .ia-a mea n! se mai
s(ri1in" (e s(eran-a de2a sal.a re+ina.
0a.aler!l ie&i ,"r" #a :a!ri#e s" ,i ,"#!t ni#i m"#ar !n +est s(re
a2l $(ri.
Aia a(!#" s" ias" din #amer" &i Cene.iB0e !e aunc" la (i#i$arele
t)n"r!l!i re(!li#an.
? Iart"2m"' e6#lam" ea' iart"2m"' :a!ri#e' (entr! t$t r"!l (e #are
-i l2am ,"#!t< iart"2m" (entr! n&el"t$riile mele' iart"2m" n n!mele
s!,erin-el$r &i al la#rimil$r mele' #"#i -i 1!r #2am (l)ns tare m!lt &i am
s!,erit +r$azni#. VaiD s$-!l me! a (le#at azi de diminea-"' n! &ti! !nde
a (le#at &i ($ate ni#i n2am s"2l mai ."d. A#!m n!2mi r"m)ne de#)t !n
sin+!r (rieten' n! !n (rieten' #i !n ,rate' &i d!mneata ai s"2l !#izi.
Iart"2m"' :a!ri#eD Iart"2m"D
:a!ri#e $ ridi#" de la (i#i$arele l!i &i2i s(!se9
? 0e .reiA Une$ri ne iese n #ale !rsita rea' #a a#!ma. T$at"
l!mea &i (!ne n 1$# .ia-a' n #li(a de ,a-". 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e
a 1!#at #a &i #eilal-i' dar a (ierd!t. Tre!ie s" (l"teas#".
? Adi#" s" m$ar"' da#" te n-ele+ ine.
* Da-
? Tre!ie s" m$ar"' &i t$#mai d!mneata mi s(!i astaA
* Nu eu& Gene0iB0e& ci de!tinul-
? %estin!l n! &i2a s(!s !ltim!l #!.)nt n m(re1!rarea de ,a-"'
(entr! #" d!mneata l ($-i sal.a.
? 0! (re-!l #!.)nt!l!i me! &i' #a atare' al $n$arei mele. n-ele+'
Cene.iB0e-
? n#/ide $#/ii' :a!ri#e' d$ar at)ta -i #er &i -i ,"+"d!ies# #"
re#!n$&tin-a mea .a mer+e ()n" !nde ($ate a1!n+e re#!n$&tin-a !nei
femei-
? %e (ris$s a& n#/ide $#/ii' d$amn"9 este $ (ar$l"' $ (ar$l" ,"r"
de #are nimeni n! ($ate ie&i din #asa asta' #"#i' -i re(et' #asa este
m(res!rat".
? Ii d!mneata $ &tiiA
? 3"r" nd$ial" #" $ &ti!.
* Mauice+
* Ce e!te.
* Da"ul meu& !cumpul me! :a!ri#e' s(!ne2mi (ar$la' tre!ie s"
mi2$ s(!iD
? Cene.iV.e' #ine e&ti d!mneata #a s"2mi s(!i9 J:a!ri#e' n
n!mele dra+$stei (e #are -i2$ ($rt' #al#"2-i #!.)nt!l' #al#"2-i $n$area'
tr"deaz"2-i #a!za' renea+"2-i #rez!lAK n s#/im!l a#est$ra #e2mi $,eri
d!mneata' #are m" is(ite&tiA
? A/' :a!ri#e' sal.eaz"2l' nt)i sal.eaz"2l &i a($i #ere2mi .ia-a.
* Gene0iB0e& um" :a!ri#e #! !n +las s!mr!' as#!lt" #e am s"2-i
s(!n. 0! !n (i#i$r am ("&it (e #alea in,amiei< #a s2$ !rmez ()n" la
#a("t' a& .rea s" am #el (!-in !n temei ,a-" de mine ns!mi.
Cene.iB0e& 3u"2mi #" n!2l i!e&ti (e 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e.
? l i!es# (e 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e #a $ s$r"' #a $ (rieten"'
n! alt,el' -i2$ 1!r.
* Gene0iB0e& m" i!e&tiA
? :a!ri#e' te i!es#' -i2$ m"rt!rises# n -a-a l!i %!mneze!' #are
m2a!de.
? %a#" ,a# #eea #e2mi #eri' ai s" te le(ezi de r!de' (rieteni'
(atrie' #a s" ,!+i #! tr"d"t$r!lA
* Mauice+ Mauice+
? I$."iD... &$."iD
Ii :a!ri#e se d"d! na($i #$(le&it de dis(re-. Cene.iB0e& cae !e
!pi3inea de el& !im-i de$dat" #!m $ ("r"se&te s(ri1in!l &i #"z! n
+en!n#/i.
? :a!ri#e' e6#lam" ea' l"s)nd!2se (e s(ate &i ,r)n+)nd!2&i
m)inile m(re!nate' :a!ri#e' ,a# t$t #e .ei .rea' -i 1!r< ($r!n#e&te'
as#!lt.
? Ai s" ,ii a meaA
? 0)nd ai s" .rei.
? 8!r"2mi (e Brist$sD
Gene0iB0e #ntin!e )a-!l.
? %$amneD r$sti ea' ai iertat (e s$-ia ad!lter"< n"d"1d!ies# #" m"
.ei ierta &i (e mine.
Ii la#rimi mari i se r$st$+$lir" (e $ra1i' #"z)nd!2i (e &!.i-ele
l!n+i' des(letite' #e2i a1!n+ea! ()n" la (ie(t.
? N! a&a' n! 1!ra a&a' s(!se :a!ri#e' #"#i n!2-i (rimes#
1!r"m)nt!l.
? %$amneD !rm" ea' 1!r s"2mi n#/in t$at" .ia-a l!i :a!ri#e' s"
m$r #! el &i' da#" tre!ie' s" m$r (entr! el' da#"2mi sal.eaz"
(rieten!l' (r$te#t$r!l &i ,ratele' (e 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e.
* 5ine& 0a fi !al0at& !pu!e Mauice-
Ii se ndre(t" s(re #amera al"t!rat".
? %$mn!le' zise el' mra#"2te iar"&i #! /ainele t""#ar!l!i
:$rand. Te dezle+ de #!.)nt!l dat' e&ti lier. Iar d!mneata' d$amn"'
!rm" el' adres)nd!2se Cene.iB0ei& a!cult" #!.intele (ar$lei9 +ar$a," &i
s!teran".
A($i' #a &i #!m i2ar ,i ,"#!t s#)r" s" mai r"m)n" n n#"(erea n
#are r$stise #ele d$!" #!.inte #e ,"#!ser" din el !n tr"d"t$r' :a!ri#e
des#/ise ,ereastra &i s"ri din #amer" n +r"din".
Capitolul XXXI
*ER0BE@IIA
:a!ri#e &i re$#!(" ($st!l de $ser.a-ie n +r"din"' n ,a-a
,erestrei Cene.iB0ei& da feea!ta nu mai ea luminat"9 Cene.iB0e
inta!e la Ca0aleul de Mai!on-Rou"e-
Era dealt,el &i tim(!l #a :a!ri#e s" ("r"seas#" n#"(erea' #"#i
aia a1!nsese la #$l-!l serei #)nd ($arta de la +r"din" se des#/ise &i
$m!l #en!&i! a("r!' !rmat de L$rin &i de #in#i sa! &ase +renadiri.
? Ei' #!m eA ntre" L$rin.
? Vezi &i t!' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' s!nt la ($st!l me!.
? Nimeni n2a n#er#at s" trea#" #! ,$r-aA ntre" iar"&i L$rin.
? Nimeni' i r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' ,eri#it #" a (!t!t s#"(a de $
min#i!n" (rin ,el!l n #are2i ,!sese (!s" ntrearea. NimeniD Ii .$i'
#e2a-i ,"#!tA
? N$i ne2am #$n.ins #" d$mnia2sa 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e a
intrat n #as" a#!m !n #eas &i de2at!n#i n2a mai ie&it' r"s(!nse $m!l
($li-iei-
? Ii i &ti-i #ameraA ntrea" L$rin.
? 0amera l!i n!2i des("r-it" de #amera #et"-enei %i6mer de#)t
(rintr2!n #$rid$r.
? AD e6#lam" L$rin.
? %e ,a(t' n! era ne.$ie de ni#i $ des("r-it!r". 5e (are #" a#est
0a.aler de :ais$n2R$!+e e !n "rat !&!rati#.
Mauri#e sim-i #!m i se !r#" s)n+ele la #a(. n#/ise $#/ii &i ."z!
mii de ,!l+ere l"!ntri#e.
? Ei ineD dar... #et"-ean!l %i6mer #e zi#e de2a&a #e.aA ntre"
L$rin.
? I se ("rea #"2i $ #inste (entr! el.
? As#!lta-iD ,"#! :a!ri#e #! .$#ea +)t!it"' #e /$t"r)re l!"mA
? L!"m /$t"r)rea' s(!se $m!l ($li-iei' s" mer+em s"2l n&,"#"m
din #amera l!i &i ($ate #/iar din (at.
? N! "n!ie&te' a&adar' nimi#A
* A)!olut nimic-
? 0!m e dis(!s teren!lA ntre" L$rin.
? A.em !n (lan ,$arte e6a#t' r"s(!nse $m!l #en!&i!9 !n (a.ili$n
sit!at n !n+/er!l +r"dinii' iat"2l9 !r#i (atr! tre(te' le .ede-i #/iar ai#iD
A1!n+i (e !n (alier' la drea(ta ? !&a a(artament!l!i #et"-enei %i6mer<
e ,"r" nd$ial" a#ela a #"r!i ,ereastr" $ .edem' n ,a-a ,erestrei' a#$l$'
n ,!nd' e $ !&" #are d" s(re #$rid$r &i n #$rid$r e !&a #amerei
tr"d"t$r!l!i.
? >ine' iat" $ t$($+ra,ie am"n!n-it ,"#!t". 0! !n (lan #a "sta ($-i
s" mer+i &i #! $#/ii le+a-i' #! at)t mai lesne #! $#/ii des#/i&i. 5"
mer+em' a&adar.
? 5tr"zile s!nt ine ("ziteA ntre" :a!ri#e #! !n interes (e #are
t$-i #ei de ,a-" l atri!ir"' ,ire&te' temerii l!i de a n!2l s#"(a (e
#a.aler.
? Ii str"zile &i tre#erile &i r"s#r!#ile' t$ate' zise $m!l #en!&i!. Ni#i
!n &$are#e n! ($ate s" trea#" da#" n! &tie (ar$la.
:a!ri#e se #!trem!r". At)tea (re#a!-ii l!ate l ,"#ea! s" se team"
#" tr"darea sa n! .a ,i de ni#i !n ,$l$s ,eri#irii l!i.
? A#!m' s(!se $m!l #en!&i!' #)-i $ameni ." tre!ie #a s"2l
aresta-i (e #a.alerA
? 0)-i $ameniA ntre" L$rin. N"d"1d!ies# #" :a!ri#e &i #! mine
s!ntem dest!i. N!2i a&a' Mauice.
? %a' se )l)i :a!ri#e' si+!r #" ne .$m des#!r#a.
? As#!lta-i' n! !mla-i #! l"!d"r$&enii de (ris$s. Vre-i s"2l
(rinde-iA
? Ei' dr"#ieD da#" .remD e6#lam" L$rin' inen-eles #" daD N!2i
a&a' :a!ri#e' #" tre!ie s"2l (rindemA
L$rin a("s" (e !ltimele #!.inte. El s(!sese dealt,el #" !n n#e(!t
de "n!ial" a(!#ase s" (laneze as!(ra l$r &i n! tre!ia l"sat tim(
"n!ielil$r' #e se r"s()ndea! (e .remea a#eea #a ,!l+er!l' s" se
nr"d"#ineze. Or' L$rin &i da seama #" nimeni n2ar mai ndr"zni s"
(!n" la nd$ial" (atri$tism!l a d$i "ra-i #e2ar ,i iz!tit s"2l (rind" (e
0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e.
? Ei ineD s(!se $m!l ($li-iei' da#" -ine-i #! t$t dinadins!l' s"
l!"m #! n$i mai #!r)nd trei n l$# de d$i sa! (atr! n l$# de trei<
#a.aler!l se #!l#" t$tdea!na #! $ saie s! #"("t)i &i #! d$!" (ist$ale
(e m"s!-a de n$a(te.
? Ei' ,ir2ar al naiiiD e6#lam" !n!l dintre +renadirii din #$m(ania
l!i L$rin' /ai s" intr"m #! t$-ii. 3"r" (re,erin-eD %a#" se (red"' l
("str"m (entr! +/il$tin"' da#" rezist"' l s,)rte#"m #! s"iile.
? >ine zi#i' ,"#! L$rin. A&adar' nainteD Intr"m (e !&" sa! (e
,ereastr"A
? *e !&"' s(!se $m!l ($li-iei. *$ate #" nt)m(l"t$r #/eia e n !&"'
(e #)t" .reme da#" intr"m (e ,ereastr"' tre!ie s" s(ar+em #)te.a
$#/i!ri &i am ,a#e z+$m$t.
* Aie& (e !&"' zise L$rin' n!mai s" intr"m $dat"' (!-in mi (as" (e
!nde. Baidem' #! saia n m)n"' :a!ri#e.
A!t$mat' :a!ri#e &i trase saia din tea#".
Tr!(a mi#" nainta s(re (a.ili$n' nt$#mai #!m ar"tase $m!l
#en!&i!' a! dat de (rimele tre(te' a($i a! ("&it (e (alier &i' n s,)r&it'
n .esti!l.
? A/D e6#lam" L$rin !#!r$s' #/eia e n !&".
ntr2ade."r' ntinsese m)na (rin nt!neri# &i' a&a #!m s(!sese' #!
.)r,!l de+etel$r sim-i r"#eala #/eii.
? Bai' des#/ide $dat"' #et"-ene l$#$tenent' s(!se $m!l #en!&i!.
Loin r"s!#i #! "+are de seam" #/eia n r$as#". U&a se des2
#/ise.
:a!ri#e &i &terse #! m)na s!d$area de (e ,r!nte.
? Am a1!nsD e6#lam" L$rin.
? N! n#"' i nt$arse .$ra $m!l #en!&i!. %a#" in,$rma-iile
n$astre t$($+ra,i#e s!nt e6a#te' ai#i ne a,l"m n a(artament!l
#et"-enei %i6mer.
? N2a.em de#)t s" ne n#redin-"m' s(!se L$rin. 5" a(rindem
ni&te l!m)n"ri. V"d #" mai este ,$# n #"min.
? 5" a(rindem t$r-e' /$t"r $m!l #en!&i!. T$r-ele se stin+ mai
+re! de#)t l!m)n"rile.
Ii l!" din m)na !n!i +renadir d$!" t$r-e (e #are le a(rinse de la
,$#!l din #"min #are aia mai ()l()ia. Una i2$ d"d! l!i :a!ri#e'
#ealalt" ? l!i L$rin.
? Vede-i #" n! m2am n&elat< iat" !&a #are d" n #amera de
#!l#are a #et"-enei %i6mer &i iat2$ &i (e #ea #are d" (e #$rid$r.
* 'nainte& pe c$rid$r' $rd$n" L$rin.
U&a din ,!nd ,! des#/is" la ,el de !&$r #a (rima &i se +"sir" #! t$-ii
n ,a-a !&ii a(artament!l!i n #are l$#!ia #a.aler!l. *$ate de d$!"ze#i
de $ri ."z!se :a!ri#e !&a a#eea' dar ni#i$dat" n! ntrease n#$tr$
d!#e. *entr! el l!mea t$at" se m"r+inea la #amera n #are2l (rimea
Cene.iB0e-
? A/D e6#lam" L$rin n &$a(t"' ai#i s#/im"m ta#ti#a. U&a e
n#!iat"' ni#i !rm" de #/eie.
? %ar' ntre" :a!ri#e' aia (!t)nd s" .$reas#"' s!nte-i si+!ri
#" e ai#iA
? %a#" (lan!l e e6a#t' ai#i tre!ie s" ,ie' r"s(!nse $m!l ($li-iei.
%ealt,el' .$m .edea. Crenadiri' s(ar+e-i !&a' n"."li-i n #amer".
*atr! $ameni' desemna-i de #"tre trimis!l ($li-iei' ridi#ar" (at!rile
(!&til$r &i la !n semn al a#est!ia' #are #$nd!#ea $(era-ia' d"d!r" t$-i
$dat" $ sin+!r" l$.it!r"9 !&a se ,"#! -"nd"ri.
? *red"2te sa! e&ti m$rt' r"#ni L$rin' n"."lind n #amer".
Nimeni n! r"s(!nse9 dra(eriile (at!l!i era! n#/ise.
? Iata#!lD ia seama la iata#D stri+" $m!l ($li-iei' arma la $#/i &i la
(rima mi&#are a (erdelel$r' tra+e-iD
? A&te(ta-i' s(!se :a!ri#e' am s" da! (erdelele ntr2$ (arte.
Ii n"d"1d!ind' ,"r" nd$ial"' #" :ais$n2R$!+e &edea as#!ns
nd"r"t!l (erdelel$r de la (at &i #" (rima l$.it!r" de (!mnal sa! (rim!l
+l$nte de (ist$l i .$r ,i /"r"zite l!i' :a!ri#e se re(ezi la dra(eriile #are
l!ne#ar" s#r)&nind (e .er+ea!a +aleriei. *at!l era +$l.
? Ei' dr"#ieD ,"#! L$rin' nimeniD
? Te ($mene&ti #2$ ,i s#"(at' $l$r$si :a!ri#e.
? 0! ne(!tin-"' #et"-eniD 0! ne(!tin-"D e6#lam" $m!l #en!&i!. V"
s(!n #2a ,$st ."z!t intr)nd a#!m !n #eas' #" nimeni n! l2a ."z!t ie&ind
&i #" t$ate ie&irile s!nt ("zite.
L$rin des#/idea !&ile t!t!r$r d!la(!ril$r &i #$m$del$r' se !ita
(ret!tindeni' #/iar &i a#$l$ !nde ar ,i ,$st #! ne(!tin-" s" se as#!nd"
!n $m.
? Nimeni' t$t!&iD Vede-i d$ar #" n! e nimeni+
? Nimeni' re(eta &i :a!ri#e #! $ em$-ie lesne de n-eles<
ntr2ade."r se .ede #" n! e nimeni.
? n #amera #et"-enei %i6mer' s(!se $m!l ($li-iei. *$ate #" e
a#$l$.
? OD e6#lam" :a!ri#e' res(e#ta-i #amera !nei ,emei.
? 0!m astaDA ,"#! L$rin. >inen-eles #" $ .$m res(e#ta' #a &i (e
#et"-eana %i6mer. %ar s2$ #er#et"m.
? *e #et"-eana %i6merA ntre" !n!l dintre +renadiri' !#!r$s s"
(laseze $ +l!m" de (r$st2+!st.
? N!' r"s(!nse L$rin' #amera ei.
? At!n#i' inter.eni :a!ri#e' l"sa-i2m" (e mine s" tre# n ,runte-
? Tre#i' s(!se L$rin' t! e&ti #"(itan!l. 5" a#$rd"m ,ie#"r!ia
$n$r!rile #e i se #!.in.
%$i $ameni ,!r" l"sa-i s" ("zeas#" n#"(erea (e #are #eilal-i $
("r"sir" tre#)nd n #ea n #are a(rinseser" t$r-ele.
:a!ri#e se a(r$(ie de !&a #e d"dea n #amera de domit a
Gene0iB0ei-
Era (rima $ar" #)nd a.ea s" intre a#$l$.
Inima i "tea ,$arte tare.
0/eia era n !&".
:a!ri#e d!se m)na s(re #/eie' dar &$."i.
? Bai' des#/ide $dat"D l z$ri L$rin.
? %ar' zise :a!ri#e' da#" #et"-eana %i6mer e #!l#at"A
? A.em s" ne !it"m n (at!l ei' s! (at' n #"min &i n d!la(!ri'
r"s(!nse L$rin' d!(" #are' da#" n! e nimeni de#)t ea' a.em s"2i !r"m
n$a(te !n".
? Ni#ide#!m' inter.eni $m!l ($li-iei' a.em s2$ arest"m' #et"-eana
Cene.iB0e DiFme e o ai!tocat"' re#!n$s#!t" dre(t #$m(li#e a ,ii#ei l!i
Tis$n &i a 0a.aler!l!i de :ais$n2R$!+e.
? %es#/ide d!mneata at!n#iD se r"sti :a!ri#e' d)nd dr!m!l #/eii'
e! n! arestez ,emei.
Om!l ($li-iei se !it" #/i$r)& la :a!ri#e' iar +renadirii n#e(!r" s"
#)rteas#".
? 0e' a-i n#e(!t s" #)rti-iA ntre" L$rin. N2a.e-i de#)t s" #)rti-i
&i m($tri.a mea' #"#i s!nt de ("rerea #et"-ean!l!i Linde=.
Ii se trase !n (as nd"r"t.
Om!l #en!&i! a(!#" #/eia' $ nt$arse +r"it' !&a se des#/ise<
s$lda-ii se n"(!stir" n #amer".
%$!" l!m)n"ri ardea! (e $ m"s!-"' dar #amera Cene.iV.ei' #a &i
#ea a 0a.aler!l!i de :ais$n2R$!+e' era +$al".
? C$al"D e6#lam" $m!l ($li-iei.
? C$al"D re(et" :a!ri#e' ("lind. Unde s" ,ie $areA L$rin se !it"
l!n+ la :a!ri#e' #! !imire.
? 52$ #"!t"m' s(!se $m!l ($li-iei.
Ii' !rmat de 1andarmi' se a(!#" s" s#$t$#eas#" t$at" #asa' din
(i.ni-" ()n"2n ateliere.
Aia se nt$arser" ei #! s(atele' &i :a!ri#e' #are2i !rm"rise #!
$#/ii (lini de n+ri1$rare' se re(ezi la r)nd!l s"! n n#"(ere' des#/iz)nd
iar"&i d!la(!rile (e #are le mai des#/ise &i #/em)nd #! $ .$#e (lin" de
team" &i nelini&te9
* Gene0iB0e+ Gene0iB0e+
Da Gene0iB0e nici "$nd !" r"s(!nd"' #amera era ntr2ade."r
+$al".
At!n#i :a!ri#e se a(!#" &i el s" s#$t$#eas#" (rin #as" #! !n zel
("tima&. 5erele' /an+arele' de(endin-ele' #er#et" tot& da ea de pi!o!-
%e$dat" se a!zi !n z+$m$t (!terni#< $ #eat" de "ra-i narma-i
se n,"-i&" la ($art"< $amenii s#/imar" (ar$la #! santinela' n"."lir" n
+r"din" &i se r"s()ndir" n #as". n ,r!ntea +r!(!l!i de nt"rire
str"l!#ea (ana&!l ,!m!ri! al lui Santee-
? Ei ineD ,"#! el #"tre L$rin' !nde e #$ns(irat$r!lA
? 0!m adi#" !nde e #$ns(irat$r!lA
? %a. V" ntre #e2a-i ,"#!t #! elA
? Ii e! .2a& ntrea (e d!mnea.$astr"9 deta&ament!l (e #are2l
#$manda-i' da#" a ("zit ine ie&irile' tre!ie s"2l ,i arestat' (entr! #"
n! mai era n #as" #)nd am intrat n$i.
? 0e t$t s(!iA e6#lam" +eneral!l ,!ri$s' l2a-i l"sat s" s#a(eA
? N$i n2am (!t!t s"2l l"s"m s" s#a(e' ,iind#" n! l2am (rins.
? At!n#i n! mai n-ele+ nimi#' s(!se 5anterre.
* Nimic din ce.
* Nimic din #ele #e mi2a-i #$m!ni#at (rin trimis!l .$str!.
* V-am timi! noi pe cine0a.
? >inen-eles. >"rat!l a#ela #! /ain" #a,enie' #! ("r!l ne+r! &i
$#/elari .erzi' #are a .enit s" ne .esteas#" din (artea .$astr" #"
s!nte-i +ata2+ata s" (!ne-i m)na (e :ais$n2R$!+e' dar #" se a("r"'
l!(t)nd!2se #a !n le!. %re(t #are am .enit n ,!+".
? Un $m #! /ain" #a,enie' #! ("r!l ne+r! &i #! $#/elari .erziA
re(et" L$rin.
? >inen-eles' -in)nd $ ,emeie de ra-.
? T)n"r"' ,r!m$as"A e6#lam" :a!ri#e' re(rezind!2se s(re +e2
neral.
? %a' t)n"r" &i ,r!m$as".
? Era el m(re!n" #! #et"-eana %i6mer.
* Cae el.
? :ais$n2R$!+e... O/D ("#"t$s!l de mine' #!m de n! i2am !#is (e
am)nd$iA
? Bai' las" #et"-ene Linde=' s(!se 5anterre' i (rindem n$i.
? %ar #!m de i2a-i l"sat s" trea#"A ntre" L$in-
? Ei' ,ir2ar s" ,ieD e6#lam" 5anterre' i2am l"sat s" trea#" ,iind#"
&tia! (ar$la.
? Itia! (ar$laA stri+" L$rin. A&adar' (rintre n$i se a,l" !n
tr"d"t$rA
? N!' n!' #et"-ene L$rin' s(!se 5anterre' .$i s!nte-i #!n$s#!-i' se
&tie ine #" (rintre .$i n! s!nt tr"d"t$ri.
L$rin se !it" 1!r2m(re1!r!l l!i' de (ar#2ar ,i #"!tat tr"d"t$r!l
des(re a #"r!i (rezen-" ($menise.
Oser." ,r!ntea n#r!ntat" &i (ri.irile &$."it$are ale l!i :a!ri#e.
? A/D &$(ti el' #e2$ mai ,i &i astaA
* Ca0aleul nu poate fi pea depate' s(!se 5anterre< s" #er#et"m
(rin m(re1!rimi. *$ate a dat (este .re$ (atr!l" mai dia#e #a n$i' #are
n! s2$ ,i l"sat ("#"lit".
? %a' da' s" #"!t"m' ad"!+" L$rin.
A($i l a(!#" (e :a!ri#e de ra- &i' s! (rete6t!l in.esti+a-iil$r de
,"#!t' l s#$ase a,ar" din +r"din".
? %a' s" #"!t"m' s(!ser" &i s$lda-ii' dar nainte...
Ii !n!l dintre ei &i ar!n#" t$r-a s! $ &!r" ti#sit" #! .reas#!ri &i
iar" !s#at".
* Hai& %i!e Loin& 0ino-
:a!ri#e n! se m($tri.i' l !rm" (e L$rin' #a !n #$(il. Am)nd$i
aler+ar" ()n" la ($d ,"r" s" s#$at" ni#i !n #!.)nt< a#$l$ se $(rir".
:a!ri#e nt$arse #a(!l.
0er!l era r$&! n dire#-ia #artier!l!i' deas!(ra #asel$r !r#a!
(!zderie de s#)ntei.
Capitolul XXXII
8URR:UNTUL
Mauice fu cupin! de-un temuJ #ntin!e m$na #n!pe !tada
Saint28a#H!es &i zise9
* Aoc+ foc+
? Ei ineD da' r"s(!nse L$rin' ,$#. Ii #e2i #! astaA
? VaiD %$amne2%!mneze!leD %a#" s2a nt$rsA
* Cine.
* Gene0iB0e-
? Cene.iV.e e d$amna %i6mer' n!2i a&aA
* Da& ea e-
? N!2i ni#i $ (rime1die s" se ,i nt$rs' de .reme #e n-a plecat-
? L$rin' tre!ie s2$ +"ses#' tre!ie s" m" r"z!n.
? EiD eiD e6#lam" L$rin.
Am$r' tiran al zeil$r &i2al m!rit$ril$r'
N!2-i tre!ie t"m)ie (e .atra altarel$r.
? Ai s" m" a1!-i s2$ re+"ses#' n!2i a&a' L$rinA
? Ei' naD ni#i n2are s" ,ie +re!.
* Da cum.
? %a#" s$arta #et"-enei %i6mer te ,r"m)nt" (e #)t m" la&i s"
#red' nseamn" #2$ #!n$&ti &i da#" $ #!n$&ti' tre!ie s" &tii #are2i s!nt
(rietenii #ei mai intimi. N! #red #2a ("r"sit *aris!l' t$-i .$r dealt,el #!
$ri#e (re- s" r"m)n" ai#i. 52$ ,i re,!+iat la .re$ #$n,ident" &i m)ine
diminea-" ai s" (rime&ti (rin .re$ R$z" sa! (rin .re!n :art$n !n
ile-el ti#l!it #am n termenii !rm"t$ri9
%e :arte la 0=t/era din n$! .rea s" ("tr!nd"'
5! ."l!l az!ri! al n$(-ii s" s2as#!nd".
Ii s" se n,"-i&eze la ($rtar n strada #!tare' n!m"r!l #!tare'
ntre)nd de d$amna Trei25tele< #am a&a.
:a!ri#e ridi#" din !meri. Itia ine #" Cene.iB0e n-a0ea la cine !"
se re,!+ieze.
? N2$ .$m +"si' &$(ti el.
? n+"d!ie2mi s"2-i s(!n #e.a' :a!ri#e' zise L$rin.
* Ce.
? 0" n2ar ,i #ine &tie #e mare nen$r$#ire da#" n2am mai +"si2$.
? %a#" n2$ +"sim' L$rin' ad"!+" :a!ri#e' e! am s" m$r.
? Ei dra#eD ,"#! t)n"r!l' a&adar din (ri#ina a#estei i!iri erai t!
#)t (e2a#i s" m$riA
? %a' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e.
L$rin r"mase $ #li(" (e +)nd!ri.
* Ma!ri#e' zise el' s" t$t ,ie !ns(reze#e #eas!ri' #artier!l e
(!sti!' !ite2a#$l$ $ an#" de (iatr"' (!s" (ar#" an!me #a s" +"z2
d!ias#" d$i (rieteni. A#$rd"2mi ,a.$area !nei #$n.$riri se#rete' #!m
se s(!nea s! .e#/i!l re+im' -i da! #!.)nt!l #2am s" .$res# n!mai n
(r$z".
:a!ri#e se !it" n 1!r &i2a($i se d!se s" se a&eze l)n+" (rieten!l
l!i.
? V$re&te' zise :a!ri#e' s(ri1inind!2&i (e2$ m)n" ,r!ntea $$sit".
? As#!lt"' dra+" (rietene' am s"2-i s(!n !n l!#r!' ,"r" intr$2
d!#ere' ,"r" (eri,raze' ,"r" #$mentaii4 me"em pe calea pie%aniei !au
mai cu$nd tu ne duci pe calea pie%aniei-
? 0!m astaA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? E6ist"' s#!m(!l me! (rieten' !rm" L$rin' $ an!me de#izie' dat"
de 0$mitet!l 5al."rii *!li#e' #are s(!ne #" e tr"d"t$r de (atrie $ri#ine
ntre-ine rela-ii #! inami#ii (atriei. Ai t! #!n$&tin-" de de#izia astaA
? 3"r" nd$ial"' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e.
? Va s" zi#" $ &tiiA
* Da-
? Ei ineD mi (are #" t! e&ti $are#!m tr"d"t$r de (atrie. 0e ai de
s(!sA #!m zi#ea :anli!s...
* Loin+
? >inen-eles' a,ar" de #az!l n #are t! #$nsideri #" &i id$2
latrizeaz" (atria t$-i #ei #e da! ad"($st' mas" &i #as" d$mn!l!i
0a.aler de :ais$n2R$!+e' #are n2am (!tea s(!ne #" e !n re(!li#an
e6altat' &i ni#i #2ar ,i n.in!it' de$#amdat"' #" ar ,i #$nd!s
e.enimentele din se(temie-
? Vai' L$rinD e6#lam" :a!ri#e s#$-)nd !n s!s(in.
? %re(t #are' !rm" m$ralist!l' mi (are #" t! ai ,$st sa! e&ti n#"
(!-in #am (rea (rieten #! inami#!l (atriei. Bai' /ai' n! te indi+na &i n!
(r$testa' dra+" ami#e< (ar#2ai ,i +i+ant!l En#elad!s
2>
& "ata s" r"st$rni
m!n-ii #)nd te nt$r#i de (e2$ (arte (e #ealalt". A&a #" -i2$ s(!n n#" $
dat"' n! te re.$lta &i m"rt!rise&te (!r &i sim(l! #" n! mai e&ti !n
re.$l!-i$nar (lin de zel.
L$rin r$stise #!.intele de mai s!s #! t$at" l)nde-ea de #are era
n stare' al!ne#)nd as!(ra l$r (rintr2!n arti,i#i! ret$ri# demn de 0i#er$.
:a!ri#e (r$test" d$ar (rintr2!n +est.
%ar +est!l l!i ,! s$#$tit #a nea.enit &i L$rin #$ntin!"9
? OD da#2am tr"i ntr2!n #limat de ser"' ntr2!n #limat #$nstant n
#are' ($tri.it re+!lil$r $tani#ii' term$metr!l arat" in.ariail
&ais(reze#e +rade' -i2a& s(!ne' dra+!l me! :a!ri#e' e ele+ant' e #!m
se #!.ine< s" ,im ni-el!& arist$#ra-i din tim( n tim(' n! stri#"' e
,r!m$s' dar n$i ,ierem ast"zi la treize#i &i #in#i &i #/iar (atr!ze#i de
+radeD A(a ,iere &i n$i aia da#" s!ntem #"ld!-i< (e #"ld!ra asta
("rem re#i' &i da#" e&ti re#e' e&ti s!s(e#t' d!(" #!m &tii< #)nd e&ti
s!s(e#t' e&ti (rea inteli+ent' s#!m(!l me! :a!ri#e' #a s" n!2-i dai
seama #e2ai s" ,ii #!r)nd' sa!' mai ine zis' #e n2ai s" mai ,ii del$#.
? Ei ineD at!n#i s" m" $m$are &i s" se termine $dat"' e6#lam"
:a!ri#e. %ealt,el' t$t m2am s"t!rat de .ia-".
* De-a)ia de-un !fet de o"' $ser." L$rin. La dre(t .$rind' n!
mai e dest!l" .reme #a s" te las s" (r$#edezi n (ri.in-a asta #!m te
taie #a(!l9 &i (e !rm"' da#" m$ri ast"zi' n-ele+i t!' tre!ie s" m$ri
re(!li#an' (e #)t" .reme t! ai s" m$ri arist$#rat.
? VaiD $,t" :a!ri#e' #"r!ia n#e(!se s" i se !r#e s)n+ele n #a(
din (ri#ina d!rerii &i n+ri1$r"rii (r$.$#ate de #$n&tiin-a .in$."-iei sale'
mer+i #am (rea de(arte' dra+!l me!.
? Am s" mer+ &i mai de(arte' #"#i te (re.in #" da#" te ,a#i
arist$#rat...
2> En#elad!s' #el mai (!terni# dintre +i+an-ii #are a! !neltit m($tri0a
lui 6eu!
? Ai s" m" den!n-iA
* Ei& naD Ni#i +)nd' am s" te n#/id ntr2$ (i.ni-" &i2am s" n#e(
s" te #a!t' n "taia t$el$r' #a (e !n dis("r!t9 (e !rm" am s" stri+ n
+!ra mare #" arist$#ra-ii' (rinz)nd de .este #e destin le (re+"te&ti'
te2a! se#/estrat' te2a! #/in!it' te2a! n,$metat' a&a #"' de ndat" #ei
.ei ,i ,$st re+"sit' .ei ,i n#$r$nat #! ,l$ri n (!li# de damele din Bal" &i
de #ali#ii #are ad!n" zdren-e din #artier!l Vi#t$r' a&a #!m s2a nt)m(lat
#! Elie de >ea!m$nt' &e,!l 1andarmeriei' #! d$mn!l Lat!de &i #! al-ii.
Cr"e&te2te' a&adar' s" intri din n$! n (ielea l!i Aristide' #"#i alt,el &tii
#e te2a&tea(t".
? L$rin' mi da! seama #" ai dre(tate' dar s!nt l!at de #!rent'
al!ne# (e (ant" n 1$s. *$-i $are s"2mi ($r-i (i#" ,iind#" mi !rmez
destin!lA
? N!2-i ($rt (i#"' dar te #ert. Ad!2-i aminte (!-in de s#enele (e
#are *ilade i le ,"#ea zilni# l!i Oreste' s#ene #are d$.edes# #! s!##es
#" (rietenia n!2i de#)t !n (arad$6' de .reme #e a#e&ti d$i (rieteni
le+endari se #erta! de diminea-" ()n" seara.
? Lea("d"2te de mine' L$rin' ai ,a#e mai )ine-
* Nici "$nd-
? At!n#i' las"2m" s" i!es#' s" ,i! ne!n' ($ate #/iar #riminal'
,iind#"' da#" $ re."d' simt #2am s2$ !#id.
? 5a! #2ai s"2i #azi n +en!n#/i. :a!ri#eD :a!ri#eD ndr"+$stit
de2$ arist$#rat"' n2a& ,i #rez!t ni#i n r!(t!l #a(!l!i. Iat"2te n sit!a-ia
s"rman!l!i Osselin #! mar#/iza de 0/arn=.
* De!tul& Loin& te implo+
? :a!ri#e' sa! te .inde# sa! m" ia dra#!D N! .rea! s" #)&ti+i la
l$teria s,intei +/il$tine' #!m s(!ne "#an!l din strada L$marzil$r. Ia
seama' ai s" m" ad!#i la e6as(erare. Ai s" ,a#i din mine !n $m #r!d.
:a!ri#e' mi .ine s" da! ,$# ins!lei 5aint2L$!is< d"2mi $ t$r-"' !n
&$m$i$+ a(rinsD
Vai n!D zadarni#" e t$at" tr!da meaD
5" #er $ t$r-" sa! ,"#lie n!2i $are l!#r! de (ris$s
0)nd ,$#!l t"!' :a!ri#e' at)ta de ,r!m$s'
E2n stare s" in#endieze &i s!,let!2-i' &i2$ra&!l' &i t$t #e2n 1!r ar staA
:a!ri#e z)mi ,"r" .$ie.
? %$ar ne n-eleseser"m s" n! mai .$rim de#)t n (r$z"'
remar#" el.
? %ar n!mai din (ri#in" #" m" s#$-i din s"rite #! ne!nia ta'
r"s(!nse L$rin< n!mai din (ri#in" #"... As#!lt"' /ai s" em' :a!ri#e'
/ai s" ne2m"t"m' s" (!nem la #ale nis#ai.a m$-i!ni' s" st!diem
e#$n$mia ($liti#"' dar' (entr! n!mele l!i 8!(iter' s" n! mai ,im
ndr"+$sti-i' s" n! mai ndr"+im de#)t liertatea.
? 5a! Ra-i!nea.
* O+ ce-i deptD zei-a nseamn" mare l!#r! &i s" &tii #" te s$#$ate
!n m!rit$r n#)nt"t$r.
? N! e&ti +el$sA
? 0a s"2mi sal.ez !n (rieten' m" simt n stare de $ri#e sa#ri,i#i!.
? :!l-!mes#' L$rin' &i2-i (re-!ies# de.$tament!l< dar' .ezi t!' #el
mai !n mi1l$# de a2mi alina d!rerea e s2$ tr"ies# ()n" la sat!ra-ie.
R"m)i #! ine' L$rin. %!2te s2$ .ezi (e Art/Emise.
? Ii t! !nde te d!#iA
? A#as".
Ii :a!ri#e ,"#! #)-i.a (a&i s(re ($d.
? Va s" zi#"' a#!m l$#!ie&ti ns(re .e#/ea strad" 5aint28a#H!esA
? >a n!' dar mi ,a#e (l"#ee !-o iau pe-acolo-
? 0a s" mai .ezi $ dat" l$#!l !nde tr"ia ,iara ta nend!(le#at".
? >a' #a s" ."d da#" n! s2a nt$rs a#$l$ !nde &tie #2$ a&te(t. OD
Cene.iV.e' Cene.iV.eD n! te2a& ,i #rez!t n stare de2asemenea
tr"dareD
? :a!ri#e' !n tiran #are #!n$&tea )ine femeile& pentu c-a muit de
mult ce le-a iu)it& !punea4
Adesea &i s#/im" ("rerea ,emeiaD
Ne)un e cinG !e-ncede-n ea& de-aceea+
:a!ri#e $,t" &i #ei d$i (rieteni $ a(!#ar" iar"&i ns(re .e#/ea
strad" 5aint28a#H!es.
*e m"s!r" #e se a(r$(ia! a!zir" larm"' ."z!r" #!m l!mina
#re&tea' desl!&ir" #)nte#e (atri$ti#e' #are' n (lin" zi' n (lin s$are' n
atm$s,era de l!(t" ("rea! imn!ri er$i#e' dar #are n (!terea n$(-ii' n
l!mina in#endi!l!i' #"("ta! a##ent!l l!+!r! al !nei e-ii de #aniali.
* Doamne-%!mneze!leD e6#lam" :a!ri#e' !it)nd #" %!mneze!
era des,iin-at.
Ii +r"ea (as!l' s!d$area #!r+)nd!2i (e ,r!nte. L$rin se !ita la el
#!m mer+e &i &$(tea (rintre din-i9
Da"o!te& da"o!te& c$nd pui m$na pe noi&
Se poate le!ne !pune4 !-a teminat cu 0oi+
'ntre+ *aris!l ("rea #" se2ndrea(t" s(re teatr!l e.enimentel$r (e
#are le2am ($.estit. :a!ri#e se ."z! silit s" str"at" !n &ir de
+renadiri' r)nd!rile de memri ai se#-iil$r' a($i s" se stre#$are (rin
#etele n+/es!ite ale m!l-imii de +!r"2#as#"' (e #)t de ,!ri$as"' (e
at)t de treaz"' #are' n e($#a a#eea' aler+a !rl)nd de la !n s(e#ta#$l
la alt s(e#ta#$l.
*e m"s!r" #e se a(r$(ia' :a!ri#e' n ner"darea2i t!rat"' i!-ea
(as!l. L$rin aia iz!tea s"2l !rmeze' dar l i!ea (rea m!lt #a s"2l
("r"seas#" n asemenea clipe-
T$t!l era a(r$a(e (e s,)r&ite. 3$#!l tre#!se de la &!ra s! #are
s$ldat!l ar!n#ase t$r-a a(rins"' la atelierele #$nstr!ite din s#)nd!ri
r)nd!ite ast,el n#)t aer!l s" ("tr!nd" (rin s(a-iile mari dintre ele.
:"r,!rile arseser". A#!m n#e(ea s" ard" &i #asa.
? %$amne' &i zi#ea :a!ri#e' da#" s2a nt$rs' da#" se a,l" n
.re!na din n#"(eri' n."l!it" n #er#!l de ,l"#"ri' a&te(t)nd!2m"'
stri+)nd!2m"...
Ii :a!ri#e' (e 1!m"tate ne!n de d!rere' (re,er)nd s" #read" n
ne!nia #elei (e #are $ i!ea' de#)t n tr"darea ei' :a!ri#e izi #!
#a(!l a(le#at !&a (a.ili$n!l!i (e #are $ ntrez"rea (rin ,!m.
L$rin se -inea mere! d!(" el< l2ar ,i !rmat ()n" &i n iad.
A#$(eri&!l ardea' ,$#!l n#e(!se s" #!(rind" s#ara.
:a!ri#e' +),iind' #er#et" t$t eta1!l' sal$n!l& camea Gene0iB0ei&
camea Ca0aleului de Mai!on-Rou"e& coidoaele& c1em$nd cu 0oce
"$tuit"9
* Gene0iB0e+ Gene0iB0e+
Nimeni n! r"s(!nse.
nt$r#)nd!2se n (rima n#"(ere' #ei d$i (rieteni ."z!r" .al!rile de
,l"#"ri #are n#e(!ser" s" ("tr!nd" (rin !&". n #i!da stri+"tel$r l!i
L$rin' #are2i ar"ta ,ereastra' :a!ri#e tre#! (rin mi1l$#!l ,l"#"ril$r.
%e a#$l$ aler+" ns(re #as"' str""t! ,"r" s" se $(reas#" #!rtea
n-esat" de m$ile s,"r)mate' re+"si s!,ra+eria' sal$n!l l!i %i6mer'
#ainet!l #/imist!l!i :$rand. *este t$t' ,!m' s,"r)m"t!ri' #i$!ri de
sti#l". 3$#!l #!(rinsese &i (artea asta a #asei &i n#e(!se s2$ mist!ie.
:a!ri#e ,"#! ai#i e6a#t #eea #e ,"#!se &i n (a.ili$n. N! l"s" ni#i $
n#"(ere ne#er#etat"' ni#i !n #$rid$r nestr""t!t. 0$$r n (i.ni-".
*$ate #" Cene.iB0e& ca !" ,!+" de in#endi!' se re,!+iase a#$l$.
Nimeni ni#"ieri.
? Ei' dr"#ieD e6#lam" L$rin' n! .ezi #" nimeni n2ar (!tea rezista
ai#i' a,ar" de salamandre' &i d$ar n! #a!-i asemenea animale
le+endare. Bai' .in$' $ s" ntre"m' $ s" ne in,$rm"m la #ei #e2a! ,$st
de ,a-"' ($ate .a ,i ."z!t2$ #are.a.
Ar ,i ,$st ne.$ie de m!lte (!teri la !n l$# #a s"2l s#$at" (e :a!ri#e
a,ar" din #as". 5(eran-a ns" l trase de2!n sin+!r ,ir de ("r.
At!n#i n#e(!r" in.esti+a-iile9 #er#etar" m(re1!rimile' $(rind
,emeile #are tre#ea!' s#$t$#ind #"r"rile' dar ,"r" ni#i !n rez!ltat. 5e
,"#!se #eas!l !n! n$a(tea. 0! t$at" .i+$area2i atleti#"' :a!ri#e era
,r)nt de $$seal"' #a atare se d"d! "t!t' ren!n-)nd la aler+"t!ri'
!r#!&!ri' #ert!ri &i n,r!nt"ri nes,)r&ite #! m!l-imea.
T$#mai tre#ea (rin ,a-a l$r $ tr"s!r". L$rin $ $(ri.
? %ra+!l me!' i s(!se el l!i :a!ri#e' am ,"#!t t$t #e2a ,$st
$mene&te #! (!tin-" #a s2$ re+"sim (e Cene.iB0e a taJ pentu ea ne-am
!petit& ne-am p$3olit& ne-am #nc"ierat. 0!(id$n' $ri#)t de e6i+ent ar ,i'
n! ($ate (retinde mai m!lt de la !n ndr"+$stit' &i #! at)t mai (!-in de
la !n!l #are e de(arte de2a ,i ast,el. 5" !r#"m n tr"s!r" &i s" ne d!#em
,ie#are a#as".
:a!ri#e n! r"s(!nse' dar se l"s" n .$ia (rieten!l!i. A1!nser" n
,a-a !&ii l!i :a!ri#e ,"r" s" ,i s#/imat m"#ar !n sin+!r #!.)nt.
? EiD sla." %$mn!l!iD e6#lam" L$rin' e&ti a&te(tat9 iat"2m" mai
lini&tit. Bai' ate la !&".
:a!ri#e "t!< !&a se des#/ise.
? N$a(te !n"D *e m)ine diminea-"' zise L$rin.
? N$a(te !n"D r"s(!nse a!tomat Mauice-
Ii !&a se n#/ise n !rma l!i.
*e (rimele tre(te ale s#"rii' d"d! (este ndat$rit$r!l s"!.
? VaiD #et"-ene Linde=' e6#lam" a#esta' #)t" n+ri1$rare ne2ai
(ri#in!it.
0!.intele Kne2ai (ri#in!itK l izir" (e :a!ri#e.
? %!mitaleA ntre" el.
* Da' mie &i d$mni-ei #are te a&tea(t".
? %$mni-"A re(et" :a!ri#e' +"sind #" n! era de,el m$ment!l s"
(rimeas#" .izita (e #are (r$ail .re!na din .e#/ile l!i ami#e i2$ ,"#ea.
>ine #a mi2ai s(!s asta #/iar a#!m' m" d!# s" m" #!l# la L$rin.
? 0! ne(!tin-". Iedea la ,ereastr"' te2a ."z!t #$$r)nd din
tr"s!r" &i a stri+at9 JIat"2lDK
? Ei &i #e2mi (as" mie #2a a,lat #" s!nt e!A N!2mi arde de
dra+$ste. Ur#" &i s(!ne2i ,emeii a#eleia #" s2a n&elat.
ndat$rit$r!l d"d! s" (le#e #a s" m(lineas#" ($r!n#a' dar se $(ri.
? EiD #et"-ene' st"r!i el' +re&e&ti. %$mni-a era tare trist".
R"s(!ns!l me! $ .a dezn"d"1d!i.
? %ar' m" r$+' ntre" :a!ri#e' #ine2i ,emeia astaA
? 0et"-ene' n! i2am ."z!t #/i(!l< e n."l!it" ntr2$ mantie &i
(l)n+e< iat" t$t #e2-i ($t s(!ne des(re ea.
* @i#i #" (l)n+eA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? %a' dar (e t"#!te' n"!&ind!2&i s!s(inele.
? Va s" zi#" (l)n+e' re(et" :a!ri#e. A&adar' e #ine.a (e l!me
#are m" i!e&te ()n" ntr2at)t' n#)t s" se n+ri1$reze a&a de tare de
li(sa meaA
Ii !r#" n#eti&$r n !rma ndat$rit$r!l!i s"!.
? Iat"2l' #et"-ean"' iat"2lD stri+" a#esta n"(!stind!2se n #amer".
:a!ri#e intr" n !rma l!i.
V"z! ntr2!n #$l- al sal$n!l!i $ ,"(t!r" #are trem!ra' #! ,a-a
as#!ns" n (erne' $ ,emeie #e2ar ,i ("r!t m$art" da#" +emetele
#$n.!lsi.e n2ar ,i ,"#!t2$ s" tresar".
*rintr2!n semn' :a!ri#e i #er! ndat$rit$r!l!i s" ias" a,ar".
A#esta i d"d! as#!ltare &i (le#"' n#/iz)nd !&a.
At!n#i :a!ri#e aler+" la t)n"ra a#eea' #are ridi#" #a(!l.
* Gene0iB0e+ !ti"" er$!l n$str!. Cene.iB0e la mine aca!"D O'
%$amne& oae am #nne)unit.
? N!' dra+!l me!' e&ti n t$ate min-ile' r"s(!nse ea. i2am
,"+"d!it s" ,i! a d$mniei2tale' da#"2l sal.ezi (e 0a.aler!l de
:ais$n2R$!+e. L2ai sal.at< a&adar' iat"2m"D Te a&te(tam.
:a!ri#e se n&el" as!(ra sens!l!i #!.intel$r ei. 5e d"d! !n (as
na($i &i' (ri.ind2$ #! triste-e' s(!se l)nd9
? Cene.iV.e' a&adar' n! m" i!e&tiD
/i0iea Gene0iB0ei !e #ntunec" de la#rimi< nt$arse #a(!l &i'
s(ri1inind!2se de s(eteaza #ana(elei' iz!#ni n (l)ns.
? A/' $,t" :a!ri#e' e #lar #" n! m" i!e&ti' &i n! n!mai #" n! m"
mai i!e&ti' Cene.iB0e& da #nceci pe!emne un !entiment de u"
m($tri.a mea da#" te a,li ntr2$ asemenea stare de dezn"de1de.
:a!ri#e (!se n !ltimele sale #!.inte at)ta e6altare &i d!rere'
n#)t Cene.iV.e &i n"l-" #a(!l &i i cupin!e m$na-
? %$amne2%!mneze!le' e6#lam" ea' #el (e #are2l #redeam #el
mai !n' ()n" la !rm" e &i el !n e+$istD
* E"oi!t& Gene0iB0e& ce 0ei !" s(!iA
? N! n-ele+i $are #)t s!,"rA 5$-!l ,!+it' ,ratele (r$s#ris' #asa n
,l"#"ri' &i t$ate ntr2$ sin+!r" n$a(te &i (e deas!(ra s#ena +r$azni#"
dintre d!mneata &i 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+eD
:a!ri#e $ as#!lta n e6taz' #"#i' $ri#)t de ne!neas#" i era
(asi!nea' ar ,i ,$st #! ne(!tin-" s" n! n-elea+" #" ast,el de em$-ii'
ad!nate dintr2$ dat"' te ($t ad!#e n /alul de duee #n cae !e afla
Gene0iB0e-
? A&adar' ai .enit' e&ti ai#i' e&ti a mea' n2ai s" m" mai ("r"se&tiD
Gene0iB0e te!"ri.
? Unde m2a& ,i (!t!t d!#eA r"s(!nse ea #! am"r"#i!ne. Am $are
!nde m" re,!+ia' am e! .re!n ad"($st sa! .re!n (r$te#t$r' alt!l de#)t
#el #e a (!s (re- !n (r$te#-iei saleA 0$(le&it" de ,!rie &i nne!nit"'
mer+eam (e *$nt2Ne!, &i la !n m$ment dat m2am $(rit s" ."d a(a
s!mr" ,rem"t)nd n !n+/erele ar#adel$r< m" sim-eam atras"' .r"1it".
*entr! tine' s"rman" ,emeie' mi s(!neam' a#$l$ e !n ad"($st' a#$l$ e
net!l!rata $di/n"' a#$l$ e !itarea.
* Gene0iB0e& Gene0iB0e+ eFclam" :a!ri#e' ai s(!s a&a #e.aA...
A&adar n! m" i!e&ti del$#A
? Am s(!s2$' r"s(!nse Cene.iV.e' n &$a(t". Am s(!s2$' dar am
.enit.
:a!ri#e $,t" &i se l"s" s" al!ne#e la picioaele ei-
? Cene.iV.e' &$(ti el' n! mai (l)n+e. Cene.iV.e' !it" t$ate
nen$r$#irile' da#" m" i!e&ti. Cene.iB0e& #n numele Celui-de-Su!&
!pune-mi c" n! .i$len-a amenin-"ril$r mele te2a ad!s ai#i. 5(!ne2mi #"
&i da#" n! m2ai ,i ."z!t n seara asta' a,l)nd!2te sin+!r"' ,"r" ad"($st'
t$t ai ,i .enit la mine' &i (rime&te2mi 1!r"m)nt!l (e #are -i2l ,a# de2a te
dezle+a de 1!r"m)nt!l (e #are te2am silit s"2l dai.
Gene0iB0e a-inti as!(ra t)n"r!l!i $ (ri.ire #e ."dea $ ine6(ri2
mail" re#!n$&tin-".
? 0)t" m"rinimieD e6#lam" ea. A/D %$amne' -i m!l-!mes#D #)t e
de m"rinim$sD
? As#!lt"' Cene.iB0e& !pu!e Mauice& Dumne%eu pe cae #l i%"onim
acum din l"#a&!rile sale' dar (e #are n!2l (!tem iz+$ni din inimile
n$astre' n #are a s"dit dra+$stea' %!mneze! a ,"#!t #a seara asta s"
(ar" l!+!r"' dar' n ,$nd' s" str"l!#eas#" de !#!rie &i de ,eri#ire.
%!mneze! te2a ndr!mat #"tre mine' Cene.iB0e& mi te-a pu! #n )a-e
&i2-i .$re&te (rin +rai!l me!. n s,)r&it' %!mneze! .rea s"
r"s(l"teas#" ast,el at)tea s!,erin-e (e #are le2am nd!rat' at)tea
.irt!-i de #are am dat d$.ad" l!(t)nd m($tri.a dra+$stei n$astre #e
("rea nele+itim"' #a &i #!m !n sentiment #are a ,$st at)t de #!rat &i a
r"mas at)t de ad)n# ar ,i (!t!t ,i s$#$tit $ #rim". A&a #" n! mai
(l)n+e' Cene.iB0e+ D"2mi m)na. Vrei s" te a,li la !n ,rate' .rei #a a#est
,rate s"2-i s"r!te (lin de res(e#t ($ala r$#/iei' s" (le#e #! m)inile
m(re!nate n r!+"#i!ne' tre#)nd din#$l$ de (ra+!l n#"(erii ,"r" s"
nt$ar#" del$# #a(!lA
Ei ine' s(!ne d$ar !n #!.)nt' ," d$ar !n semn &i2ai s" m" .ezi
(le#)nd' ai s" r"m)i sin+!r"' lier" &i n si+!ran-"' #a $ ,e#i$ar" ntr2$
iseri#". 5a!' dim($tri."' ad$rata mea Cene.iV.e' aminte&te2-i #"
te2am i!it at)t de tare' n#)t am ,$st +ata s"2mi (ierd .ia-a' #" (entr!
dra+$stea asta' (e #are $ ($-i ,a#e ,!nest" $ri ,eri#it"' i2am tr"dat
(e2ai mei &i am a1!ns $di$s &i a1e#t n (r$(riii mei $#/i< +)nde&te2te la
,eri#irea (e #are ne2$ ("streaz" .iit$r!l' la (!terea &i la ener+ia #are
s"l"&l!ies# n tinere-ea &i2n dra+$stea n$astr" #a s" ne a(ere ,eri#irea
#are e +ata s" n,r!nte (e $ri#ine2ar ata#a2$ &i ar (rime1d!i2$.
Cene.iB0e& #n"e al )un"t"-ii' s(!ne2mi' #e .reiA Vrei s" ,a#i !n $m at)t
de ,eri#it' n#)t s" n!2i mai (ar" r"! #" tr"ie&te &i ni#i s" n!2i mai (ese
de ,eri#irea etern"A At!n#i' n l$# s" m" al!n+i' s!r)de2mi' Cene.iB0e a
mea& la!"2m" s"2-i d!# m)na la inima mea' .in$ s(re #el #e te r).ne&te
#! t$at" (!terea' #! t$at" d$rin-a &i #! t$t s!,let!l' Cene.iB0e&
da"o!tea mea& 0ia-a mea' Cene.iB0e& nu--i retra+e 1!r"m)nt!lD
Inima tinerei ,emei se !m(lea de #!.intele l!i d!i$ase9 d!l#ea-a
dra+$stei' $$seala' (ri#in!it" de s!,erin-ele tre#!te' i r"(ir" $ri#e
(!tere. La#rimile n!2i mai #!r+ea!' dar s!s(inele i z+!d!ia! (ie(t!l
n,l"#"rat.
:a!ri#e n-elese #" Cene.id.e n! mai a.ea t"ria s" reziste &i2$
#!(rinse n ra-e. At!n#i ea &i l"s" #a(!l (e !m"r!l l!i &i ("r!2i l!n+ se
des,"#!' re."rs)nd!2se (e $ra1ii n,ier)nta-i ai i!it!l!i.
%ar :a!ri#e sim-i #!m i tresalt" (ie(t!l' z.)#nind #a .al!rile d!("
,!rt!n".
* /l$n"i& Gene0iB0e...' &$(ti el #! ade."rat" triste-e. Lini&te&te2te.
Ni#i$dat" n2am s"2mi im(!n dra+$stea n ,a-a !nei n$ile s!,erin-e.
Ni#i#)nd !zele mele n! se .$r m!rd"ri #2!n s"r!t $tr".it ,ie #/iar de2$
sin+!r" la#rim" de ("rere de r"!.
Ii des,"#! #er#!l .i! al ra-el$r sale' nde("rt)nd!2&i ,r!ntea de
#ea a Cene.id.ei &i nt$r#)nd!2se n#et.
%ar n a#eea&i #li("' (rintr2!na din rea#-iile a#elea at)t de ,ire&ti la
,emeia #are se ,ere&te' dar #are' ,erind!2se' t$t!&i d$re&te' Cene.iB0e #l
cupin!e pe Mauice de "$t #! ra-ele trem!r"t$are' l str)nse #! (!tere
&i2&i li(i $raz!l re#e &i n#" !d de la#rimile #are aia n#etaser" s"
&ir$ias#" (e $raz!l ,ierinte al t)n"r!l!i ndr"+$stit.
? VaiD &$(ti ea' n! m" ("r"si' :a!ri#e' #"#i n! te mai am de#)t (e
tine.
Capitolul XXXIII
@IUA UR:RTOARE
Un s$are min!nat se stre#!ra (rintre st$l!rile .erzi' a!rind
,r!nzele #el$r trei tranda,iri mari' (lanta-i n ni&te #!tii de lemn a&ezate
(e (ri#/i#i!l ,erestrei l!i :a!ri#e.
3l$rile a#estea' #! at)t mai (l"#!te la .edere #! #)t sez$n!l l$r
era (e s,)r&ite' nmiresma! $ s!,ra+erie mi#"' (ard$sit" #! dale'
str"l!#ind de #!r"-enie' n #are la $ mas" n! n#"r#at"' dar al#"t!it" #!
ra,inament' t$#mai se a&ezar" Cene.iV.e &i :a!ri#e.
U&a era n#/is"' #"#i (e mas" se a,la! t$ate #ele de #are #$2
mesenii ar ,i a.!t ne.$ie. %e la sine n-eles #" s(!seser"9
* Ne 0om !e0i !in"ui-
n n#"(erea al"t!rat" se a!zea ndat$rit$r!l' #are' zel$s (re#!m
sl!1it$r!l ,eril al 3edrei' ,$r,$tea ntr!na. 0"ld!ra &i ns!,le-irea #el$r
din !rm" zile ,r!m$ase ("tr!ndea! (rintre &i(#ile distan-ate ale
st$r!l!i &i (!nea! (e ,r!nzele tranda,iril$r m)n+)ia-i de s$are $
str"l!#ire #a de a!r &i de smarald.
Cene.iV.e a&ez" (e ,ar,!rie ,r!#t!l a!ri! (e #are2l -inea n m)n"
&i' d!s" (e +)nd!ri' s!r)z)nd n!mai #! !zele' n .reme #e $#/ii ei
mari era! t$r$(i-i de melan#$lie' r"mase t"#!t"' inert"' de&i ns!,le-it"
&i ,eri#it" de s$arele dra+$stei' #!m era! &i ,l$rile a#elea ,r!m$ase de
s$arele de (e #er.
0!r)nd $#/ii ei i #"!tar" (e #ei ai l!i :a!ri#e' &i i +"sir" a-inti-i
as!(ra2i9 &i el $ (ri.ea &i .isa.
At!n#i &i (!se ra-!2i at)t de deli#at &i al (e !m"r!l t)n"r!l!i
ndr"+$stit' #are tres"ri' a($i &i s(ri1ini #a(!l de d)ns!l' #! $ n#redere
&i $ #ertit!dine #are nseamn" mai m!lt de#)t dra+$stea.
Gene0iB0e se !ita la el ,"r" s" .$reas#" &i' (ri.ind!2l' r$&ea.
:a!ri#e n2a.ea de#)t s"2&i a(le#e !&$r #a(!l #a s"2&i li(eas#"
+!ra de !zele ntredes#/ise ale i!itei sale. &i a(le#" n#et #a(!l.
Cene.iB0e p"li' iar $#/ii i se n#/iser" #a (etalele ,l$rii #are2&i as#!nde
#ali#i!l de razele l!minii.
Iedea! ast,el nemi&#a-i &i t"#!-i' #!(rin&i de2$ ,eri#ire ne$2
i&n!it"' #)nd z+$m$t!l strident al #l$($-el!l!i de la s$nerie i ,"#! s"
tresar".
5e des(rinser" !n!l de #el"lalt.
ndat$rit$r!l intr" &i n#/ise misteri$s !&a.
? E #et"-ean!l L$rinD .esti d)ns!l.
? AD dra+!l me! L$rin' e6#lam" :a!ri#e. :" d!# s"2l ($,tes# s"
(le#e. Iart"2m"' Cene.iB0e-
Gene0iB0e #l opi-
? 5"2l ($,te&ti s" (le#e (e (rieten!l d!mitale' :a!ri#eD Un (rieten
#are te2a alinat' te2a a1!tat' te2a s(ri1initA N!' n! .rea! s" al!n+i !n
asemenea (rieten ni#i din #as" &i ni#i din inima d!mitale. 5" intre'
:a!ri#e' s" intre.
? n+"d!ie&tiA...' ntre" :a!ri#e.
? 0/iar .$ies#' r"s(!nse Cene.iB0e-
? VaiD a&adar #rezi #" e! n! te i!es# dest!l' e6#lam" :a!ri#e'
n#)ntat de asemenea +in+"&ie' &i sim-i ne.$ia s" ,ii id$larizat"A
Cene.iV.e &i ntinse ,r!ntea m(!r(!rat" #"tre t)n"r!l ndr"2
+$stit. :a!ri#e des#/ise !&a &i L$rin intr"' #/i(e& de2-i l!a $#/ii n
#$st!m!l s"! #e ad!#ea #! al !n!i m!s#adin. @"rind2$ (e Cene.iB0e&
!e a"t" !imit' d!(" #are i ,"#! n!maide#)t $ (le#"#i!ne (lin" de
res(e#t.
? Vin$' L$rin' .in$' l nt)m(in" :a!ri#e' &i (ri.e&te2$ (e d$amna.
E&ti detr$nat' L$rin. A#!m e6ist" $ (ers$an" (e #are -i2$ (re,er. *entr!
tine mi2a& ,i dat .ia-a< (entr! ea' n!2-i s(!n nimi# n$! #! asta' mi2am
dat #instea.
? %$amn"' s(!se L$rin #! $ seri$zitate #are tr"da $ em$-ie ,$arte
ad)n#"' .$i n#er#a s"2l i!es# (e :a!ri#e mai m!lt de#)t d!mneata'
(entr! #a el s" n! n#eteze #! t$t!l de2a m" i!i.
* Stai 3o!& domnule& %i!e Gene0iB0e !u$%$nd-
? %a' stai 1$s' ad"!+" &i :a!ri#e' #are' str)n+)nd #! drea(ta
m)na (rieten!l!i &i #! st)n+a (e #ea a i!itei sale' sim-ea #!m i se
!m(le inima de t$at" ,eri#irea la #are ($ate r).ni !n $m (e ("m)nt.
? A&adar' n! mai .rei s" m$riA N! mai .rei s" ,ii !#isA
? 0!m astaA ntre" Cene.iB0e-
? OD %$amne' e6#lam" L$rin' #e animal s#/im"t$r e $m!l &i #)t"
dre(tate a! ,il$s$,ii s"2i dis(re-!ias#" !&!r"tatea &i nestat$rni#iaD Iat"
ai#i de ,a-" !n!l ? e $are de #rez!t a&a #e.a' d$amn"A ? #are asear"
.$ia s" se ar!n#e n a(" &i s!s-inea s!s &i tare #" (entr! el n! mai e #!
(!tin-" ,eri#irea (e l!mea asta9 &i iat" #" ast"zi2diminea-" l +"ses#
.esel &i !#!r$s' #! s!r)s!l (e !ze' #! ,r!ntea senin"' #! dra+$stea
de .ia-" n s!,let' st)nd n ,a-a !nei mese is(itit$are9 e dre(t #" n!
m"n)n#"' dar asta n! d$.ede&te #2ar mai ,i nen$r$#it.
? 0/iar .$ia el s" ,a#" t$t #e ai s(!s d!mneataA ntra"
Cene.iB0e-
? T$t #e ai a!zit' d$amn"' &i n#" m!lte alteleD Am s"2-i ($.estes#
mai t)rzi!. %e$#amdat" mi2e tare ,$ame< e .ina l!i :a!ri#e #are
asear" m2a (!s s" aler+ (rin t$t #artier!l 5aint28a#H!es. mi da-i .$ie s"
m" $s("tez din !#atele .$astre de #are n! .2a-i atins ni#i !n!lA
? @"!' are dre(tateD e6#lam" :a!ri#e' !#!r$s #a !n #$(il. Bai s"
st"m la mas" #! t$-ii. E! n2am m)n#at &i ni#i d!mneata' Cene.iB0e-
R$stind!2i n!mele' :a!ri#e trase #! $#/i!l la L$rin' dar L$rin ni#i
m"#ar n! #li(i.
? Va s" zi#" +/i#ise&i #" e eaD ded!se :a!ri#e.
? >a ine #" n!D r"s(!nse L$rin t"ind!2&i $ ,elie mae de 3am)on-
? Ii mie mi2e ,$ame' s(!se Cene.iV.e' ntinz)nd ,ar,!ria.
? L$rin' i stri+" :a!ri#e' asear" eram $lna..
* Eai mai mult dec$t )olna0& eai ne)un-
? Ei ine' n diminea-a asta mi se (are #" t! te sim-i mai r"!.
? 0!m adi#"A
? n#" n2ai ,"#!t ni#i !n .ers.
? 0/iar a#!m m" +)ndeam la asta' r"s(!nse L$rin.
At!n#ea #)nd se a,l" de Cra-ii2n#$n1!rat'
in)nd n m)n"2i lira' */$e!s #)nt" tare'
%ar da#" (e2al l!i Ven!s !rm2a a(!#at
*/$e!s s"rman!2&i (ierde !ra (e #"rare.
? >ineD iat" t$t!&i !n #atren' se +r"i s" s(!n" :a!ri#e' z)mind.
? Ii .a tre!i s" te m!l-!me&ti #! el' de$are#e a.em de .$rit
des(re l!#r!ri mai (!-in (l"#!te.
? 0e mai esteA ntre" :a!ri#e #! n+ri1$rare.
? 0e s" ,ieA 5!nt n #!r)nd de +ard" la 0$n#ier+erie.
* La Concier+erieD e6#lam" Cene.iB0e- L$n"" re+in"A
? L)n+" re+in"... #red #" da' d$amn".
Gene0iB0e p"li. :a!ri#e n#r!nt" din s(r)n#ene &i2i ,"#! !n semn
l!i L$rin. A#esta &i t"ie n#" $ ,elie de 1am$n' de d$!" $ri mai mare
de#)t #ea dint)i.
Re"ina fu!e!e #nt-ade."r d!s" la 0$n#ier+erie' !nde a.em &i n$i
s2$ ns$-im.
Capitolul XXXIV
CONCIERGERIE
La #$l-!l dintre *$nt2a!20/an+e &i 0/ei!l 3l$ril$r' se nal-" #eea #e
a mai r"mas din .e#/i!l (alat al l!i L!d$.i# #el 5,)nt' #are (rin
e6#elen-" se n!mea J*alat!lK' a&a #!m R$ma se n!mea JOra&!lK' &i
#are n#" mai ("streaz" den!mirea s!.eran" de #)nd sin+!rii re+i #e
mai s"l"&l!ies# n el s!nt +re,ierii' 1!de#"t$rii &i m(ri#ina-ii.
0asa 1!sti-iei e $ #l"dire mare &i s!mr" #are te ,a#e mai #!r)nd
s" te temi de zei-a #ea as(r" &i se.er"' de#)t s2$ i!e&ti. A#$l$ .ezi
re#!zita &i atri!-iile r"z!n"rii !mane ad!nate ntr2!n s(a-i! str)mt.
I#i' s"lile !nde sta! ("zi-i a#!za-ii' #e.a mai n#$l$ s"lile !nde s!nt
1!de#a-i' dedes!t #el!lele !nde s!nt n#/i&i d!(" #$ndamnare< la !&"'
!n l$#&$r !nde s!nt nsemna-i #! ,ier!l r$&!< la .re$ s!t" #inze#i de
(a&i' !n alt l$#' mai mare' !nde s!nt !#i&i' adi#" *ia-a Cre.e' !nde se
des".)r&e&te #eea #e ,!sese d$ar s#/i-at la *alat.
8!sti-ia' d!(" #!m se .ede' are t$t!l la ndem)n".
0l"dirile a#estea ali(ite !nele de altele' m$/$r)te' #en!&ii' +"!rite
de ,erestr!i#i #! +ratii' n #are $l-ile #"s#ate seam"n" #! ni&te (e&teri
z"relite' &i #are se ntind de2a l!n+!l 0/ei!l!i des L!nettes' al#"t!ies#
0$n#ier+eria.
'nc1i!oaea ae cacere (e #are a(ele 5enei le !mezes# #! n"m$l!l
l$r ne+r!< are ie&iri se#rete #are d!#ea! alt"dat" s(re ,l!.i! .i#timele
de a #"r$r dis(ari-ie era! le+ate mari interese.
V"z!t" n 1793' 0$n#ier+eria' ,!rniz$are ne$$sit" a e&a,$d!l!i'
0$n#ier+eria' d!(" #!m s(!neam' era ti#sit" de aresta-i #are ntr2!n
#eas era! +ata #$ndamna-i' n e($#a a#eea' .e#/ea n#/is$are a l!i
L!d$.i# #el 5,)nt era #! dre(t #!.)nt (ensi!nea m$r-ii.
5! $l-ile !&il$r se le+"na n$a(tea !n ,elinar #! l!min" r$&ie'
!rm" sinistr" a a#est!i l"#a& al d!rerii.
n a1!n!l zilei n #are :a!ri#e' L$rin &i Cene.iV.e (r)nzea!
m(re!n"' $ r$st$+$lire s!rd" de r$-i zdr!n#inase (a.a1!l #/ei!l!i &i
+eam!rile n#/is$rii. A($i' r$st$+$lirea n#et" n ,a-a ($r-ii $+i.ale.
8andarmii "t!r" la ($art" #! (l"selele s"iei' ($arta se des#/ise'
tr"s!ra intr" n #!rte &i d!(" #e alamalele ($r-il$r se n.)rtir" din n$!
#)nd tr"s!ra tre#!' d!(" #e z".$arele s#)r-)ir" iar"&i' $ ,emeie #$$r.
*e dat" !&a #"s#at" n ,a-a ei $ n+/i-i. Trei2(atr! #a(ete #!ri$ase
#are naintaser" s(re l!mina ,l"#"ril$r #a s" #er#eteze #! (ri.irea (e
,emeia arestat"' &i #are se i.iser" n semi$s#!ritate' se traser"
nd"r"t' #!,!nd)nd!2se n nt!neri#< se mai desl!&ir" a($i #)te.a
/$/$te stridente de r)s &i #)te.a +r$s$lane stri+"te de r"mas !n'
s#/imate ntre $amenii #are se de("rta!' &i #are ,!r" a!zite ,"r" #a
$amenii a#eia s" ,i ,$st ."z!-i.
0ea ad!s" ast,el r"m"sese nd"r"t!l (rimei !&i' m(re!n" #!
1andarmii ei. V"z! #" mai a.ea de tre#!t !na' dar !itase #"' (entr! a
tre#e (rintr2$ !&" a n#/is$rii' tre!ia n a#ela&i tim( s" ridi#i (i#i$r!l &i
s" (le#i #a(!l' ,iind#" 1$s se a,la $ trea(t" #e !r#" &i s!s !na #e
#$$ar".
Arestata' ,"r" nd$ial" n#" ne$i&n!it" #! ar/ite#t!ra n#/is$ril$r'
n #i!da l!n+!l!i r"stim( (etre#!t n ele' !it" s"2&i (le#e ,r!ntea &i se
izi #! t$at" (!terea de ara de ,ier.
? Te2ai l$.it r"!' #et"-ean"A ntre" !n!l dintre 1andarmi.
? A#!m nimi# n! m" mai ($ate l$.i' r"s(!nse ea lini&tit". Ii tre#!
,"r" s" se t)n+!ie' #! t$ate #" deas!(ra s(r)n#enei se (!tea .edea
!rma a(r$a(e s)n+er)nd" (e #are i2$ l"sase l$.it!ra.
ndat" se z"ri &i ,$t$li!l ($rtar!l!i' ,$t$li! mai .redni# de res(e#t
n $#/ii aresta-il$r de#)t tr$n!l !n!i re+e n $#/ii #!rtenil$r' ,iind#"
($rtar!l !nei n#/is$ri e #el #e m(arte nlesnirile &i $ri#e nlesnire are
mare nsemn"tate (entr! !n arestat. Adese$ri $ ,a.$are' ,ie ea #)t de
mi#"' i s#/im" #er!l s!mr! ntr2!n (aradis.
*$rtar!l Ri#/ard' n#redin-at de (r$(ria2i im($rtan-" &i a&ezat ine
n ,$t$li!l s"!' (e #are ni#i +)nd s"2l ("r"seas#"' #! t$t z$rn"it!l
+ratiil$r &i /!r!it!l tr"s!rii #are i .estea !n $as(ete n$!' ($rtar!l
Ri#/ard' zi#eam' trase (e nas $ (riz" de taa#' se !it" la arestat"'
des#/ise !n re+istr! ,$arte +r$s &i #"!t" $ (an" n #"limara mi#" de
lemn ne+r!' n #are #erneala' !s#at" (e mar+ini' mai ("stra n mi1l$#
(!-in" !mezeal" +l$d$as"' a&a #!m n mi1l$#!l #rater!l!i !n!i .!l#an
r"m)ne t$tdea!na (!-in" materie n #l$#$t.
? 0et"-ene ($rtar' i se adres" &e,!l es#$rtei' ,"2ne intrarea' dar
re(ede' #"#i s!ntem a&te(ta-i !r+ent la sedi!l 0$m!nei.
? EiD n! -ine m!lt' s(!se ($rtar!l' ."rs)nd n #"limar" #)te.a
(i#"t!ri de .in' #are2i mai r"m"seser" (e ,!nd!l !n!i (a/ar. 5!nt
de(rins #! asemenea trea"' sla." %$mn!l!iD N!mele &i (r$n!mele
t"!' #et"-ean"A
Ii' m!ind!2&i (ana n #erneala im(r$.izat"' se (re+"tea s" s#rie n
1$s!l (a+inii' #$m(letat" (e .re$ &a(te $(timi' datele ne#esare
ntemni-"rii n$!2.enitei' n .reme #e' n (i#i$are' n s(atele ,$t$li!l!i'
#et"-eana Ri#/ard' ,emeie #! $ e6(resie ine.$it$are' admira #! $
!imire (lin" de res(e#t (e ,emeia #! n,"-i&are trist"' n$il" &i m)ndr"'
(e #are s$-!l ei $ inter$+a.
? :arie2Ant$inette28eanne28$se(/e de L$rraine' r"s(!nse
arestata' ar/id!#es" de A!stria' re+in" a 3ran-ei.
? Re+ina 3ran-eiA ntre" ($rtar!l !imit' ridi#)nd!2se (e ra-!l
,$t$li!l!i.
? Re+ina 3ran-ei' re(et" arestata #! a#ela&i +las.
? 0! alte #!.inte' ."d!.a 0a(et' ,"#! &e,!l es#$rtei.
? 5! #are din a#este d$!" n!me tre!ie s2$ tre# n re+istr!A
ntre" ($rtar!l.
? 5! #are din d$!" ($,te&te' n!mai s2$ tre#i #)t mai re(ede'
r"s(!nse &e,!l es#$rtei.
*$rtar!l se rea&ez" n ,$t$li! &i' #! !n trem!r !&$r' ns#rise n
re+istr!l s"!' (ren!mele' n!mele &i titl! (e #are i le d"d!se arestata'
nre+istr"ri a #"r$r #erneal" r$&#at" a(are' n#" &i ast"zi n re+istr!l
a#ela a #"r!i ,$aie a ,$st r$as" de &$are#ii din l$#!in-a ($rtar!l!i
re.$l!-i$nar t$#mai (e ($r-i!nea #ea mai (re-i$as".
Ne.asta l!i Ri#/ard #$ntin!a s" stea n (i#i$are' n s(atele
,$t$li!l!i s$-!l!i ei' n!mai #" !n sim-"m)nt de #$m("timire (i$as" #i
#mpeuna!e m$inile-
? 0e .)rst"A !rm" ($rtar!l.
? Treize#i &i &a(te de ani &i n$!" l!ni' r"s(!nse re+ina.
Ri#/ard se a(!#" iar"&i de s#ris' (e !rm" tre#! la semnalmente n
am"n!nt &i2&i n#/eie l!#rarea #! ,$rm!lele &i nsemn"rile s(e#i,i#e.
* 5ine& %ise el' s2a ,"#!t.
? Unde .a ,i d!s" arestataA ntre" &e,!l es#$rtei.
Ri#/ard mai trase $ (riz" de taa# &i se !it" la s$-ia l!i.
? *"iD ,"#! ea' n2am ,$st n&tiin-a-i' a&a #" /aar n2a.em...
? 0a!t"' s(!se ri+adier!l.
? E #amera de #$nsili!' !rm" ,emeia.
? BmD e tare mare' &$(ti Ri#/ard< dar (entr! m$ment n! ($ate ,i
l$#!it" #"#i n2are (at.
? E2ade."rat' ad"!+" ,emeia' la asta n! m" +)ndisem.
? E/D ,"#! !n!l dintre 1andarmi' i (!ne-i m)ine !n (at' #" ()n"
m)ine mai este (!-in.
? %ealtminteri' #et"-ean" ($ate (etre#e n$a(tea asta n #amera
n$astr". N!2i a&a' "rateA zise ,emeia l!i Ri#/ard.
? Ei' &i n$iA ntre" ($rtar!l.
? N$i n! ne mai #!l#"m. 0!m a zis #et"-ean!l 1andarm' $ n$a(te
tre#e la i!-eal".
? At!n#i' s(!se Ri#/ard' d!#e-i2$ (e #et"-ean" n #amea mea-
? n tim(!l "sta ai s" ne (re+"te&ti /)rtia de (rimire' n!2i a&aA
? O +"si-i #)nd ." nt$ar#e-i.
3emeia l!i Ri#/ard l!" $ l!m)nare a(rins" de (e mas" &i $ ($rni n
,r!nte.
:aria2Ant$aneta $ !rm" ,"r" s" s#$at" !n #!.)nt' st"()nit" &i
(alid"' #a nt$dea!na. %$i temni#eri' #"r$ra ,emeia l!i Ri#/ard le ,"#!
semn' n#/eiar" #$rte+i!l. I se ar"t" re+inei !n (at (e #are s$-ia l!i
Ri#/ard se +r"i s" a&tearn" #ear&a,!ri ale. Temni#erii se instalar" la
ie&ire' d!(" #are !&a ,! n#!iat" n.)rtind!2se #/eia n r$as#" de d$!"
$ri' &i :aria2Ant$aneta r"mase sin+!r".
0!m &i2a (etre#!t n$a(tea nimenea n! &tie' (entr! #" a
(etre#!t2$ ntre (atr! $#/i #! %!mneze!.
Aia a d$!a zi re+ina ,! d!s" n #amera de #$nsili!' !n (atr!later
al!n+it' a #"rei !&i-" de intrare d"dea (e !n #$rid$r al 0$n#ier+eriei #e
,!sese t"iat (e t$at" l!n+imea sa de !n (erete des("r-it$r #are n!
a1!n+ea ()n" la (la,$n.
Un!l dintre #ele d$!" #$m(artimente era #amera $amenil$r de
+ard".
0el"lalt era #amera re+inei.
O ,ereastr" z"relit" #! ni&te are +r$ase d"dea l!min" ,ie#"rei
#el!le.
Un (ara.an #e n#!ia !&a $ iz$la (e re+in" de (azni#ii ei &i
a#$(erea des#/iz"t!ra din mi1l$#.
ntrea+a n#"(ere ,!sese de #!r)nd (ard$sit" #! #"r"mizi.
n s,)r&it' (ere-ii ,!seser" de#$ra-i #)nd.a #! !n #/enar de lemn
a!rit de #are rnai at)rna! n#" (eti#e de /)rtie #! #rini re+ali (e ele.
Un (at instalat n ,a-a ,erestrei' !n s#a!n a&ezat a(r$a(e de
l!min"' iat" m$ilier!l n#/is$rii re+ale.
%!(" #e a intrat' re+ina a #er!t s"2i ,ie ad!se #"r-ile &i l!#r!l de
m)n".
I se ad!ser" Revoluia din Anglia& pe cae o #ncepu!e la ,emple&
Cltoria tnrului Anarcharis
2D
&i ta(iseria (e #are $ r$da.
8andarmii se a&ezar" n #el!la .e#in". Ist$ria le2a ("strat n!mele'
a&a #!m ,a#e #! $amenii #ei mai nensemna-i #)nd ,atalitatea i
as$#iaz" #el$r mai mari #atastr$,e &i #)nd as!(ra l$r se re.ars" $ (arte
din l!mina $rit$are (e #are $ ar!n#" ,!l+er!l' d$$r)nd ,ie tr$n!rile
2D Este .$ra de s#rierea aatel!i 8ean28a#H!es >art/Elem=' a("r!t" n
17NN.
re+il$r' ,ie c1ia e"ii-
0ei d$i se n!mea! %!#/esne &i Cilert.
0$m!na i desemnase (e2a#e&ti d$i "ra-i' (e #are2i &tia #a (e
ni&te !ni (atri$-i' iar ei tre!ia! s" stea ne#linti-i n #el!la l$r ()n" la
1!de#area :ariei2Ant$aneta. *rintr2$ asemenea m"s!r" se !rm"rea
nl"t!rarea nere+!lil$r a(r$a(e ine.itaile ale ser.i#i!l!i #e se s#/im"
de mai m!lte $ri (e zi' atri!ind!2li2se n a#ela&i tim( +ardienil$r $
,$arte mare res($nsailitate.
0/iar n zi!a a#eea' re+ina a,l"' din ("l".r"+eala #el$r d$i $ameni'
a #"r$r dis#!-ie a1!n+ea ()n" la ea' #"#i ni#i $ (ri#in" n!2i silea s"
.$reas#" n &$a(t"' re+ina a,l"' zi#eam' des(re m"s!ra l!at". 5e
!#!r"' dar n a#ela&i tim( se &i n+ri1$r"' de$are#e' da#" (e de2$ (arte
&i s(!nea #" $amenii a#eia tre!ie s" ,i ,$st de t$at" n#rederea' de
.reme #e ,!seser" ale&i dintre at)-ia "ra-i' (e de alt" (arte se
+)ndea #" (rietenii ei ar (!tea +"si m!lt mai m!lte (rile1!ri de2a
#$r!(e d$i +ardieni #!n$s#!-i &i #! ($st!ri ,i6e de#)t $ s!t" de
ne#!n$s#!-i desemna-i la .$ia nt)m(l"rii &i .enind s2$ s!(ra.e+/eze
(e nea&te(tate' d$ar (entr! $ sin+!r" zi.
n (rima n$a(te' nainte de2a se #!l#a' !n!l dintre #ei d$i (azni#i
,!mase' d!(" #!m i sta n $i#ei. 3!m!l t!t!n!l!i se stre#!r" (rin
s("rt!rile (eretel!i des("r-it$r &i2$ n"("di (e s"rmana re+in"' #"reia
nen$r$#irile' n l$# s"2i t$#eas#" sensiilitatea' i2$ as#!-iser".
N!maide#)t se sim-i #!(rins" de t!l!r"ri &i de +rea-". 0a(!l i se
n+re!ie din (ri#ina s!,$#"rii< dar' #redin#i$as" /$t"r)rii sale de2a ,i de
$ nend!(le#at" m)ndrie& e"ina nu !e pl$n!e-
n tim( #e se a,la ntr2a#ea d!rer$as" .e+/e' n #are nimi# n!
t!l!ra t"#erea &i lini&tea n$(-ii' i se ("r! #" a!de !n s$i de +eam"t #e
.enea de2a,ar". Ceam"t!l era l!+!r! &i (rel!n+' #e.a sinistr! &i
("tr!nz"t$r #a !rlet!l .)nt!l!i tre#)nd (rin ni&te s"li (!stii' #)nd
,!rt!na m(r!m!t" .$#e de $m #a s" dea .ia-" (atimil$r dezl"n-!ite n
elemente.
0!r)nd ns" &i d"d! seama #" z+$m$t!l #are $ ,"#!se la n#e(!t
s" tresar"' stri+"t!l a#ela d!rer$s &i st"r!it$r n! era de#)t (l)nset!l
!n!i #)ine #e !rla (e #/ei. Re+ina se +)ndi n!maide#)t la iet!l ei
>la#;' (e #are2l !itase n #li(a n #are ,!sese ridi#at" din Tem(le &i al
#"r!i s#/el"l"it i se ("r! #"2l re#!n$s#!se' ntr2ade."r' s"rman!l
animal se (ierd!se de st"()n"2sa dat$rit" (rea marii .i+ilen-e &i
#$$r)se ne"+at n seam" d!(" d)nsa' !rm"rise .e/i#$l!l ()n" la
+ratiile 0$n#ier+eriei &i n! se de("rtase de2a#$l$ de#)t ,iind#" era #)t
(e #e s" ,ie t"iat n d$!" de nd$ita lam" de ,ier #e se n#/isese n
!rma ei.
Da )ietul animal se nt$rsese n!maide#)t &i' n-ele+)nd #"
st"()na l!i ,!sese n#/is" n m$rm)nt!l a#ela mare de (iatr"' $ #/ema'
!rl)nd' &i a&te(ta' la ze#e (a&i de santinel"' m)n+)ierea !n!i r"s(!ns.
Re+ina r"s(!nse #! !n s!s(in la #are (azni#ii &i #i!lir" !re#/ile.
%ar #!m s!s(in!l a#ela ,! sin+!r!l &i ni#i !n alt z+$m$t n!2l ns$-i
n n#"(erea :ariei2Ant$aneta' (azni#ii se lini&tir" n!maide#)t &i a-i(ir"
din n$!.
A d$!a zi n z$ri' re+ina se s#!l" &i se mr"#". A&ezat" l)n+"
,ereastra z"relit"' a #"rei l!min"' tre#!t" #a (rin sit" din (ri#ina
+ratiil$r' #$$ra .)n"t" (e m)inile2i sl"ite' :aria2Ant$neta ("rea #"
#ite&te' dar +)nd!rile ei z!ra! de(arte de #arte.
*azni#!l Cilert #r"(" (ara.an!l &i se !it" la d)nsa t"#!t.
:aria2Ant$aneta a!zi s#r)&net!l $ie#t!l!i tras ntr2$ (arte' dar ni#i n!
ridi#" #a(!l.
Era a&ezat" ast,el n#)t (azni#ii s"2i ($at" .edea #/i(!l' s#"ldat n
l!mina dimine-ii.
*azni#!l Cilert i ,"#! semn #amarad!l!i s"! s" .in" &i el s2$
(ri.eas#" (rin #r"("t!r".
Duc1e!ne !e apopie-
? Uit"2te la ea' s(!se Cilert #! .$#e n#eat"' #)t e de (alid". Te
ns("im)nt"D O#/ii ti.i-i de r$&#at" arat" #" s!,er". *ar#2ar ,i (l)ns.
? Itii ine' zise %!#/esne' #" ."d!.a 0a(et n! (l)n+e ni#i$dat"<
e (rea m)ndr" #a s" (l)n+".
? At!n#i e $lna."' &i d"d! Cilert #! ("rerea.
A($i' ridi#)nd!2&i +las!l' $ ntre" (e re+in"9
? Ia s(!ne' #et"-ean" 0a(et' e&ti $lna."A
Re+ina &i ridi#" n#et $#/ii &i (ri.irea i se (ir$ni lim(ede &i
ntre"t$are as!(ra #el$r d$i $ameni.
? 0! mine .$ri-i' d$mnil$rA ntre" ea #! .$#ea (lin" de
l)nde-e' #"#i i se ("r!se #" $ser." $ !rm" de interes n t$n!l #el!i
#are i se adresase.
? %a' #et"-ean"' #! tine' !rm" Cilert. Te ntre"m da#" n!
#!m.a e&ti $lna.".
? %in #e (ri#in"A
? *entr! #" -i s2a! nr$&it $#/ii.
? Ii e&ti ,$arte (alid"' ad"!+" %!#/esne.
? V" m!l-!mes#' d$mnil$r. N!' n! s!nt del$# $lna."' dar am
s!,erit m!lt ast"2n$a(te.
* A+ Da+ neca%uile pe cae le ai-
? N!' d$mnil$r' ne#az!rile mele ,iind a#elea&i &i reli+ia
n."-)nd!2m" s" le nd!r' n! m" ,a# s" s!,"r ntr2$ zi mai m!lt #a2n
#ealalt". :i2e r"! (entr! #" n! (rea am d$rmit ast"2n$a(te.
? AD l$#!in-" n$!"' s#/imare de (at' ,"#! %!#/esne.
? Ii2a($i l$#!in-a n!mai ,r!m$as" n! e' ad"!+" Cilert.
? Ni#i asta n! e (ri#ina' d$mnil$r' r"s(!nse re+ina' #l"tin)nd din
#a(. Ur)t" sa! ,r!m$as"' l$#!in-a mi2e indi,erent".
* Atunci ce e.
* Ce e.
* Da-
? V" #er iertare #" .2$ s(!n' dar am ,$st tare st)n1enit" din
(ri#ina mir$s!l!i de t!t!n' (e #are d$mn!l l r"s()nde&te &i2n #li(a de
,a-".
ntr2ade."r' Cilert ,!ma' #eea #e de ,a(t era $#!(a-ia l!i #ea mai
$i&n!it".
? VaiD e6#lam" el' t!l!rat de l)nde-ea #! #are i .$rea re+ina.
Asta eraA %ar de #e n! mi2ai s(!s' #et"-ean"A
? *entr! #" n2am #rez!t #" am dre(t!l s" ." stin+/eres# n
de(rinderile d!mnea.$astr"' d$mn!le.
* Ei )ine' las" #" n2ai s" mai ,i stin+/erit"' #el (!-in de mine'
s(!se Cilert' ar!n#)nd!2&i l!lea!a #are se s(arse de les(ede' ,iind#"
n2am s" mai ,!mez.
Ii se nt$arse m(re!n" #! t$.ar"&!l s"!' d!(" #e n#/isese
(ara.an!l.
? *$ate #" are s" i se taie #a(!l' asta e treaa na-i!nii' dar de #e
s2$ ,a#i s" s!,ere (e ,emeia astaA N$i s!ntem s$lda-i' n! #"l"i #a
5im$n.
? Ai a(!#"t!ri de arist$#rat' #amarade' s(!se %!#/esne' #l"2
tin)nd din #a(.
? 0e nseamn" (entr! tine arist$#ratA Ia' /ai' e6(li#"2mi &i mie
#!m .ine tea)a a!ta.
? *entr! mine arist$#rat e $ri#ine 1i+ne&te na-i!nea &i d" sa2
tis,a#-ie inami#il$r ei.
? A&adar' d!(" tine' s(!se Cilert' e! 1i+nes# na-i!nea (entr! #"
n! $ mai a,!m (e ."d!.a 0a(etA Baida2deD Vezi t!' e!' !rm" $m!l #el
#!mse#ade' mi ad!# aminte 1!r"m)nt!l (e #are l2am de(!s (atriei &i
$rdin!l (e #are mi l2a dat ri+adier!l' asta e t$t. Or' $rdin!l l &ti! (e de
r$st9 J5" n! la&i arestata s" e.adeze' s" n! la&i (e nimeni s" ("tr!nd"
la d)nsa' s" nl"t!ri $ri#e le+"t!r" (e #are ar .rea s2$ staileas#" sa!
s2$ ntre-in" #! #ine.a &i s" m$ri n ($st!l t"!. Iat" #e2am ,"+"d!it &i
am s"2mi -in ,"+"d!iala. Tr"ias#" na-i!neaD
? 0eea #e2-i s(!n' i nt$arse .$ra %!#/esne' n! nseamn" #"
mi2ar ,i ne#az (e tine' dim($tri."' mi2ar ,i ns" tare mil" s" te ."d
#$m(r$mis.
? 5stD iat" #" .ine #ine.a.
Re+ina n! s#"(ase ni#i !n #!.)nt din #$n.$rirea de mai s!s' #!
t$ate #a se des,"&!rase n &$a(t"' n#/is$area as#!te sim-!rileD
@+$m$t!l #are atr"sese aten-ia #el$r d$i (azni#i era ,"#!t de mai
m!l-i in&i #are se a(r$(ia! de !&".
U&a se des#/ise.
%$i m!ni#i(ali intrar"' !rma-i de ($rtar &i de #)-i.a temni#eri.
? Unde e arestataA ntrear" ei.
? A#$l$' s(!ser" #ei d$i 1andarmi.
? 0!m e instalat"A
? *$,ti-i s" .ede-i.
Ii Cilert se d!se s" m(in+" (ara.an!l.
* Ce d$ri-i' d$mn!leA ntrea" re+ina.
? A .enit $ ins(e#-ie de la 0$m!n"' #et"-ean" 0a(et.
JOm!l "sta e #!mse#ade' +)ndi :aria2Ant$aneta' &i da#" (rietenii
mei .$r n!maide#)t...K
? E ine' e ine' s(!ser" m!ni#i(alii' d)nd!2l (e Cilert ntr2$
(arte &i intr)nd la re+in"' n!2i ne.$ie de (rea m!lte z$rz$ane.
Re+ina ni#i n! &i2a ridi#at #a(!l &i s2ar ,i (!t!t #rede' d!("
ne("sarea ei' #" ni#i n2a!zea' ni#i n! .edea #e se (etre#e' #a &i #!m ar
,i ,$st t$t sin+!r".
%ele+a-ii 0$m!nei #er#etar" #!ri$&i &i aten-i t$ate am"n!ntele
#amerei' s$ndar" lemn"ria' (at!l' +ratiile de la ,ereastra #are da
as!(ra #!r-ii ,emeil$r &i' d!(" #e le (!ser" n .edere (azni#il$r s" ,ie
#)t mai .i+ilen-i' ie&ir" ,"r" s" ,i adresat .re!n #!.)nt
:ariei2Ant$aneta &i ,"r" #a ea s" ,i ("r!t #" a l!at a#t de (rezen-a l$r.
Capitolul XXXV
5ALA *AIILOR *IER%UI
0"tre s,)r&it!l a#eleia&i zile n #are am ."z!t (e #et"-enii m!2
ni#i(ali #er#et)nd n#/is$area re+inei #! $ +ri1" at)t de am"n!n-it"' !n
"rat mr"#at #! $ #armani$l" de #!l$are #en!&ie' #! #a(!l a#$(erit
de2!n ("r des &i ne+r!' &i (!rt)nd (este ("r!l ne+r! $ $net" mi-$as"
#are de$seea n .rem!rile a#elea (atri$-ii e6tremi&ti de m!l-imea
($($r!l!i' se (lima n sala #ea mare' n!mit" at)t de ,il$s$,i# sala
(a&il$r (ierd!-i' ("r)nd a2i (ri.i ,$arte atent (e #ei #e intra! &i ie&ea!'
adi#" m!l-imea $i&n!it" a s"lii a#eleia' m!l-ime m!lt s($rit" (e
at!n#i' #)nd (r$#esele a.ea! $ im($rtan-" #a(ital"' #)nd -i ris#ai
#a(!l (e #are tre!ia s"2l a(eri de #"l"i &i de #et"-ean!l
3$!H!ier2Tin.ille& neo)o!itul funi%o de 0ictime-
Atit!dinea "rat!l!i #"r!ia t$#mai i2am s#/i-at ($rtret!l era #)t
se ($ate de ($tri.it". 5$#ietatea n tim(!rile a#elea era m("r-it" n
d$!" #lase' mieii &i l!(ii9 !nii tre!ia! n #/i( ,ires# s"2i n,ri#$&eze (e
#eilal-i' de$are#e $ 1!m"tate din s$#ietate $ s,)&ia (e #ealalt".
n#r)n#enat!l n$str! (ers$na1' #are se (lima n#$l$ &i n#$a#e'
era mi# de stat!r". 0! $ m)n" nea+r" &i m!rdar" t$t n.)rtea !n s$i de
)t"' n!mit" #$nstit!-ie. 0e2i dre(t' m)na #are ,l!t!ra teriila arm" ar
,i ("r!t dest!l de mi#" $ri#!i ar ,i .r!t s" 1$a#e n ,a-a #i!dat!l!i
(ers$na1 r$l!l de in#/izit$r (e #are el &i2l ar$+ase ,a-" de #eilal-i' dar
nimeni n2ar ,i ndr"znit s" #$ntr$leze' n ni#i $ (ri.in-"' !n $m #! $
n,"-i&are at)t de #!m(lit".
ntr2ade."r' (rin ,el!l n #are ar"ta' "rat!l #! )ta (ri#in!ia
mare nelini&te &i n+ri1$rare an!mit$r +r!(!ri de #$n-$(i&ti #e -inea!
diserta-ii as!(ra tre!ril$r (!li#e #are n#e(!ser" s" mer+" din r"! n
mai r"! sa! din ine n mai ine' d!(" #!m l!#r!rile era! (ri.ite din
(!n#t de .edere #$nser.at$r sa! re.$l!-i$nar. Oamenii a#eia' ie-ii de
ei' i #er#eta! #! #$ada $#/i!l!i ara l!n+" &i nea+r"' $#/ii ala&tri'
s(r)n#enele st!,$ase #a (eria' &i se #!trem!ra! de ,ie#are dat" #)nd
(limarea +r$azni#!l!i (atri$t' (limare #are se des,"&!ra (e t$at"
l!n+imea (a&il$r (ierd!-i' l a(r$(ia de ei.
i #!(rinsese s(aima mai #! seam" din (ri#in" #" de #)te $ri se
+)ndiser" s" se a(r$(ie de el sa! n!mai s"2l (ri.eas#" atent' "rat!l
l$.ea de les(ezi )ta l!i +rea' #are sm!l+ea (ietrei !n s!net #)nd
n"!&it &i s!rd' #)nd strident &i s$n$r.
%ar n! n!mai ie-ii #$n-$(i&ti din +/erete ? &$are#ii *alat!l!i'
#!m li se s(!ne ?' des(re #are am .$rit' era! s! st"()nirea (!2
terni#ei im(resii. 3el!ri-ii indi.izi #e intra! n sala (a&il$r (ierd!-i (e
!&a (rin#i(al" sa! (rin !&ile str)mte de ie&ire +r"ea! &i ei (as!l #)nd
l z"rea! (e $m!l #! )ta' #are se (lima ne#$ntenit' #! n#"("-)nare'
de la !n #a("t la alt!l al s"lii' +"sind n ,ie#are #li(" #)te !n (rete6t
s(re a ,a#e s" r"s!ne #i$ma+!l (e les(ezi.
%a#" s#riii ar ,i ,$st mai (!-in s(eria-i' &i tre#"t$rii mai ("2
tr!nz"t$ri' ar ,i $ser.at ,"r" nd$ial" #" (atri$t!l n$str!' #a(ri#i$s #a
t$ate ,irile e6#entri#e &i nest"()nite' ("rea #" (re,er" !nele les(ezi' de
e6em(l! (e #ele #are' a&ezate la mi#" distan-" de (eretele din drea(ta
&i #am s(re mi1l$#!l s"lii' s#$tea! s!netele #ele mai lim(ezi &i mai
(!terni#e.
5,)r&i #/iar (rin a2&i #$n#entra m)nia n!mai as!(ra #)t$r.a
les(ezi' mai #! seam" as!(ra #el$r din #entr!. O #li(" !it" de sine
()n" ntr2at)t n#)t se $(ri s" m"s$are din $#/i #e.a' (r$ail $
distan-".
Uitarea de sine d!r" ns" (!-in' &i el &i rel!" n!maide#)t e6(resia
#r!nt" a (ri.iril$r (e #are $ str",!l+erare de !#!rie $ nl$#!ise (re-
de2$ #li(".
A(r$a(e n a#eea&i se#!nd"' !n alt (atri$t ? n e($#a a#eea'
,ie#are indi.id &i a.ea ("rerile ns#rise (e ,r!nte sa! mai #!r)nd (e
/aine ? a(r$a(e n a#eea&i se#!nd"' s(!neam' !n alt (atri$t intr" (rin
!&a dins(re +alerie &i' ,"r" s" (ar" a m("rt"&i #)t!&i de (!-in im(resia
+eneral" de s(aim" (e #are $ ins!,lase (rim!l $#!(ant' n#e(! s" se
(lime ntr2!n (as a(r$a(e e+al #! al #el!ilalt' a&a n#)t la 1!m"tatea
s"lii se nt)lnir".
N$!l2.enit a.ea' #a &i (rim!l dealt,el' $ $net" mi-$as"' $
#armani$l" #en!&ie' m)inile m!rdare &i $ )t". %ar mai a.ea' s(re
de$seire de #el"lalt' $ saie mare #are2i a1!n+ea ()n" la (!l(e. 0el
de2al d$ilea era ns" mai de tem!t de#)t #el dint)i' nde$sei (entr!
#"' (e #)t de a(ri+" ("rea n,"-i&area (rim!l!i' (e at)t de &iret' de
d!&m"n$s &i de +r$s$lan ("rea a ,i #el din !rm".
%e asemeni' #! t$ate #" #ei d$i "ra-i d"dea! im(resia #"
a(ar-in a#eleia&i #a!ze &i #" m("rt"&es# a#eea&i $(inie' #ei de ,a-"
ris#ar" $ ar!n#"t!r" de $#/i #a s" .ad" #e are s" !rmeze' n! din
nt)lnirea l$r' ,iind#" n! mer+ea! #/iar (e a#eea&i linie' dar din
a(r$(ierea l$r. La (rim!l t!r' a&te(t"rile ,!r" dezam"+ite9 #ei d$i
(atri$-i se m!l-!mir" s" s#/ime $ (ri.ire' la #are #el mai s#!nd dintre
ei ("li. 8!de#)nd ns" d!(" mi&#area in.$l!ntar" a !zel$r' se .edea
#)t de #$l$ #" (al$area n! i ,!sese (rile1!it" ni#ide#!m de !n
sentiment de temere' #i (!r &i sim(l! de dez+!st...
Ii t$t!&i' la al d$ilea t!r' #a &i #!m (rim!l (atri$t ar ,i ,"#!t $
s,$r-are (!terni#"' ,a-a l!i' at)t de as(r" ()n" at!n#i' se l!min". *ar#"
$ !rm" de s!r)s #are n#ear#" s" ,ie ine.$it$r i tre#! (e !ze &i2&i
ndre(t" (a&ii mai #"tre stin+"' #! s#$(!l ."dit de a2l $(ri (e2al d$ilea
(atri$t.
5(re #entr! se nt)lnir".
? Ei naD #et"-ean!l 5im$nD zise (rim!l (atri$t.
* C1ia elD %ar #e trea" ai #! #et"-ean!l 5im$n &i mai nt)i de
t$ate #ine e&ti t!A
? Te ,a#i #" n! m" re#!n$&tiA
? N! te re#!n$s# del$# (entr! !n!l m$ti. #" n! te2am ."z!t
ni#i$dat"D
? Baida2deD N!2l mai re#!n$&ti (e #el #are a a.!t #instea de2a
(!rta #a(!l #elei cae a fo!t doamna de Lam)alle.
Ii #!.intele de mai s!s' r$stite #! $ m)nie s!rd"' z!rar" n".alni#
din +!ra (atri$t!l!i #! #armani$l". 5im$n tres"ri.
? T!A ntre" el. T!A
? Ei na' te miriA @"!' #et"-ene' #redeam #" te (ri#e(i mai ine la
(rieteni' la de.$ta-iD... :" ne#"1e&tiD
? E ,$arte ine #e2ai ,"#!t t!' s(!se 5im$n' dar n! te #!n$&team.
? E mai a.anta1$s s"2l ai n (az" (e mi#!l 0a(et' e&ti mai n ."z!l
$amenil$r. Uite' e! te #!n$s# &i te stimez.
? AD m!l-!mes#.
? N2ai de #e... A&adar' te (limi.
? %a' a&te(t (e #ine.a... Ii t!A
? Ii e! la ,el.
? %ar' #!m te #/eam"A Am de +)nd s" .$res# des(re tine la
#l!.
* ,1(odoe e numele meu-
? Ii mai #!mA
? At)ta t$t. 0e' n!2-i a1!n+eA
? 0! (ris$sin-"... Ii (e #ine a&te(-i t!' #et"-ene T/E$d$reA
* Un amic' #"r!ia am de +)nd s"2i n#redin-ez !n den!n- +r$za..
? @"!A Ia s(!ne2mi &i mie.
? Ei' !n #!i de arist$#ra-i.
? 0!m i #/eam"A
* Nu& a!ta n-o pot !pune dec$t amicului meu-
? Cre&e&ti' #"#i iat"2l (e2al me! .enind #"tre n$i' &i #red #" "sta
&tie dest!l" (r$#ed!r" #a s"2-i ,ie de ,$l$s...
? 3$!H!ier2Tin.illeD e6#lam" (rim!l (atri$t.
* C1ia el& da"ul meu-
? Ei da' a&a mai mer+e.
? %a a&a mer+e... >!n" zi!a' #et"-ene 3$!H!ier.
3$!H!ier2Tin.ille' (alid' #alm' /$l)nd' #!m a.ea $i#ei!l' ni&te
$#/i ne+ri d!&i n ,!nd!l #a(!l!i' s! s(r)n#enele st!,$ase' t$#mai
ie&ise (e $ !&" lateral" a s"lii' #! !n re+istr! n m)n" &i2!n tean# de
/)rtii s! ra-.
? >!n" zi!a' 5im$n' #e mai e n$!A
? :!lte. :ai nt)i !n den!n- al #et"-ean!l!i T/E$d$re' #el #are a
(!rtat #a(!l ,emeii Lamalle. Iat"' -i2l (rezint.
3$!H!ier &i a-inti (ri.irea inteli+ent" as!(ra (atri$t!l!i' (e #are
s#r!tarea a#eea l t!l!r"' n #i!da st"()nirii de sine.
? T/E$d$reA 0ine2i a#est T/E$d$reA ntre" el.
? E!' r"s(!nse "rat!l #! #armani$l".
* ,u ai (!rtat #a(!l ,emeii LamalleA ntre" a#!zat$r!l (!li#'
#! $ e6(resie de (r$,!nd" nd$ial".
* Eu& pe !tada Saint-Antoine-
? %ar mai &ti! (e !n!l #are se la!d" #! asta' s(!se 3$!H!ier.
? E! &ti! .re$ ze#e' s"ri #! #!ra1 #et"-ean!l T/E$d$re. %ar' n
s,)r&it' #!m a#eia #er #)te #e.a' iar e! n! #er nimi#' n"d"1d!ies# #" .$i
,i (re,erat.
5(!sele de mai s!s l ,"#!r" s" r)d" (e 5im$n &i l nseninar" (e
3$!H!ier.
? Ai dre(tate' zise a#esta din !rm"' &i #/iar da#" n2ai ,"#!t2$' ar ,i
tre!it s2$ ,a#i. A#!m' te r$+' las"2ne. 5im$n are s"2mi s(!n" #e.a.
T/E$d$re se nde("rt"' (rea (!-in 1i+nit de sin#eritatea #e2
t"-ean!l!i a#!zat$r (!li#.
? O #li("' stri+" 5imi$n' n!2l l"sa s" (le#e de$#amdat". As#!lt"
mai nt)i den!n-!l (e #are ni2l ad!#e.
? AD e6#lam" 3$!H!ier2Tin.ille' $are#!m distrat' !n den!n-A
? %a' !n #!iar' ad"!+" 5im$n.
* 5a0o+ Spune& de!pe ce e 0o)a.
? EiD mai nimi#. 0et"-ean!l :ais$n2R$!+e &i #)-i.a ami#i de2ai
s"iD
3$!H!ier se d"d! !n (as nd"r"t' 5im$n ridi#" ra-ele s(re #er.
? E ade."ratA ntrear" am)nd$i ntr2!n +las.
? Ade."r!l ade."rat. Vre-i s"2i (rinde-iA
* Numaidec$t- Unde !unt.
* /e Mai!on-Rou"e l-am #nt$lnit pe !tada Gande-,uandeie-
? Te n&eli' n!2i el la *aris' s(!se 3$!H!ier.
? L2am ."z!t e!' da#"2-i s(!nD
? 0! ne(!tin-". O s!t" de $ameni a! ,$st (!&i n !rm"rirea l!i &i
t$#mai el s" se arate (e strad"D
? El' el' si+!r el' ,"#! (atri$t!l' !n ins nalt' r!net' .$ini# #)t trei
.$ini#i la !n l$# &i "r$s #a !n !rs.
3$!H!ier ridi#" din !meri' dis(re-!it$r. *atri$t!l l"s" s"2i #ad"
ra-ele' #$nsternat.
? N2are a ,a#e' inten-ia !n" (re-!ie&te #)t ,a(ta. Ii a#!m'
5im$n' s(!ne2mi ntre (atr! $#/i #e ai de s(!s. Bai' d"2i z$r' s!nt
a&te(tat la +re,"' e $ra #)nd .in #"r!-ele.
? *"i' nimi# n$!. 0$(il!l e ine.
/atiotul #ntoa!e !patele n a&a ,el n#)t s" a!d"' ,"r" a ("rea #"
tra+e #! !re#/ea.
? E! (le#' da#" ." stin+/eres#.
* Me"i cu )ine& #i !pu!e Simon-
? >!n" zi!a' ,"#! 3$!H!ier.
? 5(!ne2i ami#!l!i t"! #" te2ai n&elat' ad"!+" 5im$n.
? >ine< l a&te(t.
Ii T/E$d$re se d"d! (!-in ntr2$ (arte &i se s(ri1ini n )ta l!i.
? %a' #$(il!l e ine' n#e(! at!n#i 3$!H!ier. %ar #!m st" #!
m$ral!lA
* 'l fa!one% cum 0eau-
? A&adar' .$re&teA
* C$nd 0eau-
? 0rezi #2ar (!tea de(!ne m"rt!rie n (r$#es!l Ant$aneteiA
* Nu ced& ci !unt !i"u-
,1(od$re se d"d! d!(" !n st)l( &i n#e(! s" se !ite s(re !&i<
(ri.irea i era distrat"' (e #)t" .reme !re#/ile #et"-ean!l!i era! #i!lite'
#"#i &i ridi#ase $neta mare &i ,l$#$as". *$ate #" n! .edea nimi#' dar
de a!zit a!zea #! si+!ran-" #e.a.
? C)nde&te2te ine' l (re.eni 3$!H!ier' s" n! (!i #$misia n
sit!a-ia de2a ,a#e #eea #e se n!me&te $ er$are 1!di#iar".
* Va !pune tot ceea ce doe!c-
? Ti2a s(!s -ie #e a.em s"2l ntre"m n$iA
* Da& mi-a !pu!-
? E ,$arte im($rtant' #et"-ene 5im$n' #e ne ,"+"d!ie&ti t!.
:"rt!ria #$(il!l!i $ d!#e (e mam" la m$arte.
? *e asta m" iz!i &i e!' #e naiaD
? Asemenea l!#r! n! s2a mai ($menit de la dest"n!irile (e #are
Ner$ i le ,"#ea l!i Nar#iss!s' &$(ti 3$!H!ier #! .$#e s!mr"' n#" $
dat" -i s(!n' +)nde&te2te ine' 5im$n.
* S-ar zi#e' #et"-ene' #" t! m" s$#$ti ne+/i$' mi re(e-i ntr!na
a#ela&i l!#r!. 5tai (!-in' as#!lt" #$m(ara-ia asta9 #)nd a+ $ !#at" de
(iele n a("' se m$aie ea $ri aA
? %ar... n! &ti! #e .rei s" s(!i' re(li#" 3$!H!ier.
* Se face moale- Ei )ine& micul Capet se ,a#e n m)inile mele t$t
at)t de m$ale #a (ielea #ea mai ,in". Am e! mi1l$a#ele mele...
? 3ie' n+"im" 3$!H!ier. Asta2i t$t #e .$iai s"2mi s(!iA
? T$t... AD !itasem9 n#" !n den!n-.
? Iar"&iD *esemne #" .rei s" n!2mi mai ."d #a(!l de trea"A
* /atia tre!ie sl!1it".
Ii 5im$n i nm)n" !n (eti# de /)rtie la ,el de nt!ne#at" #a !na
dintre (ieile des(re #are .$rea mai naiit,e' dar' #! si+!ran-"' mai
(!-in ,in". 3$!H!ier l l!" &i2l #iti.
? Iar"&i L$rin al t"!D l !r"&ti at)t de tare (e $m!l a#estaA
* :ere! l (rind n#)l#ind le+ea. A s(!s JAdi$' d$amn"K !nei
,emei #! #are se sal!ta de la $ ,ereastr"' asear"... :)ine' n"d"1d!ies#
s"2-i ad!# #)te.a #!.inte des(re !n alt s!ie#t9 :a!ri#e' a#ela #are era
m!ni#i(al la Tem(le #)nd #! +ar$a,a r$&ie.
* /ecizeaz"D (re#izeaz"D zise 3$!H!ier' s!r)z)nd!2i l!i 5im$n.
A($i i ntinse m)na &i2i nt$arse s(atele #! $ +ra" del$#
m"+!lit$are (entr! #)r(a#i.
? 0e naia .rei s" (re#izezA A! ,$st +/il$tina-i al-ii #are a! ,"#!t
mai (!-in.
? R"dare' i r"s(!nse 3$!H!ier lini&tit. N! se ($t ,a#e t$ate
de$dat".
Ii intr" #! (as +r"it' tre#)nd (rin !&i-a #! .izet".
5im$n l #"!t" #! $#/ii (e #et"-ean!l T/E$d$re' #a s" ai" #! #ine
s#/ima $ .$r" #are s"2l aline. N!2l mai ."z! n sal".
%ar t$#mai #)nd 5im$n ie&ea (e ($arta dins(re s!d' T/E$d$re se
ar"t" din n$! n #$l-!l !nei +/erete de s#rii. 0el #e $#!(a +/ereta l
ns$-ea.
? La #e $r" se n#/id ($r-ile z"reliteA l ntre" T/E$d$re.
* La cinci-
? Ii (e !rm" #e se ,a#e ai#iA
? Nimi#. 5ala r"m)ne +$al" ()n" a d$!a zi.
* Ni#i (atr!l"ri' ni#i m!sa,iriA
* Nu& domnule& "1eetele noa!te !e #ncuie cu c1eia-
0!.)nt!l d$mn!le i n#r!nt" s(r)n#enele l!i T/E$d$re' #are se
!it" n!maide#)t #! s!s(i#i!ne 1!r2m(re1!r.
? 0le&tele &i (ist$alele s!nt n +/eret"A ntre" el.
* Da& !u) co0o-
? nt$ar#e2te la n$i... A' ,iind#" .eni .$ra' mai arat"2mi $ dat"
#amera tri!nal!l!i a #"rei ,ereastr" n2are +ratii &i #are d" as!(ra !nei
#!r-i din a(r$(ierea *ie-ei %a!(/ine.
* 'n !t$n"a& cea dinte !t$lpi& !u) felina-
? >ine. %!2te &i -ine #aii #n locul con0enit+
? EiD N$r$#' d$mn!le' n$r$#D... >iz!i-i2." (e mine.
? Iat" m$ment!l ($tri.it... nimenea n! se !it"... des#/ide2mi
+/eretaD
? 52a ,"#!t' d$mn!le. Am s" m" r$+ (entr! d!mnea.$astr".
? N! (entr! mine tre!ie s" te r$+iD 0! ine.
Ii #et"-ean!l T/E$d$re' d!(" #e ar!n#" $ (ri.ire (lin" de n-eles'
se stre#!r" #! at)ta di"#ie s! mi#!l a#$(er"m)nt al +/eretei' n#)t
(ieri de (ar#2ar ,i ,$st !mra s#ri!l!i #are n#!ia !&a.
On$rail!l s#ri s#$ase #/eia din r$as#"' l!" !n tean# de /)rtii
s! ra- &i ie&i din sala #ea mare #! (!-inii ,!n#-i$nari #are' la "taia
#eas!ril$r #in#i' ie&ea! din +re,e (re#!m arier+arda !n$r aline
nt)rziate.
Capitolul XXXVI
0ETREANUL TBEO%ORE
N$a(te #!(rinsese n ."l!2i #en!&i! sala a#eea imens" al #"rei
e#$! sinistr! n2a.ea alt r$st de#)t s" re(ete #!.intele n"#rite ale
(r$#!r$ril$r sa! .$rele de nd!rare ale m(ri#ina-il$r.
n (lin nt!neri#' drea(t" &i ne#lintit"' #)te $ #$l$an" al" ("rea #"
.e+/eaz" n mi1l$#!l s"lii #a $ ,ant$m" (r$te#t$are a lestematului loc-
5in+!rele z+$m$te #are se a!zea! n nt!ne#imea a#eea era!
r$n-"it!l &i +$ana nte-it" a &$$lanil$r' #are r$dea! /)r-$a+ele
n#!iate n +/eretele s#riil$r' d!(" #e mai nt)i r$seser" lemn!l.
Une$ri se desl!&ea! dest!l de #lar z+$m$tele .re!n!i .e/i#!l #e
a1!n+ea ()n" la san#t!ar!l zei-ei T/emis' (!rt"t$area alan-ei 1!sti-iei'
#!m ar s(!ne !n a#ademi#ian' (re#!m &i ni&te z$rn"it!ri de #/ei' #e
("rea! a ie&i de s! ("m)nt. %ar t$ate a#estea ,rem"ta! !nde.a
de(arte' &i nimi# n! s#$ate mai tare n relie, $(a#itatea t"#erii #a !n
z+$m$t de("rtat' d!(" #!m nimi# n! s#$ate mai tare n relie,
nt!ne#imea #a i.irea !nei l!m)n"ri nde("rtate.
0! si+!ran-" #2ar ,i ,$st #!(rins de2$ s(aim" ame-it$are #el #are'
la asemenea #eas' ar ,i #!tezat s" se2a.)nte n .asta sal" a *alat!l!i'
ale #"r!i zid!ri era! n#" r$&ii (e dina,ar" de s)n+ele .i#timel$r din
se(temrie' ale #"r!i s#"ri ."z!ser" #/iar n zi!a a#eea tre#)nd
d$!"ze#i &i #in#i de #$ndamna-i la m$arte &i ale #"r!i les(ezi n! era!
des("r-ite de #ar#erile pline de !c1elete ale Concie"eiei dec$t de un
!tat "o! de numai c$te0a picioae-
T$t!&i' n (!terea a#elei n$(-i ns("im)nt"t$are' n inima a#elei
lini&ti a(r$a(e s$lemne' se a!zi !n s#)r-)it9 !&a !nei +/erete de s#ri
se n.)rti (e alamalele2i z+$m$t$ase' &i $ !mr" mai nt!ne#at"
de#)t !mra n$(-ii se stre#!r" #! "+are de seam" a,ar" din +/eret".
At!n#i' (atri$t!l a#ela ("tima&' #"r!ia n &$a(t" i se s(!nea
d$mn!le' &i #are se (rezenta #! n!mele de T/E$d$re' ($rni #! !n (as
!&$r #e aia atin+ea les(ezile (line de +"!ri &i de /$(!ri.
JAm n!m"rat d$!"s(reze#e les(ezi n#e()nd de la +/eret"< ia s"
.edem' ai#i e #a("t!l #elei dint)i.K
Ii' #al#!l)nd ntr!na' #"!ta &i (i("ia #! .)r,!l (i#i$r!l!i ,is!ra de
la ,ie#are m(re!nare a dalel$r' (e #are tre#erea tim(!l!i $ ad)n#e&te.
JIa s" .edem' &$(ti el' $(rind!2se' mi2am l!at t$ate m"s!rile de
(re#a!-ieA V$i ,i e! dest!l de tare &i .a a.ea ea dest!l #!ra1A OD da'
#"#i &ti! ine #)t e de #!ra1$as". %!mneze!leD #)nd i .$i s(!ne
%$amn"' s!nte-i sal.at"D...K
5t"t! l$#!l!i' #a zdr$it s! +re!tatea !nei asemenea s(eran-e.
JVaiD e6#lam" el' (lan (lin de #!tezan-"' ne!nes#D' .$r s(!ne
#eilal-i' a,!nd)nd!2se s! (l"(!mi sa! m!l-!mind!2se s" dea t)r#$ale
(rin (rea1ma 0$n#ier+eriei' mr"#a-i n /aine de la#/e!< dar asta
n!mai ,iind#" ei n! simt #e simt e! s(re a #!teza< e! .rea! s" sal.ez
n! n!mai re+ina' #i &i ,emeia' mai #! seam" ,emeia.
A#!m la l!#r!' &i s" re#a(it!l"m.
5" s#$t les(edea e2!n ,lea#< s2$ las #"s#at"' iat" (rime1dia' #"#i
($ate .eni $ (atr!l"... %ar (atr!lele n! .in ni#i$dat". N! e6ist" ni#i $
"n!ial"' #"#i n! am #$m(li#i' &i (e !rm" #)t tim( mi tre!ie' #!
a.)nt!l me! ("tima&' #a s" str"at #!l$ar!l nt!ne#$sA n trei min!te
a1!n+ s! #amera ei' n alte #in#i min!te ridi# (iatra de la temelia
#"min!l!i< m" .a a!zi l!#r)nd' dar are at)ta t"rie' n#)t s" n! se
s(erieD %im($tri."' .a n-ele+e #" se a(r$(ie !n lierat$r... E ("zit" de
d$i $ameni. 3"r" d$ar &i ($ate' #ei d$i a! s" aler+e...
Ei ine' la !rma !rmei' d$i $ameni' #$ntin!" s"2&i s(!n" (atri$t!l'
#! !n s!r)s nt!ne#at &i !it)nd!2se r)nd (e r)nd la arma (e #are $
a.ea la #ent!r" &i la #ea (e #are $ -inea n m)n"' d$i $ameni nseamn"
d$!" ,$#!ri #! (ist$l!l "sta' sa! d$!" l$.it!ri #! dr!+!l "sta de ,ier.
>ie-ii $ameni... E/D a! m!rit m!l-i al-ii' mai (!-in .in$.a-i #a "&tia d$i.
Bai' s"2i d"m dr!m!l.K
Ii #et"-ean!l T/E$d$re a("s" #! /$t"r)re ran+a de ,ier dre(t n
l$#!l !nde se mina! #ele d$!" les(ezi.
n a#eea&i #li(" $ l!min" (!terni#" al!ne#)nd (e deas!(ra les2
(ezil$r #a $ d)r" de a!r &i !n z+$m$t re(etat de e#$!l $l-ii l ,"#!r" (e
#$ns(irat$r s" nt$ar#" n!maide#)t #a(!l< dintr2!n sin+!r salt' se
re(ezi s" se (iteas#" n +/eret".
ndat" d!(" a#eea' +las!ri est$m(ate de distan-"' est$m(ate &i
de em$-ia (e #are $ri#e $m $ simte n$a(tea #)nd se a,l" ntr2!n
edi,i#i! .ast' i a1!nser" ()n" la !re#/i.
T/E$d$re se a(le#" &i z"ri' (rintr2$ #r"("t!r" a +/eretei' mai nt)i
!n "rat n /ain" militar" a #"r!i saie l!n+" z$rn"ia (e les(ezi'
(r$d!#)nd !n!l dintre z+$m$tele #are2i #i!lir" !re#/ile< a($i !n alt
"rat n ni&te /aine .erz!i' -in)nd $ linie ntr2$ m)n" &i2!n s!l de
/)rtii s!s!$ar"< a($i !n al treilea' (!rt)nd $ /ain" +r$as" de l)n"
#rea-" &i $ s#!,a l"nit"< n s,)r&it' !n al (atr!lea' #! sa$-i &i
#armani$l".
*$arta de ,ier' a Ne+!-"t$ril$r de m"r!n-i&!ri' #!m i se s(!ne'
s#r)&ni n alamalele2i s$n$re &i se izi de lan-!l de ,ier #are $ -inea
des#/is" n tim(!l zilei.
0ei (atr! "ra-i intrar".
JO (atr!l"' &$(ti T/E$d$re. 5la." %$mn!l!iD #! ze#e min!te mai
t)rzi! a& ,i ,$st (ierd!t.K
/e !rm"' #$n#entr)nd!2&i aten-ia' se tr!di s" re#!n$as#" $amenii
#are al#"t!ia! (atr!la.
ntr2ade."r' (e trei dintre ei i re#!n$s#!.
0el #are mer+ea n ,r!nte' (!rt)nd !ni,$rm" de +eneral' era
5anterre< $m!l #! /aina +r$as" de l)n" #rea-" &i #! s#!,ia l"nit" era
($rtar!l Ri#/ard< ins!l #! sa$-i &i #armani$l" era' se .ede treaa' !n
temni#er.
%ar n!2l mai ."z!se ni#i$dat" (e "rat!l #! /aine .erz!i' #are
-inea $ ri+l" ntr2$ m)n" &i ni&te /)rtii s! ra-.
0ine (!tea ,i $m!l a#ela &i #e #"!ta! la #eas!rile ze#e n$a(tea' n
sala (a&il$r (ierd!-i' +eneral!l 0$m!nei' ($rtar!l (azni# al
0$n#ier+eriei' !n temni#er &i $m!l ne#!n$s#!tA
0et"-ean!l T/E$d$re se s(ri1ini (e2!n +en!n#/i' -in)nd ntr2$
m)n" (ist$l!l n#"r#at &i ($tri.ind!2&i #! #ealalt" $neta (e ("r!l (e
#are nt$ar#erea +r"it" i2l mi&#ase (rea tare din l$# #a s" mai (ar"
nat!ral.
*)n" n #li(a a#eea' #ei (atr! m!sa,iri n$#t!rni t"#!ser" sa!' #el
(!-in' .$rele (e #are le r$stiser" n2a1!nseser" ()n" la !re#/ile
#$ns(irat$r!l!i de#)t #a !n z+$m$t nedesl!&it.
%ar' la ze#e (a&i de as#!nz"t$are' 5anterre .$ri &i .$#ea l!i
a1!nse lim(ede ()n" la !re#/ea #et"-ean!l!i T/E$d$re.
? Iat"' s(!se el' s!ntem n sala (a&il$r (ierd!-i. ie' #et"-ene
ar/ite#t' -i re.ine sar#ina de2a ne ndr!ma &i de2a te $steni s"
d$.ede&ti #" des#$(erirea ta n! e $ ali.ern"< #"#i' .ezi t!' Re.$l!-ia a
(!s la (!n#t t$ate +$+$m"niile astea &i ast"zi n! mai #rede nimeni n
s!terane &i n d!/!ri. T! #e s(!i' #et"-ene Ri#/ardA ad"!+" 5anterre'
nt$r#)nd!2se #"tre $m!l #! s#!,ia l"nit" &i #! /aina de l)n" #rea-".
* EU n2am s(!s ni#i$dat" #" n2ar ,i .re$ s!teran" (e s!
0$n#ier+erie' r"s(!nse a#esta. %ar iat"2l &i (e Cra##/!s' e temni#er
ai#i de ze#e ani &i' #a atare' #!n$a&te 0$n#ier+eria a&a #!m &i
#!n$a&te !z!nar!l. T$t!&i /aar n2are de e6isten-a s!teranei de #are
.$re&te #et"-ean!l Cira!d. 0et"-ean!l Cira!d este ns" ar/ite#t!l
$ra&!l!i' el tre!ie s" &tie asta mai ine #a n$i' d$ar e meseria l!i.
T/E$d$re se n,i$ra din #re&tet ()n"2n t"l(i la a!z!l #!.intel$r de
mai s!s.
KDin ,eri#ire' &$(ti el' sala e mare &i' ()n" s" +"seas#" ei #e #a!t"'
a! s" s#$rm$neas#" #el (!-in d$!" zile.K
%ar ar/ite#t!l &i des,"#! s!l!l mare de /)rtie' &i ($tri.i $#/elarii
&i se a&ez" n +en!n#/i n ,a-" (lan!l!i (e #are2l #er#et" la l!mina
trem!r"t$are a ,elinar!l!i (e #are2l -inea Cra##/!s.
? :" tem' ,"#! 5anterre n ze,lemea' #a n! #are #!m.a s" ,i .isat
#et"-ean!l Cira!d.
? Ai s" .ezi' #et"-ene +eneral' r"s(!nse ar/ite#t!l' ai s" .ezi
ndat" da#" am .isat. A&tea(t"' a&tea(t" (!-in.
* Ve%i )ine #" a&te(t"m' s(!se 5anterre.
* /ea )ine& !pu!e a1itectul& #nc1eind dialo"ul-
A($i' #al#!l)nd' #$ntin!"9
? %$is(reze#e &i #! (atr! ,a# &ais(reze#e &i #! $(t d$!"ze#i &i
(atr!' #are m("r-it la &ase ,a# (atr!< iat" "sta2i l$#!l me!' iar da#" m"
n&el #2!n lat de (alm" (!te-i s" s(!ne-i #" s!nt !n i+n$rant.
Ar/ite#t!l r$sti #!.intele de mai s!s #! $ si+!ran-" de sine #are2l
n+/e-" de s(aim" (e #et"-ean!l T/E$d$re.
5anterre se !ita la (lan #! !n s$i de res(e#t< se .edea #" l admira
#! at)t mai tare #! #)t n! n-ele+ea nimi#.
? Urm"ri-i #! aten-ie #e am s" ." s(!n.
? Unde s" !rm"rimA ntre" 5anterre.
? *e (lan!l "sta (e #are l2am ridi#at' ei dr"#ieD 5)nte-i +ataA La
treis(reze#e (i#i$are de("rtare de zid' $ les(ede m$il"< am
nsemnat2$ #! litera A. O .ede-i.
? >inen-eles #" ."d !n A' s(!se 5anterre. 0e' #rezi #!m.a #" n!
&ti! s" #ites#A
? 5! les(edea asta se a,l" $ s#ar"' !rm" ar/ite#t!l. Uita-i2."' am
nsemnat2$ #! !n >.
* >' re(et" 5anterre. V"d >2!l' dar n! ."d s#ara. Ii +eneral!l
iz!#ni ntr2!n r)s z+$m$t$s la +l!ma n"str!&ni#" (e #are2$ ,"#!se.
? %e ndat" #e les(edea e ridi#at" &i s!nte-i (e !ltima trea(t"'
!rm" ar/ite#t!l' s$#$ti-i #in#ize#i de (a&i de #)te trei (i#i$are &i
!ita-i2." n s!s< ." .e-i a,la t$#mai la +re,"' !nde e #a("t!l s!teranei
#e tre#e (e s! #el!la n #are e n#/is" re+ina.
? V"d!.a 0a(et' .rei s" s(!i' #et"-ene Cira!d' ri($st" 5anterre'
n#r!nt)nd din s(r)n#ene.
? EiD da' ."d!.a 0a(et.
? 5(!se&i re+ina.
* Depindee 0ec1e-
? Ii s!s-ii a&adar #" iese s! +re,"A ntre" Ri#/ard-
? N! n!mai #" iese s! +re,"' dar am s" ." s(!n &i n #e (arte
an!me a +re,ei9 dre(t s! s$".
? %a' e #i!dat' zise Cra##/!s. ntr2ade."r' de ,ie#are dat" #)nd
mi s#a(" $ !t!r!+" n l$#!l a#ela' (iatra r"s!n".
? %a#" .$m +"si #eea #e s(!i t!' #et"-ene ar/ite#t' arn s"
re#!n$s# #" +e$metria merit" t$ate la!dele.
? Ei ine' ($-i re#!n$a&te de (e2a#!m' #et"-ene 5anterre' ,iind#"
am s" te #$nd!# la l$#!l nsemnat #! litera A.
0et"-ean!l T/E$d$re &i n,i(se !n+/iile n #arne.
? nt)i s" ."d' nt)i s" ."d' se +r"i s" s(!n" 5anterre< e! s!nt #a
s,)nt!l T$ma.
* A+ !pui ca !f$ntul ,oma-
? %a' da' la ,el #!m ai s(!s &i t! re+in"' din de(rindere. %ar
nimeni n2$ s" m" a#!ze #" am #$ns(irat (entr! s,)nt!l T$ma.
? Ni#i (e mine (entr! re+in".
Ii' d!(" a#east" re(li#"' ar/ite#t!l l!" ri+la' #al#!l"' n!m"r"
#)-i.a st)n1eni &i' $(rind!2se' d!(" #e se #$n.inse #" s$#$tise t$ate
distan-ele' #i$#"ni $ les(ede.
Era e6a#t a#eea&i les(ede (e #are $ #i$#"nise &i #et"-ean!l
T/E$d$re' n ne($t$lita2i m)nie.
? Ai#i e' #et"-ene +eneal& !pu!e a1itectul-
? 0/iar #rezi' #et"-ene Cira!dA
*atri$t!l din +/eret"' !it)nd !nde se a,l"' &i trase #! t$at"
(!terea !n (!mn n #$a(s"' s#$-)nd a($i !n +eam"t s!rd.
? 5!nt si+!r' r"s(!nse Cira!d. Ii e6(ertiza .$astr"' #$r$$rat" #!
ra($rt!l me!' .a d$.edi 0$n.en-iei #" n! m2am n&elat. %a' #et"-ene
+eneral' #$ntin!" ar/ite#t!l #! em,az"' les(edea asta des#/ide $
s!teran" #are se termin" la +re,"' tre#)nd (e s! #el!la ."d!.ei
0a(et. 5" ridi#"m les(edea &i #$$r)-i n s!teran" #! mine. V" .$i
d$.edi #" d$i "ra-i' a #/iar !n!l sin+!r' ar (!tea ntr2$ n$a(te s2$
r"(eas#" de ai#i' ,"r" #a nimeni s" ,i "n!it m"#ar.
V$rele ar/ite#t!l!i st)rnir" !n m!rm!r de s(aim" &i de admira-ie
t$t$dat"' #are str""t! (rin t$t +r!(!l &i se stinse n !re#/ile
#et"-ean!l!i T/E$d$re' (res#/imat (ar#" ntr2$ stat!ie.
? Iat" (rime1dia #are ne ()ndea' !rm" Cira!d. Ei ine' a#!ma' #!
!n sim(l! +rila1 (e #are2l a&ez n #!l$ar!l s!teran &i #are2l .a des("r-i
n d$!"' nainte de2a a1!n+e n dre(t!l #ar#erei ."d!.ei Capet& eu
!al0e% patia-
? OD ,"#! 5anterre' #et"-ene Cira!d' ai a.!t $ idee s!lim".
? n+/i-i2te2ar iad!l' idi$t' de trei $ri idi$tD m$rm"i (atri$t!l n
#!lmea ,!riei.
? A#!m ridi#" les(edea' s(!se ar/ite#t!l #et"-ean!l!i Cra##/!s'
#are' a,ar" de ,elinar' d!#ea &i2$ ran+" de ,ier.
0et"-en!l Cra##/!s se (!se (e l!#r! &i ? ntr2$ #li(" ? les(edea
,! ridi#at".
At!n#i se i.i lar+ #"s#at" s!terana' #! s#ara #e se (ierdea n
ad)n#!l ei &i !n .al de aer m!#ezit -)&ni' dens #a !n a!r.
? n#" $ n#er#are e&!at"D &$(ti #et"-ean!l T/E$d$re. VaiD #er!l
n! .rea s2$ lase s" s#a(e' &i s$arta ei e2$ s$art" lestemat"D
Capitolul XXXVII
0ETREANUL CRA00BU5
O #li("' +r!(!l de trei "ra-i r"mase nemi&#at n ,a-a des2
#/iz"t!rii s!teranei' n tim( #e temni#er!l intr$d!#ea n +a!r"
,elinar!l #are n! iz!tea s" l!mineze ad)n#!rile.
Ar/ite#t!l' tri!m,"t$r' i d$mina (e #ei trei ns$-it$ri (rin t$at"
+rand$area +eni!l!i s"!.
? Ei' #e mai a.e-i de zisA ntre" el d!(" #)te.a #li(e.
? *e le+ea mea' r"s(!nse 5anterre' iat" s!terana. Asta n! se
($ate #$ntesta. N!mai #" r"m)ne de ."z!t !nde d!#e.
? %a' re(et" &i Ri#/ard' r"m)ne de ."z!t.
? Ei ine' #$$ar"' #et"-ene Ri#/ard' &i2ai s" .ezi sin+!r da#" am
a.!t dre(tate.
? A.em #e.a mai !n de ,"#!t de#)t s" intr"m (e2ai#i' s(!se
($rtar!l. 5" ne nt$ar#em #! tine &i #! +eneral!l la 0$n#ier+erie. A#$l$
ai s" ridi#i les(edea de la s$" &i $ s" .edem.
? 3$arte ineD e6#lam" 5anterre. BaidemD
? %ar ia seama' inter.eni ar/ite#t!l' les(edea r"mas" ai#i des2
#/is" ($ate da nis#ai.a idei .reunuia-
? 0ine dra#! s" .in" ai#i la $ra astaA ntre" 5anterre.
? %ealtmiteri' s(!se Ri#/ard' sala e (!stie &i da#" l l"s"m (e
Cra##/!s de (az" e dest!l. R"m)i ai#i' #et"-ene Cra##/!s' n$i .$m
re.eni (rin (artea #ealalt" a s!teranei.
? 3ie' ,"#! Cra##/!!-
? E&ti narmatA l ntre" 5anterre.
? Am saia &i &tan+a asta& #et"-ene +eneral.
? :in!natD *"ze&te ine. n ze#e min!te s!ntem na($i.
Ii t$-i trei' d!(" #e2a! n#/is +rila1!l' tre#!r" (rin +aleria Ne2
+!-"t$ril$r de m"r!n-i&!ri' #a s" a1!n+" la intrarea (rin#i(al" a
n#/is$rii 0$n#ier+erie.
Temni#er!l i (ri.i #!m se de("rta!' i !rm"ri #! $#/ii #)t" .reme
(!t! s"2i .ad" &i2i as#!lt" #)t tim( (!t! s"2i a!d". *e !rm"' d!(" #e
t$ate se #!,!ndar" n t"#ere' (!se ,elinar!l (e 1$s' se a&ez" (i#i$arele
s()nz!r)nd!2i deas!(ra ad)n#!ril$r s!teranei &i n.e(! s" .iseze.
Temni#erii .iseaz" &i ei !ne$ri' n!mai #" nimeni n! se tr!de&te s"
#er#eteze &i s" a,le la #e .iseaz" ei.
%intr2$ dat"' n tim( #e se a,la n t$i!l .is"ril$r sale' sim-i $ m)n"
l"s)nd!2se +rea (e !m"r!l l!i.
5e nt$arse' ."z! $ ,"(t!r" ne#!n$s#!t" &i .$i s" stri+e' dar n
a#eea&i #li(" !n (ist$l i se li(i' re#e #a +/ea-a' de ,r!nte.
V$#ea i se $(ri n +)t' ra-ele i #"z!r" inerte' $#/ii l!ar" $
e6(resie de ad)n#" im(l$rare.
? Ni#i $ .$r"' i &$(ti n$!2.enit!l' sa! e&ti m$rt.
? 0e d$ri-i' d$mn!leA se )l)i temni#er!l.
0/iar &i2n 1793 e6ista! m$mente' a&a (re#!m se .ede' n #are
$amenii n! se mai t!t!ia! &i !ita! s" se #/eme #et"-eni.
? Vrea!' r"s(!nse #et"-ean!l T/E$d$re' s" m" la&i s" intr!
n"untu-
? 0e s" ,a#e-iA
? 0e2-i (as"A
Temni#er!l se !it" #! #ea mai (r$,!nd" !imire la #el #e2i ,"#ea
asemenea #erere.
T$t!&i' n ad)n#!l (ri.irii a#eleia' interl$#!t$r!l s"! ("rea s"
$ser.e $ !rm" de #$m(li#itate.
L"s" arma n 1$s.
? Vrei s" te m$+"-e&ti.
? N! &ti!. Nimeni n! mi2a ,"#!t ni#i$dat" .re$ (r$(!nere n
(ri.in-a asta.
? Ei ine' iat" #" s!nt e! (rim!l.
? Vre-i s" m" m$+"-i-iA
* Da-
? 0e n-ele+e-i d!mnea.$astr" (rin $+"-ieA
* Cin%eci de mii lie de au& !pe eFemplu & ia cin%eci de mii lie de
a!r ast"zi ,a# !n mili$n. Ei ine' -i da! #inze#i de mii de lire.
? 0a s" ." las s" intra-i a#$l$A
? %a< #! #$ndi-ia s" .ii &i t! #! mine &i s" m" a1!-i s" ,a# #eea #e
.rea! e!.
? %ar #e s" ,a#e-i a#$l$A n #in#i min!te s!terana .a ,i (lin" de
s$lda-i #are a! s" ." aresteze.
0et"-en!l T/E$d$re ,! izit de +ra.itatea a#est$r #!.inte.
? *$-i s"2i m(iedi#i (e s$lda-i s" #$$areA
? E! n2am ni#i !n mi1l$#< n!2i #!n$s#< de (ris$s s" #a!t .re!n!l.
Ii se .edea #" temni#er!l &i #$n#entra t$at" ,$r-a de ("tr!ndere
a s(irit!l!i #a s" +"seas#" mi1l$#!l #are s" .al$reze #in#ize#i de mii de
lire.
? %ar m)ine' ntre" #et"-ean!l T/E$d$re' n2am (!tea intraA
? %a' ,"r" nd$ial"' dar de2a#!ma ()n" m)ine se .a (!ne +rila1 de
,ier (e t$at" l"-imea s!teranei &i' (entr! mai m!lt" si+!ran-"' s2a
/$t"r)t #a +rila1!l s" ,ie din ,ier masi.' s$lid &i ,"r" !&".
? At!n#i tre!ie +"sit alt#e.a' s(!se #et"-ean!l T/E$d$re.
? %a' tre!ie +"sit alt#e.a' n#!.iin-" temni#er!l. 5" #"!t"m.
%!(" #!m se .ede din ,el!l m("#i!it$r n #are se e6(rima
#et"-ean!l Cra##/!s' ntre el &i #et"-en!l T/E$d$re se n#/e+ase $
alian-".
? Treaa asta m" (ri.e&te (e mine' s(!se T/E$d$re. 0e sl!1" ai
t! la 0$n#ier+erieA
* Sunt temnice-
? Ii #e an!me ,a#iA
? %es#!i &i n#!i !&ile.
* Domi acolo.
* Da& domnule-
? :"n)n#i t$t a#$l$A
? N! t$tdea!na. Am &i e! #eas!rile mele de $di/n".
? Ii at!n#i #e ,a#iA
? :" !#!r de ele.
* 'n ce fel.
? 3"#)nd!2i #!rte st"()nei #)r#i!mii *!-!l l!i N$e #are mi2a
,"+"d!it #" se m"rit" #! mine #)nd am s" am $ mie &i #in#i !ute de
fanci-
? Unde e #)r#i!ma *!-!l l!i N$eA
? L)n+" strada Vieille2%ra(erie.
* Aoate )ine&
* S!t& domnule+
/atiotul no!tu ciuli uec1ea-
? AD aD ,"#! el.
? A!zi-iA
? %a... (a&i' (a&i.
? 5e nt$r#. Vede-i a&adar #" n2am ,i a.!t tim(. A#el n2am
de.enea din ce #n ce mai concludent-
? Ai dre(tate. E&ti "iat de trea"' #et"-ene' &i mi (ari (re2
destinat...
* A fi ce.
* A fi )o"at c$nd0a-
? 5" .2a!d" %!mneze!D
? A&adar' #rezi n %!mneze!A
? Une$ri. Ast"zi de e6em(l!...
* De eFemplu ce.
? A& #rede !#!r$s-
? *"i' s" #rezi' s(!se #et"-ean!l T/E$d$re' (!n)nd ze#e l!d$.i#i
n m)na temni#er!l!i.
? %ra#eD ,"#! a#esta !it)nd!2se la a!r n l!mina ,elinar!l!i. E
trea" seri$as"' a&adarA
? :ai seri$as" ni#i #" se ($ateD
? 0e tre!ie s" ,a#A
? 5" ,ii m)ine la *!-!l l!i N$e' am s"2-i s(!n #e2a&te(t de la tine.
0!m te #/eam"A
* Gacc1u!-
? Ei ine' #et"-ene Cra##/!s' ()n" m)ine ," n a&a ,el #a s" te
dea a,ar" ($rtar!l Ri#/ard.
? 5" m" dea a,ar"A Ii sl!1a meaA
? Vrei s" r"m)i temni#er #! #inze#i de mii de ,ran#i asupa ta.
? N!' dar ,iind temni#er &i s"ra#' s!nt si+!r #" n2am s" ,i!
+/il$tinat.
* Si"u.
? 5i+!r sa! a(r$a(e. *e #)t" .reme ,iind lier &i $+at...
? Ai s"2-i as#!nzi anii &i2n l$# s" #!rtezi (e st"()na #r)&mei
*!-!l l!i N$e' ai s" #!rtezi $ tri#$tez" de la &edin-ele 0$n.en-iei
Na-i$nale.
? Ei ine' s2a ,"#!t.
? *e m)ine' la #)r#i!m".
? La #e $r"A
? *e la &ase seara.
? L!a-i2." z$r!l' re(ede' iat"2i... V" s(!n s" ." l!a-i z$r!l'
,iind#" (res!(!n #" a-i #$$r)t din nalt!l $l-il$r.
? *e m)ine' re(et" T/E$d$re' r!()nd2$ la ,!+".
ntr2ade."r' era &i tim(!l9 z+$m$t!l (a&il$r &i al .$#il$r se a(r$(ia.
5e &i .edea n s!terana nt!ne#$as" s#li(ind l!mina ,elinarel$r.
T/E$d$re aler+" la !&a (e #are i2$ ar"tase s#ri!l a #"rei +/ereta
$ $#!(ase' i des(rinse z".$r!l #! #le&tele' se d!se de2a dre(t!l la
,ereastra indi#at"' $ des#/ise' &i2&i d"d! dr!m!l n strad"' a1!n+)nd (e
#aldar)m.
%ar' nainte de2a ,i ("r"sit sala (a&il$r (ierd!-i' mai a(!#" s" a!d"
ntrearea #et"-ean!l!i Cra##/!s &i r"s(!ns!l (e #are i2l d"d! Ri#/ard9
? 0et"-ean!l ar/ite#t a.ea (er,e#t" dre(tate9 s!terana tre#e (e
s! #amera ."d!.ei 0a(et. Era (rime1die mare.
? 0red &i e!D r"s(!nse Cra##/!s' (e de(lin n#redin-at #" s(!ne
!n mare ade."r.
5anterre &i ,"#! a(ari-ia n des#/iz"t!ra s#"rii.
? Ii m!n#it$rii t"i' #et"-ene ar/ite#tA l ntre" el (e Cira!d.
? nainte de2a se l!mina de zi!" .$r ,i ai#i &i (e l$# .a ,i (!s &i
+rila1!l' r"s(!nse $ .$#e #are ("rea a ie&i din m"r!ntaiele ("m)nt!l!i.
? Ii t! .ei ,i sal.at (atriaD s(!se 5anterre' 1!m"tate n +l!m"'
1!m"tate n seri$s.
? Ni#i n!2-i n#/i(!i #e ade."r +r"ie&li' #et"-ene +eneral' &$(ti
Cra##/!s.
Capitolul XXXVIII
CO/ILUL DE REGE
n tim(!l a#esta' n#e(!ser" (re+"tirile n .ederea (r$#es!l!i
re+inei' d!(" #!m s2a (!t!t .edea din #a(it$lul pecedent-
5e (re.edea #"' (rin sa#ri,i#area a#el!i #a( il!str!' !ra ($(!lar"
#e m$#nea de2at)ta amar de .reme .a ,i n s,)r&it ($t$lit".
:i1l$a#ele de2a ,a#e s" #ad" a#el #a( n! li(sea! &i' t$t!&i'
3$!H!ier2Tin.ille' a#!zat$r!l n.er&!nat' l!ase /$t"r)rea de2a n! tre#e
#! .ederea n$ile mi1l$a#e de a#!zare (e #are 5im$n ,"+"d!ise s" i le
(!n" la dis($zi-ie.
A d$!a zi d!(" nt)lnirea #e a.! l$# ntre a#esta &i 5im$n n sala
(a&il$r (ierd!-i' !n z+$m$t de arme se (r$d!se &i2i ,"#! s" tresar" (e
aresta-ii #are se mai a,la! n#" la Tem(le.
Aresta-ii la #are ne re,erim era! d$amna Elisaet/' (rin#i(esa &i
#$(il!l #are' d!(" #e i se s(!se :a1estate #)nd era n ,a&"' n! mai era
n!mit de#)t mi#!l L!d$.i# 0a(et.
Ceneral!l Banri$t' #! (ana&!l l!i tri#$l$r &i $ saie mare' intra'
!rmat de mai m!l-i "ra-i din +"rzile na-i$nale' n t!rn!l (rin#i(al
!nde z"#ea #$(il!l de re+e.
Al"t!ri de +eneral mer+ea !n +re,ier #! e6(resie +r$s$lan" &i
r"!t"#i$as"' d!#)nd $ tr!s" de s#ris' !n s!l de /)rtie &i .)nt!r)nd n
rn)n" $ (an" (este m"s!r" de l!n+".
n s(atele s#ri!l!i .enea a#!zat$r!l (!li#. L2am ."z!t' l
#!n$a&tem &i' #e.a mai t)rzi!' a.em s" d"m iar"&i (este $m!l a#ela
s,ri1it' +alen &i ne("s"t$r' ai #"r!i $#/i s)n+er$&i l "+a! n s(erie-i
()n" &i (e #r)n#en!l &i #!m(lit!l 5anterre' n#"t"r"mat n !ni,$rma2i
de r"z$i.
0)-i.a "ra-i din +"rzile na-i$nale &i !n l$#$tenent i !rma!.
5im$n' #! !n s!r)s (re,"#!t' -in)nd!2&i ntr2$ m)n" $neta de
lan" de (!i de !rs &i n #ealalt" #!rea!a de #izmar' !r#" n ,r!nte s(re
a conduce comi!ia-
A1!nser" la $ #amer" dest!l de nt!ne#at"' s(a-i$as" &i +$al"' n
,!nd!l #"reia se a,la t)n"r!l L!d$.i#' #!l#at (e (at' ntr2$ stare de
nemi&#are des".)r&it".
0)nd l2am ."z!t (e s"rman!l #$(il ,!+ind de m)nia dezl"n-!it" a
l!i 5irri$n' mai a.ea n el !n s$i de .italitate #e rea#-i$na m($tri.a
(!rt"rii m)r&a.e a #)r(a#i!l!i de la Tem(le9 ,!+ea' stri+a' (l)n+ea<
de#i se temea' de#i s!,erea' de#i n"d"1d!ia.
A#!m' teama &i s(eran-a (ieriser". 3"r" nd$ial" #" s!,erin-a era
n#" (rezent"' dar de&i ea e6ista' #$(il!l martir' (!s s" (l"teas#"
ntr2!n #/i( at)t de #r!d +re&elile ("rin-il$r s"i' $ as#!ndea n
str",!nd!l inimii' n."l!ind2$ s! a(aren-a !nei insensiilit"-i de(line.
N!2&i ridi#" m"#ar #a(!l #)nd #$misarii .enir" #"tre d)ns!l.
Ace&tia' ,"r" ni#i $ alt" intr$d!#ere' l!ar" s#a!ne &i se a&ezar"9
a#!zat$r!l (!li# la #"("t)i!l (at!l!i' 5im$n la (i#i$are' +re,ier!l l)n+"
,ereastr"' #ei din +"rzile na-i$nale &i l$#$tenent!l ? de$(arte &i #e.a
mai n !mr".
0ei din asisten-" #are se !ita! la mi#!l arestat #! $are#are interes'
sa! #/iar #! $are#are #!ri$zitate' "+ar" de seam" (al$area #$(il!l!i'
,a(t!l #" ("rea +ras ne,iind n realitate de#)t !/"it' (re#!m &i
m$li#i!nea (i#i$arel$r' ale #"r$r arti#!la-ii n#e(!ser" s" se !m,le.
* Copilul "sta e tare $lna.' s(!se l$#$tenent!l #! !n t$n si+!r la
#are 3$!H!ier2Tin.ille' d!(" #e se a&ezase &i era +ata s"2&i n#ea("
inter$+at$ri!l' nt$arse #a(!l.
:i#!l 0a(et ridi#" $#/ii' #"!t" n (en!mr" (e #el #are r$stise
#!.intele a#elea &i2l re#!n$s#! (e t)n"r!l #are l mai m(iedi#ase $
dat" (e 5im$n s"2l at"' n #!rtea n#/is$rii Tem(le. O l!min" l)nd" &i
inteli+ent" l!#i n (!(ilele l!i de !n alastr!2n#/is' dar asta ,! t$t!l.
? A' aD t! erai' #et"-ene L$rin' s(!se 5im$n' atr"+)nd ast,el
aten-ia lui AouNuie-,in0ille a!upa pietenului lui Mauice-
? E! n (ers$an"' #et"-ene 5im$n' r"s(!nse L$rin #!
im(ert!rail!2i a(l$m.
Ii #!m L$rin' de&i +ata $ri#)nd s" ,a#" ,a-" (rime1diei' n! era
$m!l #are s2$ #a!te ,"r" r$st' (r$,it" de m(re1!rare #a s"2l sal!te (e
3$!H!ier2Tin.ille' #are2i r"s(!nse #! !n sal!t ($liti#$s.
? Ne2ai atras aten-ia' #et"-ene' s(!se at!n#i a#!zat$r!l (!li#' #"
"iat!l e $lna.. E&ti medi#A
? Am st!diat medi#ina' de&i n! s!nt d$#t$r.
? Ei ine' #e #rezi #" areA
* Ce !imptome de $al"A ntre" L$rin.
* Da-
? Ei ine' +"ses# #" $ra1ii &i $#/ii s!nt !m,la-i' m)inile (alide &i
slae' +en!n#/ii t!me,ia-i< &i da#" i2a& l!a (!ls!l' a& #$nstata' si+!r' #"
are ntre $(tze#i &i #in#i &i n$!"ze#i de "t"i (e min!t.
0$(il!l ("r! nesim-it$r la enumeaea !imptomelo )olii !ale-
? Ii #"r!i ,a(t i ($ate &tiin-a atri!i starea arestat!l!iA ntrea
a#!zat$r!l (!li#.
L$rin &i s#ar(in" .)r,!l nas!l!i' &$(tind9
5" .$res# */ilis .rea s" m" ,a#"'
%ar (ers$ana mea are #/e, s" ta#".
Apoi cu 0oce tare' r"s(!nse9
? *e #instea mea' #et"-ene' n! #!n$s# ndea1!ns de ine re+im!l
mi#!l!i 0a(et' #a s"2-i ($t r"s(!nde... T$t!&i...
5im$n #i!lea !re#/ile &i r)dea (e n,!ndate' ."z)nd!2&i d!&man!l
+ata2+ata s" se #$m(r$mit".
? T$t!&i' !rm" L$rin' #red #" n! ,a#e dest!l" +imnasti#".
? A&a2iD s"ri #! .$ra 5im$n' ti#"l$s!l n! mai .rea ni#i s" mear+".
0$(il!l r"mase nesim-it$r la n.in!irea #izmar!l!i.
3$!H!ier2Tin.ille se ridi#"' .eni la L$rin &i .$ri #! el n#et. Nimeni n!
a!zi #!.intele a#!zat$r!l!i (!li#' dar era e.ident #" .$rele l!i n!
(!tea! ,i de#)t !n inter$+at$ri!.
? O' #rezi a&a #e.a' #et"-eneA E ,$arte +ra. (entr! $ mam"...
? n t$t #az!l' a.em s2$ &tim' s(!se 3$!H!ier< 5im$n (retinde #"
l2a a!zit #/iar (e el s(!n)nd2$ &i &i2a l!at sar#ina s"2l ,a#" s"
m"rt!riseas#".
? Ar ,i #e.a /id$s' s(!se L$rin' dar' n s,)r&it' e #! (!tin-"'
a!stria#a n!2i li(sit" de ("#ate< &i' (e dre(t sa! (e nedre(t' asta n! m"
(ri.e&te (e mine... din ea s2a ,"#!t $ :essalin"' dar s" n! te
m!l-!me&ti #! at)t &i s" .rei s" ,a#i $ A+ri((in"' mi se (are #am (rea
de t$t' tre!ie s" m"rt!rises#.
? Iat" #e ne2a ,$st ra($rtat de 5im$n' s(!se 3$!H!ier im(asiil.
? N! m" nd$ies# #" 5im$n a s(!s2$... s!nt $ameni (e #are ni#i $
a#!za-ie n!2i ns("im)nt"' ni#i #/iar a#!za-iile im($si)ile---
%ar n! +"se&ti $are' !rm" L$rin !it)nd!2se -int" la 3$!H!ier' n!
+"se&ti $are' t!' #are e&ti !n $m inteli+ent &i dre(t' t! #are' n s,)r&it
e&ti (!terni#' #" a #ere !n!i #$(il asemenea am"n!nte n (ri.in-a #elei
(e #are nat!ra i ($r!n#e&te s2$ res(e#te nseamn" a ins!lta ns"&i
!manitatea n (ers$ana a#el!i #$(ilA
A#!zat$r!l ni#i n! #li(i< s#$ase din !z!nar $ n$t" &i i2$ ar"ta l!i
L$rin.
? 0$n.en-ia mi $rd$n" s2$ in,$rmez' s(!se el' rest!l n! m"
(ri.e&te< $ in,$rmez.
? E dre(t' zise L$rin< &i tre!ie s" s(!n #" da#" #$(il!l a#esta ar
m"rt!risi...
Ii t)n"r!l n$str! #l"tin" s#)rit din #a(.
? %ealt,el' !rm" 3$!H!ier' n$i n! (r$#ed"m n!mai (e aza
den!n-!l!i l!i 5im$n< !ite' a#!za-ia e (!li#".
Ii 3$!H!ier mai s#$ase !n d$#!ment din !z!nar. Era !n n!m"r
din +azeta #!n$s#!t" s! n!mele de *ere %!#/esne' &i #are' d!(" #!m
se &tie' era reda#tat" de BEert.
A#!za-ia' ntr2ade."r' era ,$rm!lat" lim(ede #a l!mina zilei.
? E s#ris' a #/iar ti("rit' s(!se L$rin< dar n2are a ,a#e' ()n" #e
n! a!d asemenea n.in!ire ie&ind din +!ra #$(il!l!i' .rea! s" s(!n'
ie&ind de !n".$ie &i lier' ,"r" amenin-"ri... ei ine...
* Ei )ine& ce.---
? Ei ine' n #i!da l!i 5im$n &i BEert' e! m2a& nd$i' #!m te
nd$ie&ti t! ns!-i.
5im$n ()ndea #! ner"dare n#/eierea #$n.$ririi. Netreni#!l
/aar n2a.ea #e (!tere ($ate s" ai" as!(ra $m!l!i inteli+ent (ri.irea
(e #are $ desl!&e&te n m!l-ime< i ($ate trezi $ sim(atie sa! $ !r"
s($ntan". Une$ri e #a $ (!tere #are res(in+e' alte$ri #a $ ,$r-" #e
atra+e' ,"#)nd s" se a(r$(ie +)ndirea' a #/iar (ers$ana $m!l!i
res(e#ti.' de a #el!ilalt $m des#$(erit n m!l-ime &i a #"r!i ,$r-" $
simte e+al" $ri s!(eri$ar".
3$!H!ier sim-ise ,$r-a &i im($rtan-a (ri.irii l!i L$rin &i .$ia s" ,ie
n-eles de !n asemenea $ser.at$r.
* Inteo"atoiul #ncepe& !pu!e acu%atoul pu)licJ "efie& ia pana-
Cre,ier!l t$#mai s#risese (reliminariile !n!i (r$#es2.eral &i
a&te(ta' #a &i 5im$n' Banri$t &i t$-i #eilal-i' s" se s,)r&eas#" dis#!-ia
dintre 3$!H!ier2Tin.ille &i L$rin.
N!mai #$(il!l ("rea #! des".)r&ire str"in de s#ena al #"r!i a#t$r
(rin#i(al era t$#mai el' &i re#"("tase (ri.irea a#eea &tears"' il!minat"
d$ar $ #li(" de s#)nteierea !nei s!(reme n-ele+eri.
? T"#ereD ($r!n#i Banri$t' #et"-ean!l 3$!H!ier2Tin.ille n#e(e s"
inter$+/eze #$(il!l.
* Capet& #ntre" a#!zat$r!l' t! &tii #e2a a1!ns mai#"2taA
:i#!l L!d$.i#' de la (al$area l!i #a marm!ra' se ,"#! r$&! #a
,$#!l. %ar n! r"s(!nse.
? N2ai a!zit' 0a(etA st"r!i a#!zat$r!l.
A#eea&i t"#ere.
? EiD a!de el (rea ine' zise 5im$n' dar e #a maim!-ele' n! .rea
s" r"s(!nd" de ,ri#" s" n! ,ie s$#$tit dre(t "rat &i s" n! ,ie (!s s"
m!n#eas#".
? R"s(!nde' 0a(et' inter.eni Banri$t' e #$misia din (artea
0$n.en-iei' ea te ntrea" &i t! e&ti dat$r s" dai as#!ltare le+il$r.
0$(il!l ("li' dar n! r"s(!nse.
5im$n ,"#! !n +est de ,!rie. La ,irile de asemenea s$i' r!tale &i
m"r+inite' ,!ria e &i ea $ e-ie' ns$-it" de sim(t$mele /id$ase ale
ade."ratei e-ii (r$.$#ate de .in.
? Vrei s" r"s(!nzi' l!(aneA l ntre" el' ar"t)nd!2i (!mn!l.
* ,aci& Simon& inte0eni AouNuie-,in0ille' n! t! ai #!.)nt!l.
Re(li#a de mai s!s' #! #are se $i&n!ise de la tri!nal!l re.$l!-i$nar' i
s#"(" ,"r" .$ie.
? Ai a!zit' 5im$n' e6#lam" L$rin' n! t! ai #!.)nt!l9 e a d$!a $ar"
#" -i se s(!ne asta ,a-" de mine9 (rima $ar" -i s2a s(!s #)nd n.in!iai
(e ,ii#a m"i#!-ei Tis$n' (e #are ai a.!t (l"#erea s2$ trimi-i la +/il$tin".
5im$n t"#!.
? :ai#"2ta te i!ea' 0a(etA ntre" 3$!H!ier.
A#eea&i t"#ere.
? 5e s(!ne #" n!' !rm" a#!zat$r!l.
Un !oi de !u$! 0a" !e i0i pe )u%ele copilului-
? %ar #)nd ." s(!n' !rl" 5im$n' #" mi2a s(!s mie #"2l i!ea (rea
tareD
? Vezi' 5im$n' (artea (r$ast" e #" mi#!l 0a(et' at)t de ,le#ar
ntre (atr! $#/i' de.ine a&a de$dat" m!t n ,a-a l!mii' s(!se L$rin.
? EiD de2am ,i n!mai n$i d$iD e6#lam" 5im$n.
? %a' de2a-i ,i n!mai .$i d$i' dar din ne,eri#ire n! s!nte-i sin+!ri.
EiD de era-i sin+!ri' .iteaz!le 5im$n' (rea!n!le (atri$t' #e "taie
zdra."n" i2ai mai ,i tras iet!l!i #$(il' n!A %ar n! e&ti sin+!r &i n!
ndr"zne&ti' ,iin-" in,am"D n ,a-a n$astr" a #el$rla-i' $ameni #insti-i'
#are &tim #" $amenii din anti#/itate' d!(" m$del!l #"r$ra n#er#"m &i
n$i s" ne l!"m' res(e#ta! ,"(t!rile slae' t! n! ndr"zne&ti' #"#i n! e&ti
sin+!r. %ar ni#i .iteaz n! e&ti' ami#e' #)nd ai a te ate #! ni&te #$(ii
de2$ &#/i$a(".
? E/D... $,t" (e &$(tite 5irn$n' s#r)&nind d1n din-i.
? 0a(et' rel!" 3$!H!ier' i2ai m"rt!risit t! ni&te l!#r!ri taini#e l!i
5im$nA
0"!t"t!ra #$(il!l!i #"("t" $ e6(resie de ir$nie #! ne(!tin-" de
des#ris.
? n (ri.in-a mamei taleA #$ntin!" a#!zat$r!l.
O s#)nteriere de dis(re- i se desl!&i n (ri.ire.
? R"s(!nde da sa! n!' e6#lam" Banri$t.
? R"s(!nde daD !rl" 5im$n ridi#)nd #!rea!a as!(ra #$(il!l!i.
0$(il!l ,! #!(rins de2!n trem!r' dar n! s#/i-" ni#i $ mi&#are #a s"
se ,ereas#" de l$.it!r".
0ei de ,a-" s#$aser" !n s$i de stri+"t de s#)r".
L$rin ,"#! mai m!lt9 se re(ezi &i' mai nainte #a ra-!l l!i 5im$n s"
#ad" as!(ra #$(il!l!i' l a(!#" de n#/eiet!ra m)inii.
? Ia d"2mi dr!m!lD !rl" 5im$n' r$&! #a (!r(!ra de m)nie.
? Itii' s(!se 3$!H!ier' n!2i ni#i !n r"! n ,a(t!l #" $ mam" &i
i!e&te ,i!l< s(!ne2ne n #e ,el te i!ea mama ta' 0a(et. Asta ar (!tea
s"2i ,ie de ,$l$s.
:i#!-!l arestat tres"ri la ideea #" ar (!tea s"2i ,ie de ,$l$s
mai#"2sii.
? :" i!ea a&a #!m $ mam" &i i!e&te ,e#i$r!l' d$mn!le'
r"s(!nse el< n! e6ist" d$!" ,el!ri n #are mama &i i!e&te #$(ii< &i ni#i
n #are #$(iii &i i!es# mama.
? Ii e!' &ar(e mi#' s!s-in #" mi2ai s(!s #" mai#"2ta...
? Vei ,i .isat a&a #e.a' l ntrer!(se lini&tit L$rin. 0red #" tre!ie
s" ai dese$ri n"l!#iri (rin s$mn' 5im$n.
* Loin& Loin' s#r)&ni 5im$n.
? Ei da' L$rin' &i (e !rm"A N2ai mi1l$a#e s"2l a-i (e L$rin9 el ate
(e al-ii #)nd s!nt r"i la s!,let< n2ai mi1l$a#e ni#i s"2l den!n-i' #"#i #eea
#e a ,"#!t' $(rind!2-i ra-!l s" l$.eas#"' a ,"#!t n ,a-a +eneral!l!i
Banri$t &i a #et"-ean!l!i 3$!H!ier2Tin.ille' #are am)nd$i l a(r$"' &i
.ezi #" ei n! s!nt dintre #ei #! sentimente (atri$ti#e d!i$aseD N2ai
mi1l$a#e s"2l trimi-i la +/il$tin" #a (e BEl$L!e ,i!on- E nepl"#!t' a
#/iar te ,a#e s"2-i ie&i din ,ire' dar asta e &i n2ai #e ,a#e' )ietul meu
Simon+
? :ai t)rzi!D mai t)rzi!D iz!#ni #izmar!l #! r)n1et!2i de /ien".
? %a' dra+" ami#e ? r"s(!nse L$rin ? ns" n"d"1d!ies#' #!
a1!t$r!l 3iin-ei 5!(reme... aD te a&te(tai s" s(!n #! a1!t$r!l l!i
%!mneze!A... n"d"1d!ies#' zi#eam' s" te s(inte# mai nainte' #!
a1!t$r!l 3iin-ei 5!(reme &i a s"iei mele< dar' ia d"2te la $ (arte'
5im$n' n! ($t s" ."d din (ri#ina ta.
* ,$l1aule+
* ,aci& nu pot !-aud din picina ta-
Ii L$rin l zdr$i (e 5im$n #! (ri.irea.
5im$n &i n#le&t" (almele' #! ale #"r$r #r"("t!ri ne+re se
m)ndrea. %a' a&a #!m s(!sese L$rin' tre!ia s" se m"r+ineas#" d$ar
la at)t.
? A#!m' $dat" #e a n#e(!t s" .$reas#"' s(!se Banri$t' ,"r"
nd$ial" #" .a #$ntin!a. Bai' tre#i mai de(arte' #et"-ene 3$!H!ier.
? Vrei s" ne r"s(!nzi a#!maA ntre" 3$!H!ier.
0$(il!l r"mase t"#!t.
? Vezi' #et"-ene' .eziA ,"#! 5im$n.
? n#"("-)narea #$(il!l!i "st!ia e #i!dat"' s(!se Banri$t' t!l!rat
,"r" s" .rea de asemenea ,ermitate #! t$t!l &i #! t$t!l re+al".
? E r"! s,"t!it' zise L$rin.
? %e #"tre #ineA ntre" Banri$t.
? Ei' de #"tre (atr$n!l s"!.
? :" a#!ziA e6#lam" 5im$n< m" den!n-iA... aD #i!dat l!#r!.
? 5" n#er#"m #! l)nde-ea' s(!se 3$!H!ier. Ii nt$r#)nd!2se
#"tre #$(il' #are (ar#" era #! des".)r&ire li(sit de sim-!ri' s(!se9 Bai
dra+" #$(ile' r"s(!nde #$misiei na-i$nale' n!2-i nr"!t"-i sit!a-ia
re,!z)nd s" dai ni&te l"m!riri ne#esare. Ai .$rit #! #et"-ean!l 5im$n
des(re ,el!l n #are te m)n+)ia mai#"2ta' des(re ,el!l n #are te i!eaA
L!d$.i# &i (lima as!(ra ad!n"rii (ri.irile #are' $(rind!2se la
5im$n' se !m(l!r" de !r"' dar n! r"s(!nse.
? Te sim-i nen$r$#itA l ntre" iar"&i a#!zat$r!l. Ai l$#!in-"
(r$ast"' e&ti (r$st /r"nit' e&ti maltratatA Vrei mai m!lt" liertate' .rei
alt" /ran"' alt" n#/is$are' alt (azni#A Vrei !n #al #a s" te ($-i (limaA
Vrei s" -i se a#$rde t$."r"&ia !n$r #$(ii de .)rsta taA
L!d$.i# r"mase n a#eea&i m!-enie' din #are n! ie&ise de#)t #a s2$
a(ere (e mai#"2sa.
0$misia r"mase n#remenit" de !imire< at)ta t"rie' at)ta n-ele2
+ere era! de ne#rez!t la !n #$(il.
* Ei+ e"ii "&tia' e6#lam" Banri$t (e &$(tite' #e s$iD *ar#2ar ,i ti+ri<
de mi#i s!nt (lini de r"!tate.
? 0!m s" reda#tez (r$#es!l2.eralA ntre" +re,ier!l (!s n
n#!r#"t!r".
? %a-i2i l!i 5im$n asta' s(!se L$rin. 3"r" s" mai s#rie-i nimi#' se
des#!r#" el de min!ne.
5im$n l amenin-" #! (!mn!l (e d!&man!l s"! nend!(le#at. L$rin
n#e(! s" r)d".
? N2ai s" mai r)zi a&a n zi!a n #are ai s" mer+i la +/il$tin"'
iz!#ni 5im$n' t!rat de ,!rie.
? N! s!nt si+!r da#" am s" -i2$ ia! nainte sa! da#" am s" .in
d!(" tine la mi#a #erem$nie #! #are m" amenin-i' i r"s(!nse L$rin'
dar &ti! #" tare m!l-i a! s" mai r)d" #)nd -i2$ .eni r)nd!l.
%!mnezeil$rD ... am s(!s d!mnezeil$r' la (l!ral... d!mnezeil$rD !r)t ai
s" mai ,ii n zi!a a#eea' 5im$n' ai s" ,ii /id$s.
Ii L$rin se a&ez" n s(atele #$misiei' r)z)nd din t$at" inima.
0$misia n! mai a.ea nimi# de ,"#!t &i' #a atare' se retrase.
0)t des(re #$(il' ."z)nd!2se s#"(at de #ei #e .eniser" s"2l
#/esti$neze' se a(!#" s" ,red$neze' l!n+it n (at' !n #)nte#el
melan#$li#' mel$dia ,a.$rit" a tat"l!i s"!.
Capitolul XXXIX
5UCHE,UL DE VIOLE,E
*a#ea' d!(" #!m era de (re."z!t' n! (!tea s"l"&l!i m!lt" .reme
n l"#a&!l at)t de ,eri#it #are2i ad"($stea (e Cene.iV.e &i :a!ri#e.
n .i1eliile st)rnite de .)nt &i de ,!l+er' #!i!l /!l!il$r e z+)l-)it
$dat" #! ar$rele #are i t"in!ie&te.
Gene0iB0e c"z! dintr2$ s(aim" n alta9 n! se mai temea (entr!
:ais$n2R$!+e' dar trem!ra (entr! :a!ri#e.
&i #!n$&tea (rea ine s$-!l &i n! se nd$ia #"' de .reme #e
dis("r!se' era sal.at. 5i+!r" de sal.area l!i' trem!ra (entr! ea ns"&i.
N! ndr"znea s"2&i dest"n!ias#" s!,erin-a #el!i mai #!tez"t$r $m
al e($#ii a#eleia' n #are nimeni n! mai &tia #e2i ,ri#a' dar s!,erin-a i se
#itea n $#/ii nr$&i-i &i (e !zele li.ide.
ntr2$ zi :a!ri#e intr" n#eti&$r' ,"r" #a Cene0iB0e& afundat" ntr2$
ad)n#" .isare' s"2l ,i a!zit. 5e $(ri n (ra+ &i $ ."z! st)nd nemi&#at"'
#! (ri.irea ,i6"' #! ra-ele inerte' ntinse (e +en!n#/i' #! ,r!ntea
n+)nd!rat" &i #a(!l (le#at.
O (ri.i $ #li(" #! $ triste-e amar"' #"#i t$t #eea #e se (etre#ea n
inima tinerei ,emei i se dez."l!i' de (ar#" i2ar ,i #itit ()n" &i #el din
!rm" +)nd.
At!n#i' ,"#)nd !n (as #"tre d)nsa' i s(!se9
? N!2-i mai este dra+" 3ran-a' Cene.iV.e' re#!n$a&te &i m"r2
t!rise&te. Te ,ere&ti &i de aer!l (e #are2l res(iri' ()n" &i de ,ereastr" te
a(r$(ii #! sil".
? VaiD r"s(!nse Cene.iV.e' &ti! (rea ine #" n!2-i ($t t"in!i
+)nd!rile' :a!ri#e. Ai +/i#it.
? T$t!&i' #e -ar" ,r!m$as"D e6#lam" t)n"r!l. Via-a are (re- ast"zi
&i e (lin" de e.enimente. @+$m$t$asele dezateri (!li#e' a#ti.itatea
#l!!ril$r' #$ns(ira-iile ,a# s" ,ie at)t de d!l#i #eas!rile (etre#!te ntre
#ei (atr! (ere-i ai #"min!l!i. %ra+$stea e mai mare #)nd te2nt$r#i
a#as" #! temerea de2a n! mai (!tea i!i a d$!a zi' (entr! #" a d$!a zi
.ei n#eta ($ate s" mai tr"ie&ti+
Gene0iB0e cl"tin" din #a(.
? In+rat" -ar"D e6#lam" ea.
? 0!m adi#"A
? %a' #)te n2ai ,"#!t (entr! liertatea ei &i t$t!&i ast"zi e&ti (e
1!m"tate s!s(e#tD
* Da tu& !cumpa mea Gene0iB0e& "s(!nse :a!ri#e' d!&man#"
n.er&!nat" a a#estei liert"-i' t! #are ai ,"#!t at)ta m($tri.a ei' d$rmi
lini&tit" &i a("rat" s! a#$(eri&!l !n!i re(!li#an. Iat"' d!(" #!m .ezi'
#" e6ist" $ #$m(ensa-ie.
* Da& !pu!e Gene0iB0e& da a!ta nu 0a dua mult" .reme' #"#i
#eea #e e nedre(t n! ($ate d!ra.
? 0e .rei s" s(!iA
* Vea! s" s(!n #" e!' adi#" arist$#rata din mine' #are .iseaz"
(e as#!ns n,r)n+erea (artid!l!i .$str! &i (r"!&irea ideil$r .$astre'
e!' #are #$ns(ir ()n" &i n #asa ta (entr! nt$ar#erea .e#/i!l!i re+im'
e!' #are $dat" re#!n$s#!t" #a atare' te #$ndamn la m$arte &i la
dez$n$are' ($tri.it ("reril$r tale #el (!-in e!' :a!ri#e' n2am s" r"m)n
ai#i' #a !n +eni! r"! al #asei. Ii n2am s" te t)r"s# d!(" mine la e&a,$d.
? Ii !nde ai s" te d!#i' Cene.iB0e.
? Unde am s" m" d!#A ntr2$ zi' #)nd .ei ,i (le#at' am s" m" d!#
s" m" den!n- e! ns"mi' ,"r" s" s(!n de !nde .in.
? A/D $,t" :a!ri#e' r"nit n ad)n#!l s!,let!l!i' nere#!n$&tin-a s2a
&i i.it.
? N!' r"s(!nse t)n"ra #!(rinz)nd!2l (e :a!ri#e #! ra-ele (e
d!(" +)t' n!' dra+!l me!' n!2i nere#!n$&tin-a' e dra+$ste +ata de
1ert,"' -i2$ 1!r. N2am .r!t #a ,ratele me! s" ,ie (rins &i !#is #a !n reel
&i n! .rea! #a i!it!l me! s" ,ie (rins &i !#is #a !n tr"d"t$r.
? Ai s" ,a#i a&a #e.a' Cene.iB0e. eFclam" :a!ri#e.
? T$t at)t de si+!r #!m &ti! #" e6ist" !n %!mneze! n #erD
r"s(!nse t)n"ra. %ealt,el' n! teama m" #/in!ie' #i rem!&#area.
Ii2&i l"s" #a(!l intr2$ (arte #a &i #!m rem!&#area ar ,i ,$st (rea
+rea #a s2$ ($at" nd!ra.
* Vai+ Gene0iB0e& eFclam" :a!ri#e.
? n-ele+i desi+!r #eea #e s(!n &i mai ales #eea #e simt' :a!ri#e'
!rm" Cene.iB0e& c"#i a#eea&i rem!&#are te a(as" &i (e tine... Itii (rea
ine #" m2am d"r!it ,"r" s" am dre(t!l de2a dis(!ne de mine< #" m2ai
a.!t ,"r" s" am dre(t!l de2a m" d"r!i.
* De-a3un!+ !pu!e Mauice& de-a3un!+
3r!ntea i se n#re-i &i $ /$t"r)re s!mr" li#"ri n $#/ii l!i lim(ezi.
? -i .$i ar"ta' Cene.iB0e& um" t)n"r!l' #" n! te i!es# de#)t (e
tine. -i .$i d$.edi #" ni#i !n sa#ri,i#i! n! e mai (res!s de dra+$stea
mea. Ur"&ti 3ran-a. Ei ine' ,ie' .$m ("r"si 3ran-a.
Cene.iV.e &i m(re!n" m)inile &i se !it" la i!it!l ei #! $
admira-ie (lin" de ent!ziasm.
? N! m" am"+e&ti' :a!ri#eA +r"i ea #! $ .$#e stins".
? 0)nd te2am dezam"+itA $ ntre" :a!ri#e. *$ate n zi!a #)nd
mi2am #"l#at $n$area #a s" te #)&ti+A
Cene.iV.e &i a(r$(ie !zele de !zele l!i :a!ri#e &i r"mase' #a
s" zi#em a&a' at)rnat" de +)t!l i!it!l!i ei.
? %a' t! ai dre(tate' :a!ri#e' s(!se ea' de ,a(t e! m2am n&elat.
0eea #e simt n! e rem!&#are' ($ate mai de+ra" $ n1$sire s!,leteas#".
%ar t! #el (!-in ai s" m" n-ele+i' te i!es# (rea m!lt &i n! ($t n#er#a
alt sentiment de#)t s(aima de2a te (ierde. 5" (le#"m de(arte' i!it!le<
s" mer+em a#$l$ !nde nimeni n! ne .a mai (!tea a1!n+e.
? -i m!l-!mes#D e6#lam" :a!ri#e' n #!lmea !#!riei.
? %ar #!m s" ,!+imA ntre" Cene.iB0e& cutema$ndu-!e la
asemenea +)nd ns("im)nt"t$r. Ast"zi n! ($-i lesne s#"(a de (!m2
nal!l asasinil$r din 7 se(temrie sa! de se#!rea #"l"il$r din 71
ian!arie.
? Cene.iV.e' s(!se :a!ri#e' %!mneze! ne $#r$te&te. As#!lt"9
inele (e #are am .$it s"2l ,a# #! (rile1!l a#el!i 7 se(temrie' de #are
.$reai mai nainte' mi .a ad!#e r"s(lata ast"zi. %$ream din r"s(!teri
s" sal.ez !n iet (re$t' #are n."-ase #! mine. :2am d!s s"2l +"ses#
(e %ant$n &i' la #ererea l!i' 0$mitet!l 5al."rii *!li#e a semnat !n
(ermis de lier" tre#ere (entr! nen$r$#it!l a#ela &i (entr! s$ra l!i.
%ant$n mi2a nm)nat mie (ermis!l. %ar s"rman!l (re$t' n l$# s" .in"
s"2l #a!te la mine' a&a #!m l s,"t!isem' s2a d!s s" se as#!nd" la
:)n"stirea #armeli-il$r &i a#$l$ &i2a +"sit m$artea.
? Ii (ermis!lA ntre" Cene.iB0e-
? E t$t la mine. Ast"zi (re-!ie&te !n mili$n. %ar ,a#e mai m!lt'
Cene.iB0e& pemi!ul ace!ta #n!eamn" .ia-a' nseamn" ,eri#ireaD
? O' %$amne2%!mneze!leD e6#lam" t)n"ra er$in"' ,ii
ine#!.)ntatD
? A#!m as#!lt"9 n2am alt" a.ere' d!(" #!m &tii' de#)t $ !#at"
de ("m)nt' (e #are $ administreaz" !n sl!1it$r "tr)n al ,amiliei'
(atri$t #instit' s!,let leal n #are ne (!tem n#rede. El mi .a trimite
.enit!rile !nde .$i .rea. n dr!m s(re >$!l$+ne' tre#em (e la d)ns!l.
? Unde l$#!ie&teA
? L)n+" Ae0ille-
? 0)nd (le#"m' :a!ri#eA
* /e!te un cea!-
? N! tre!ie s" se &tie #" (le#"m.
? Nimeni n2are s" &tie. E! da! $ ,!+" ()n" la L$rin< el are $
tr"s!ri#" ,"r" #al' e! am !n #al ,"r" tr"s!r". %!(" #e m" nt$r#' (le#"m
n!maide#)t. T! r"m)i ai#i' Cene.iB0e& &i (re+"te&te t$ate #ele ne#esare
(entr! dr!m. N! ne tre!ie m!lte a+a1e. O s" #!m("r"m t$t #e ne
li(se&te n An+lia. :" d!# s"2l trimit (e 5#ae.$la !nde.a' #a s"2l
nde("rtez. L$rin are s"2i s(!n" desear" des(re (le#area n$astr". Ii
#/iar n seara asta 0om fi depate-
? Ii da#" ne aresteaz" (e dr!mA
? %ar n2a.em (ermis!l #! n$iA :er+em nt)i la B!ert' a&a l
#/eam" (e administrat$r. B!ert a(ar-ine m!ni#i(alit"-ii din Ae.ille'
&i de la Ae.ille ()n" la >$!l$+ne ne .a ns$-i #a s" ne ("zeas#". La
>$!l$+ne #!m("r"m sa! n#/iriam $ ar#". %ealt,el a& (!tea tre#e (e
la #$mitet #a s" $-in $ misi!ne (entr! Ae.ille. %ar n!' ,"r"
.i#le&!+!riD N!2i a&a' Cene.iB0e. S" ne #)&ti+"m ,eri#irea' ris#)nd!2ne
.ie-ile.
? %a' dra+!l me!' &i .$m re!&i. %ar #!m mai mir$&i a (ar,!m n
diminea-a asta' i!it!leD s(!se Cene.iV.e' li(ind!2&i ,a-a de (ie(t!l l!i
:a!ri#e.
? A&a e' ai dre(tate' #!m("rasem !n !#/et de .i$lete (entr!
tine' azi2diminea-"' #)nd am tre#!t (rin ,a-" (e la *alais2E+alite< dar'
intr)nd &i ."z)nd!2te at)t de trist"' n! m2am mai +)ndit de#)t s" te
ntre des(re (ri#inile triste-ii tale.
? VaiD d"2mi2l.
Gene0iB0e a!pi" mireasma !#/et!l!i #! !n nesa-i! (e #are
(ar,!m!rile l trezes# n mai t$ate ,irile sensiile. %intr2$ dat" $#/ii i se
!m(l!r" de la#rimi-
? 0e aiA $ ntre" :a!ri#e.
? >iata BEl$YseD &$(ti Cene.iV.e.
? AD da' $,t" :a!ri#e. %ar s" ne +)ndim la n$i' dra+a mea' &i s"
l"s"m m$r-ii' din $ri#e (artid ar ,i ei' s" d$arm" n m$rm)nt!l (e #are
ns!&i de.$tament!l l$r l2a s"(at. Adi$D e! (le#D
* 'ntoace-te c$t mai epede-
? n mai (!-in de 1!m"tate de #eas .$i ,i na($i.
? %ar da#" L$rin n!2i a#as"A
? N!2i nimi#. 5er.it$r!l l!i m" #!n$a&te. *$t l!a de la el t$t #e2mi
(la#e' #/iar &i n li(sa l!i' #!m ar ,a#e &i el la mine.
* 5ine& )ine+
* ,u& Gene0iB0e& pe""te&te t$t' m"r+inind!2te' #!m -i2am s(!s' la
stri#t!l ne#esar< n! tre!ie #a (le#area n$astr" s" (ar" $ m!tare.
* Aii pe pace+
T)n"r!l ,"#! !n (as s(re !&".
? :a!ri#eD l stri+" Cene.iB0e-
5e nt$arse &i2&i ."z! i!ita #! ra-ele ntinse s(re el-
? La re.edereD la re.edere' dra+a mea' &i m!lt #!ra1D ntr2$
1!m"tate de #eas s!nt na($i.
Gene0iB0e "mase sin+!r"' $#!(at"' #!m am s(!s' #! (re+"tirile
de (le#are.
*re+"tirile a#elea le ,"#ea ntr2!n s$i de ,er". 0)t tim( mai st"tea
n *aris' a.ea im(resia #" e de d$!" $ri .in$.at". Odat" ie&it" din
3ran-a' $dat" a1!ns" n str"in"tate' i ("rea #" a#ea #rim" a ei' mai
#!r)nd a ,atalit"-ii de#)t a ei' $ .a a("sa mai (!-in.
A1!nsese #/iar s" s(ere #" ()n" la !rm" sin+!r"tatea &i iz$larea $
.$r ,a#e s" !ite de e6isten-a $ri#"r!i "rat a,ar" de :a!ri#e.
Tre!ia s" ,!+" n An+lia' a&a #$n.eniser". A#$l$ ar a.ea $ #"s!-"'
$ .il" mi#"' iz$lat"' as#!ns" t!t!r$r (ri.iril$r' &i .$r s#/ima n!mele &i
din #ele d$!" n!me ale l$r .$r ,a#e !n!l sin+!r.
Acolo& a an+a1a d$i sl!1it$ri #are s" n! &tie as$l!t nimi# din
tre#!t!l l$r. nt)m(larea ,"#!se #" &i :a!ri#e &i Cene.iV.e .$rea!
en+leze&te.
Ni#i !n!l ni#i #el"lalt n! l"sa! nimi# n 3ran-a d!(" #are s"
re+rete' a,ar" d$ar de mama a#eea (e #are $ re+ret"m t$tdea!na' ,ie
ea #/iar .itre+"' &i (e #are $ n!mim (atrie.
Cene.iV.e n#e(!se a&adar s" a&eze l!#r!rile de #are n! se
(!tea! li(si n #"l"t$ria sa!' mai #!r)nd' n ,!+a l$r.
5im-ea $ ne(!s" (l"#ere s" alea+" dintre t$ate l!#r!rile (e #ele
(entr! #are :a!ri#e a.ea (redile#-ie9 /aina #are i .enea mai ine (e
talie' #ra.ata #are i se ($tri.ea mai ine la ,a-"' #"r-ile (e #are le
r"s,$ise mai des. Termin" de ales. Baine' len1erie' #"r-i st"tea!
+r"mad" (e s#a!ne (e #ana(ea' (e (ian' a&te(t)nd s" ,ie r)nd!ite n
#!,"r.
%e$dat" a!zi #/eia s#r)&nind n r$as#a !&ii.
? 5e2nt$ar#e 5#ae.$la' &i zise ea. 5" n!2l ,i nt)lnit $are :a!ri#eA
Ii &i ."z! mai de(arte de trea".
U&ile de la sal$n era! des#/ise. Cene.iV.e l a!zi (e ndat$rit$r
!ml)nd n #amera de2al"t!ri.
* S#ae.$laD #/em" ea.
Un (as' #e se a(r$(ia' se a!zi n #amera .e#in".
? 5#ae.$laD re(et" Cene.iB0e& 0ino aici& te o"-
? Iat"2m"D r"s(!nse !n +las.
La int$na-ia &i in,le6i!nea .$#ii a#eleia' Cene.iV.e se nt$arse
r!s# &i s#$ase !n -i("t (!terni#.
? 5$-!l me!D stri+" ea.
? 0/iar e!' s(!se lini&tit %i6mer.
n m$ment!l intr"rii l!i' Cene.iV.e &edea (e !n s#a!n #! ra-ele
ridi#ate' #"!t)nd ntr2!n sertar #e.a de le+at. At!n#i sim-i #!m se
n.)rte #asa #! ea' ntinse ra-ele &i se l"s" (e s(ate' d$rind s" se
des#/id" $ (r"(astie &i s2$ n+/it".
%i6mer $ (rinse n ra-e &i $ d!se (e $ #ana(ea' !nde se a&ez" &i
el.
? %ar #e ai' dra+a meaA 0e se nt)m(l"A ntre" el. *rezen-a mea
ai#i (r$d!#e as!(ra d!mitale !n e,e#t at)t de ne(l"#!tA
? 5imt #" m$rD )i+!i Cene.iB0e' a("s)nd!2&i $#/ii #! m)inile' #a
s" n! mai .ad" #!m(lita ar"tare.
? BmD ,"#! %i6mer' m" &i #redeai m$rt' dra+a mea' &i2-i ,a#
im(resia !nei ,ant$meA
Gene0iB0e !e uit" n 1!r #! (ri.irile r"t"#ite &i' z"rind ($rtret!l l!i
:a!ri#e' se l"s" s" al!ne#e de (e #ana(ea' #"z)nd n +en!n#/i' de
(ar#2ar ,i #er!t a1!t$r de la #/i(!l a#ela ne(!tin#i$s &i nesim-it$r #are
#$ntin!a s" s!r)d".
5"rmana ,emeie n-ele+ea t$ate amenin-"rile (e #are %i6mer le
as#!ndea s! #alm!l l!i (re,"#!t.
? %a' dra+" #$(il"' #$ntin!" s" s(!n" t""#ar!l' #/iar e! s!nt.
*$ate m" #redeai de(arte de *aris' dar n!' am r"mas ai#i. A d$!a zi
d!(" #e am ("r"sit #asa' m2am nt$rs &i am ."z!t n l$#!l ei !n
m$rman mare &i ,r!m$s de #en!&". Am ntreat de d!mneata' nimeni
n! te ."z!se. :2am a(!#at s" te #a!t &i am tr!dit din +re! #a s" te
+"ses#. :"rt!rises# #" n! te #redeam ai#i. T$t!&i' am a.!t $ "n!ial"'
,iind#"' (re#!m .ezi' am .enit. %ar (rin#i(al!l e #" te ."d &i m" .ezi.
0e ,a#e :a!ri#eA ntr2ade."r' s!nt si+!r #" ai s!,erit tare m!lt'
d!mneata' re+alist" n,$#at"' ,iind silit" s" tr"ie&ti s! a#ela&i
a#$(er"m)nt #! !n re(!li#an ,anati#.
? %$amne2%!mneze!leD &$(ti Cene.iV.e' ,ie2-i mil" de mineD
? T$t!&i' dra+a mea' !rm" %i6mer (ri.ind n 1!r!l s"!' m"
m)n+)ie ,a(t!l #" e&ti ,$arte ine instalat" ai#i &i #" n! (ari a ,i a.!t
(rea m!lte de nd!rat din #a!za s!r+/i!n!l!i. E!' de #)nd ne2a ars
#asa &i am ,$st r!ina-i' am r"t"#it la .$ia nt)m(l"rii' a#i!ind!2m" (rin
,!nd!l (i.ni-el$r' (rin #alele #$r"iil$r &i !ne$ri #/iar (rin #analele #e
se scu" #n Sena-
? %$mn!leD e6#lam" Cene.iB0e-
? V"d ai#i ni&te ,r!#te ,$arte ,r!m$ase. E! a tre!it adesea s" m"
li(ses# de desert' ,iind silit s" m" li(ses# #/iar &i de m)n#are.
Cene.iV.e &i as#!nse ,a-a n m)ini' /$/$tind de (l)ns.
? N! #" mi2ar ,i li(sit anii' !rm" %i6mer. 5la." %$mn!l!i' am l!at
#! mine .re$ treize#i de mii de ,ran#i de a!r' #eea #e ,a#e azi .re$
#in#i s!te de mii de ,ran#i. %ar e +re! #a !n #"r!nar' !n (es#ar sa! !n
ad!n"t$r de zdren-e s" s#$at" l!d$.i#i din !z!nar &i s" #!m(ere $
!#at" de r)nz" sa! !n salamD Ei da' d$amn"' am ad$(tat (e r)nd
#ele trei #$st!me. Ast"zi' #a s" m" de+/izez mai ine' m2am #$st!mat
n (atri$t' #/iar n !n!l e6tremist' n marsiliez. Craseiez &i n1!rD %ra#eD
Un (r$s#ris n! !ml" (rin *aris at)t de !&$r #a $ ,emeie t)n"r" &i
,r!m$as"' &i n2am a.!t ,eri#irea s" #!n$s# $ re(!li#an" n,$#at" #are
s" m" ,i (!t!t as#!nde de $ri#e (ri.ire.
? %$mn!le' e6#lam" Cene.iB0e& fie--i mil" de mineD %$ar .ezi #"
s!nt +ata s" m$rD
? %e n+ri1$rare' n-ele+. Ai ,$st tare n+ri1$rat" de s$arta mea.
%ar lini&te&te2te' iat"' m2am nt$rs &i n! ne .$m mai des("r-i' d$amn".
? Ai s" m" !#iziD e6#lam" Cene.iB0e-
%i6mer $ (ri.i #! !n s!r)s ns("im)t"t$r.
? 5" !#id $ ,emeie ne.in$.at"D Vai' d$amn"' #e s(!i d!mneataA
5e .ede #" d!rerea (e #are ai n#er#at2$ din (ri#ina li(sei mele te2a
,"#!t s"2-i (ierzi min-ileD
? %$mn!le' e6#lam" Cene.iB0e& mai )ine ucide-m" de#)t s" m"
#/in!i #! ir$nii at)t de #r!de. N!' n! s!nt ne.in$.at". 5e #!.ine s"
m$r. U#ide2m"' d$mn!le' !#ide2m".
? A&adar re#!n$&ti #" meri-i m$arteaA
* Da-
? Ii #" (entr! a is("&i n! &ti! #e #rim" de #are te n.in!ie&ti .ei
nd!ra m$artea ,"r" s" te (l)n+iA
? L$.e&te' d$mn!leD N2am s" s#$t ni#i !n stri+"t &i n l$# s" te
lestem .$i ine#!.)nta m)na #are m" l$.e&te.
* Nu& doamn"' n! .rea! s" te l$.es#. T$t!&i .ei m!ri' a&a #red.
N!mai #" m$artea d!mitale' n l$# s" ,ie dez$n$rant"' a&a #!m ai ,i
ndre(t"-it" s" te temi' .a ,i +l$ri$as"' (e a#eea&i trea(t" #! #ele mai
,r!m$ase m$r-i. :!l-!me&te2mi' d$amn"' te .$i (ede(si ,"#)ndu-te
nemuitoae-
? %$mn!le' #e ai de +)nd s" ,a#iA
? V$i !rm"ri -el!l #"tre #are n"z!iam #)nd am ,$st ntrer!(-i n
dr!m!l n$str!. n #eea #e te (ri.e&te &i n #eea #e m" (ri.e&te' .ei ,i
.in$.at"' (entr! #ei m!l-i ns" .ei m!ri #a $ martir".
* A1+ Doamne2%!mneze!leD V$rind!2mi ast,el' d!mneata m"
s#$-i din min-i' n#$tr$ m" d!#iA Unde m" t)r"&tiA
* /o)a)il la moate-
? Las"2m" at!n#i s"2mi ,a# r!+"#i!nea.
? R!+"#i!neaA
* Da-
? 0"tre #ineA
? Asta n! te (ri.e&teD %e .reme #e d!mneata m" !#izi' mi2am
(l"tit dat$ria &i (l"tind2$' n!2-i mai dat$rez nimi#.
? Ai dre(tate' s(!se %i6mer' retr"+)nd!2se n #amera de2al"t!ri.
Te a&te(t.
Ii ie&i din sal$n.
Gene0iB0e #n"enunc1e #n fa-a ($rtret!l!i' a("s)nd!2&i (!terni#' #!
am)nd$!" m)inile' inima +ata s" i se s,arme-
? :a!ri#e' &$(ti ea' iart"2m". N! m" a&te(tam s" ,i! ,eri#it"' dar
n"d"1d!iam s" te ($t ,a#e ,eri#it. :a!ri#e' te li(ses# de ,eri#irea (entr!
#are tr"iai. Iart"2m" (entr! m$artea ta' i!it!leD
Ii' t"ind $ &!.i-" din ("r!l ei l!n+' $ nn$d" n 1!r!l !#/et!l!i de
.i$lete (e #are l a&ez" l)n+" ($rtret' iar ($rtret!l a#ela' insensiil #a
$ri#e tal$! ne+r"it$r' l!" (ar#" $ e6(resie d!rer$as" #)nd $ ."z!
(le#)nd.
0el (!-in a&a i se ("r! Cene.iB0ei& uit$ndu-!e la potet pinte
lacimi-
? E&ti +ata' d$amn"A ntre" %i6mer.
? At)t de re(edeD &$(ti Cene.iV.e.
? OD 3a#e-i t$t #e2a.e-i de ,"#!t (e ndelete' d$amn"D... r"s(!nse
%i6mer. E! n! s!nt +r"itD %ealt,el :a!ri#e n! mai ($ate nt)rzia m!lt'
&i a& ,i n#)ntat s"2i ($t m!l-!mi (entr! $s(italitatea (e #are -i2a
a#$rdat2$.
Gene0iB0e te!"ri de s(aim" la +)nd!l #" i!it!l ei s2ar (!tea
nt)lni #! s$-!l ei.
5e ridi#" de (ar#2ar ,i ,$st m(ins" de !n res$rt.
* S-a teminat& domnule& !pu!e ea- Sunt "ata+
%i6mer tre#! nainte. Cene.iV.e' trem!r)nd din #re&tet ()n" n
t"l(i' l !rm"' #! $#/ii (e 1!m"tate n#/i&i' #! #a(!l r"st!rnat (e s(ate.
Ur#ar" ntr2!n .e/i#!l #e a&te(ta la !&"' n ,a-a #asei. Tr"s!ra ($rni.
A&a #!m s(!sese Cene.iV.e' ntr2ade."r t$t!l se terminase.
Capitolul XL
LA 0UR0IU:A *UUL LUI NOE
Om!l mr"#at n #armani$l"' (e #are l2am ."z!t m"s!r)nd n
l!n+ &i n lat sala (a&il$r (ierd!-i &i (e #are' n tim(!l e6(edi-iei
ar/ite#t!l!i Cira!d' +eneral!l Banri$t &i "tr)n!l Ri#/ard' l2am a!zit
s#/im)nd #)te.a #!.inte #! temni#er!l r"mas de (az" la intrarea
s!teranei' (atri$t!l a#ela ,!ri$s #! #!&m" de !rs &i #! m!sta-" deas"'
#are2i de#larase l!i 5im$n #" el a (!rtat #a(!l (rin#i(esei de Lamalle'
n zi!a !rm"t$are a#elei seri at)t de $+ate n em$-ii se +"sea' #"tre
#eas!rile &a(te seara' la #)r#i!ma *!-!l l!i N$e' sit!at"' #!m am mai
s(!s' la #$l-!l str"zii Vieille2%ra(erie.
5e a,la a#$l$ la ne+!st$r!l' sa! mai #!r)nd la ne+!st$rita de .in'
n ,!nd!l !nei n#"(eri nt!ne#$ase &i a,!mate de ,!m!l t!t!n!l!i &i al
l!m)n"ril$r' ,"#)nd!2se #" n+/ite (e ner"s!,late $ ($r-ie de (e&te
(r"1it n !nt n#ins.
n#"(erea n #are #ina era a(r$a(e +$al"9 n! mai r"m"seser"
de#)t d$i $ri trei #lien-i' $i&n!i-ii l$#al!l!i' #e se !#!ra! de (ri.ile+i!l
(e #are l d$)ndiser" .enind zilni# a#$l$.
Apoape toate mesele era! +$ale' dar tre!ie s2$ s(!nem s(re
#instea #)r#i!mii *!-!l l!i N$e' ,e-ele de mas" nr$&ite' sa! mai #!r)nd
.ine-ii' m"rt!risea! tre#erea !n!i n!m"r m!l-!mit$r de #lien-i #e
(le#aser" s"t!i.
Ultimii trei se ,"#!ser" (e r)nd ne."z!-i' &i' #"tre #eas!rile $(t
,"r" !n s,ert' (atri$t!l se a,la sin+!r.
At!n#i de("rt" #! !n dez+!st #)t se ($ate de arist$#rati# ,el!l de
m)n#are $rdinar #! #are ("r!se n !rm" #! $ #li(" a se dele#ta' &i
s#$ase din !z!nar $ talet" de #i$#$lat" de 5(ania' (e #are $ de+!st"
n#et' #! $ e6(resie t$tal di,erit" de #ea (e #are l ."z!sem
str"d!ind!2se s2$ dea mai nainte ,izi$n$miei sale.
%in #)nd n #)nd' n tim( #e r$n-"ia #i$#$lata de 5(ania &i ()inea
nea+r"' ar!n#a (ri.iri nelini&tite #"tre !&a #! +eam!ri a#$(erite de $
(erdea n #ar$!ri ale &i r$&ii. Une$ri #i!lea !re#/ea' ntrer!()nd!2&i
#ina m$dest" &i #"z)nd (e +)nd!ri' #eea #e trezi interes!l (atr$anei
l$#al!l!i' #e &edea la te1+/ea' dest!l de a(r$a(e de !&a as!(ra #"reia
(atri$t!l n$str! &i a-intea $#/ii' ,"#)nd2$ s" se #read"' ,"r" (rea mare
.anitate' $ie#t!l (re$#!("ril$r sale.
n s,)r&it' #l$($-el!l de la !&a de intrare s!n" ntr2!n an!mit ,el
#are2l ,"#! (e $m!l n$str! s" tresar"< n#e(! din n$! s" m"n)n#e
(e&te' ,"r" #a (atr$ana #)r#i!mii s" ,i "+at de seam" #" 1!m"tate de
($r-ie $ ar!n#" !n!i #)ine' #e se !ita n,$metat la el' iar #ealalt"
1!m"tate ? !nei (isi#i #are &i n#er#a +/earele deli#ate' dar as#!-ite'
(e $t!l iet!l!i #)ine.
U&a #! (erdea!a n #ar$!ri r$&ii &i ale se des#/ise &i intr" !n $m
mr"#at a(r$a(e la ,el #! (atri$t!l' #! de$seirea #" (!rta $ $net"
r$&ie n l$# de !na de lan". O .eri+" en$rm" #! #/ei at)rna la
#in+"t$area $m!l!i a#el!ia' #in+"t$are de #are mai era (rins" &i $
saie mare de in,anterist #! tea#a de aram".
? 5!(a &i #l$ndir!l me!D stri+" $m!l intr)nd n sala #$m!n"' ,"r"
s" se atin+" de $neta2i r$&ie &i m!l-!mind!2se s"2i ,a#" !n semn #!
#a(!l (atr$anei l$#al!l!i.
A($i' d!(" #e s#$ase !n s!s(in de $$seal"' se d!se s" se a&eze
la masa .e#in" #elei la #are #ina (atri$t!l no!tu-
5t"()na #)r#i!mii' din interes!l (e #are2l (!rta n$!2.enit!l!i' se
s#!l" &i se d!se (ers$nal s" #$mande #ele #er!te de el.
0ei d$i "ra-i &edea! #! s(atele !n!l la alt!l9 (rim!l (ri.ea
strada' #el"lalt se !ita s(re ,!nd!l n#"(erii. Ni#i !n #!.)nt n! ,!
s#/imat ntre #ei d$i "ra-i #)t tim( st"()na #)r#i!mii era de ,a-".
Aia #)nd !&a se n#/ise n !rma ei &i #)nd' n s,)r&it' la ()l()it!l
!nei sin+!re l!m)n"ri' s!s(endat" la #a("t!l !n!i ,ir de s)rm" de $
l!n+ime #al#!lat" a(r$a(e &tiin-i,i#' n a&a ,el #a l!mina s" se m(art"
e+al ntre #ei d$i $as(e-i' "rat!l #! $net" de lan" &i d"d! seama'
dat$rit" $+linzii a&ezate n ,a-a l!i' #" n#"(erea era #! des".)r&ire
+$al"' el i s(!se t$.ar"&!l!i s"!' ,"r" s" se nt$ar#"9
? >!n" seara.
? >!n" seara' d$mn!le' i r"s(!nse n$!2.enit!l.
? Ei' l ntre" (atri$t!l #! a#eea&i ne("sare (re,"#!t"' #!m
st"mA
? 52a is(r".it.
? 0e s2a is(r".itA
? %!(" #!m ne2am n-eles' am a.!t dis#!-ii #! tai#a Ri#/ard n
(ri.in-a ser.i#i!l!i. E! m2am (l)ns #" mi2a sl"it a!z!l' #" am ame-eli
&i mi2a .enit r"! #/iar n n#"(erea +re,ei.
? 3$arte ine. %!(" a#eeaA
? %!(" a#eea tai#a Ri#/ard &i2a #/emat ne.asta &i ne.ast"2sa
m2a ,re#at #! $-et la t)m(le' dre(t #are mi2am .enit n ,ire.
? Ii (e !rm"A
? *e !rm"' d!(" #!m ne2a ,$st n-ele+erea' i2am s(!s #" li(sa de
aer mi d" le&in!ri' dat ,iind #" e! s!nt tem(erament san+!in &i #"
sl!1a la 0$n#ier+erie' !nde a#!ma se a,l" (atr! s!te de aresta-i' m"
!#ide.
* Ei ce-au !pu!-
* Maica Ric1ad m-a pl$n!-
? Ii tai#a Ri#/ardA
* El m2a dat a,ar".
? %ar asta n!2i de2a1!ns #" te2a! dat a,ar".
? A&te(ta-i (!-in. :ai#a Ri#/ard' #are e $ ,emeie inim$as"' l2a
-in!t de r"! #" n2are s!,let del$#' mai #! seam" #" e! am #$(ii.
? Ii la asta el #e2a s(!sA
? A s(!s #" ea are dre(tate' dar #" (rima #$ndi-ie #a s" ,ii
temni#er e s" l$#!ie&ti n n#/is$area n #are sl!1e&ti< #" Re(!li#a n!
+l!me&te &i #" le taie #a(etele #el$r #are a! ame-eli n e6er#i-i!l
,!n#-iei l$r.
? Ei dra#eD ,"#! (atri$t!l.
? Ii are dre(tate tai#a Ri#/ard. %e #)nd e a#$l$ a!stria#a e !n
ade."rat iad #! s!(ra.e+/erea9 ni#i (e tai#"2t"! n!2l mai s#a(i din
$#/i.
*atri$t!l d"d! #)inel!i ,ar,!ria s2$ lin+"< (isi#a l m!&#" (e #)ine.
? 5(!ne ()n" la #a("t' zise el ,"r" s" se nt$ar#".
? n s,)r&it' d$mn!le' m2am a(!#at s" +em' adi#" s"2mi ,ie r"!.
Am #er!t s" ,i! d!s la in,irmerie &i i2am n#redin-at #" mi2ar m!ri de
,$ame #$(iii da#" mi taie lea,a.
? Ii tai#a Ri#/ardA
? Tai#a Ri#/ard mi2a r"s(!ns #" n! ,a#i #$(ii #)nd e&ti temni#er.
? %ar mai#a Ri#/ard -inea #! d!mneata' #redA
* Din ,eri#ireD I2a ,"#!t $ s#en" l!i "rat!2s"!' n.in!ind!2l #" e
r"! la s!,let &i ()n" la !rm" tai#a Ri#/ard mi2a s(!s9 JEi ine' #et"-ene
Cra##/!s' n-ele+e2te #! !n!l din (rietenii t"i' #are s"2-i dea $ (arte din
lea,a ta< ad"2mi2l #a nl$#!it$r' &i2-i ,"+"d!ies# s" ,a# n a&a ,el #a s" ,ie
(rimit.K %re(t #are am (le#at' s(!n)nd9 J52a ,"#!t' tai#" Ri#/ard' m"
d!# s"2l #a!t.K
? Ii ai +"sit (e #ine.a' dia#i!leA
n #li(a a#eea (atr$ana l$#al!l!i intr"' ad!#)nd #et"-ean!l!i
Cra##/!s s!(a &i #l$ndir!l.
A&a #e.a n! era ni#i (e (la#!l l!i Cra##/!s' ni#i al (atri$t!l!i' ei
mai a.)nd' ,"r" nd$ial"' #)te.a l!#r!ri im($rtante s"2&i s(!n".
? 0et"-ean"' s(!se temni#er!l' am (rimit $ mi#" +rati,i#a-ie de la
tai#a Ri#/ard' a&a #" ast"zi mi2a& n+"d!i !n #$tlet de ($r# #!
#astra.e#i$ri &i2$ sti#l" de .in de >$!r+$+ne< trimite2-i sl!1ni#a s"2mi
#a!te #$tletele la m"#elar' iar d!mneata d!2te s"2mi ad!#i .in!l de la
(i.ni-".
*atr$ana d"d! n!maide#)t ($r!n#ile de ri+$are. 5l!1ni#a ie&i (e
!&a dins(re strad"' iar ea ie&i (e !&a de la (i.ni-".
? >ine' s(!se (atri$t!l' e&ti "iat de&te(t.
? At)t de inteli+ent n#)t mi da! seama' #! t$ate ,"+"d!in-ele
d!mnea.$astr" ,r!m$ase' #e ne a&tea(t" (e am)nd$i. >"n!i-i #e ne
a&tea(t"A
? %a' inen-eles.
? Ne ris#"m am)nd$i #a(etele.
* Nu te #n"i3oa de-al meu-
? N! al d!mnea.$astr"' d$mn!le' mi (r$d!#e' tre!ie s"
m"rt!rises#' n+ri1$rarea #ea mare.
? 0i al t"!.
* Da-
? %ar da#"2l s$#$tes# la d!l! de#)t (re-!ie&te...
? EiD d$mn!le' +)t!l e !n l!#r! ,$arte (re-i$s.
? N! al t"!.
* Cum nu al meu.
? 0el (!-in n #li(a de ,a-".
? 0e .re-i s" s(!ne-iA
? Vrea! s" s(!n #" +)t!l t"! n! ,a#e ni#i d$!" (arale' #"#i da#"
a& ,i' de e6em(l!' !n a+ent al 0$mitet!l!i 5al."rii *!li#e' m)ine ai ,i
+/il$tinat.
Temni#er!l se nt$arse #! $ mi&#are at)t de r!s#"' n#)t #)inele
(rinse a l"tra la el. Era li.id #a !n m$rt.
? N! te nt$ar#e &i n! te2n+"leni' s(!se (atri$t!l< termin"2-i
s!(a< n! s!nt a+ent (r$.$#at$r' ami#e. >a+"2m" la 0$n#ier+erie'
(!ne2m" n l$#!l t"!' d"2mi #/eile &i m)ine -i n!m"r #inze#i de mii de
lie de au-
? E m"#ar ade."ratA
? Ai $ +aran-ie ,aim$as"9 #a(!l me!. Temni#er!l st"t! (e +)nd!ri
#)te.a #li(e.
? BaiD s(!se (atri$t!l' #are2l .edea n $+lind"' /ai' n! te +)ndi la
rele. %a#" m" den!n-i' #eea #e2ar nsemna #" -i2ai ,"#!t d$ar dat$ria'
Re(!li#a n2are s"2-i dea ni#i !n an. %a#" ns" m" ser.e&ti' #eea #e ar
nsemna #" n! -i2ai ,"#!t dat$ria' e! am s"2-i da! #ele #inze#i de mii de
lire' ,iind#" n l!mea asta e nedre(t s" ,a#i #e.a (e +ratis.
? Ei' n-ele+' s(!se temni#er!l' n2am de#)t #)&ti+ &i ,$l$s da#" ,a#
#eea #e2mi #eri< dar m" tem de !rm"ri...
? Urm"rileD... #e ai te temeA %$ar n! e! am s" te den!n-'
dim($tri.".
? 3"r" nd$ial".
? A d$!a zi d!(" #e m" .$i ,i instalat' t! .ii s" dai $ rait" (e la
0$n#ier+erie< -i n!m"r d$!"ze#i &i #in#i de ,i&i#!ri' ,ie#are nsemn)nd
#)te d$!" mii de ,ran#i< #ele d$!"ze#i &i #in#i de ,i&i#!ri se .$r sim-i
ine n !z!narele tale. Odat" #! anii -i da! &i2!n ilet de lier"
tre#ere #a s" ($-i ie&i din 3ran-a< (le#i' &i $ri!nde te .ei d!#e' .ei ,i'
da#" n! $+at' #el (!-in lier &i de #a(!l t"!.
? Ei ine' s2a ,"#!t' d$mn!le' nt)m(l"2se #e s2$ nt)m(la. E!
s!nt !n iet #ali#' n! m" a+ n ($liti#". 3ran-a a mers ine t$tdea!na
,"r" mine &i n2are s" (iar" a#!ma din (ri#ina mea. %a#"
d!mnea.$astr" a-i (!s la #ale #e.a r"!' #! at)t mai r"! (entr!
d!mnea.$astr".
? n t$t #az!l' r"s(!nse (atri$t!l' n! #red #2a& (!tea ,a#e mai r"!
de#)t se ,a#e n m$ment!l de ,a-".
? %!mnea.$astr" mi .e-i n+"d!i s" n! 1!de# e! ($liti#a
0$n.en-iei Na-i$nale.
? E&ti !n $m min!nat' (lin de n-ele(#i!ne &i de ne("sare. A#!m
s" .edem #)nd m" d!#i la tai#a Ri#/ard.
? 0/iar n seara asta da#" ine.$i-i.
? %a' si+!r. Ii #ine s!nt e!A
? V"r!l me! :ard$#/e.
* Madoc1e. Aie+ Numele #mi place- Ce me!eie.
* /antalona-
* De la pantal$nar la t""#ar n!2i de#)t $ #/estie de de(rindere a
m)inii.
? 5!nte-i t""#arA
? A& (!tea ,i.
? Ade."ratD
? La #e $r" ne (rezent"m a#$l$A
? *este $ 1!m"tate de #eas' da#" ine.$i-i.
? At!n#i' la #eas!rile n$!".
? Ii e! #)nd (rimes# aniiA
* M$ine-
* 5!nte-i' a&adar' ,$arte $+atA
? Am din #e tr"i #! ndest!lare.
? 5!nte-i !n $m al .e#/i!l!i re+im' n!2i a&aA
? 0e te (ri.e&teA
? 5" ai a.ere &i s"2-i dai a.erea (entr! ris#!l de a ,i +/il$tinat'
ntr2ade."r #ei din .e#/i!l re+im tre!ie s" ,ie tare d$itoci+
? 0e .reiD re.$l!-i$narii s!nt at)t de de&te(-i' n#)t n2a mai r"mas
de&te(t"#i!ne &i (entr! al-i.
? 5stD iat" #" .ine .in!lD
? *e desear"' n ,a-a 0$n#ier+eriei.
* Da-
*atri$t!l &i (l"ti #$ns!ma-ia &i (le#".
%in !&"' ,! a!zit #!m stri+" #! .$#ea2i t!n"t$are9
? Baide $dat"' #et"-ean"' #$tletele #! #astra.e#i$riD ."r!l me!
Cra##/!s m$are de ,$ame.
? 0e !n e :ard$#/eD s(!se temni#er!l' +!st)nd din (a/ar!l are
t$#mai i2l !m(l!se #! .in de >$!r+$+ne' (e #are t$#mai il !m(l!se
#)r#i!m"reasa' !it)nd!2se la el cu da"-
Capitolul XLI
CRE3IERUL :INI5TERULUI %E RR@>OI
*atri$t!l ie&ise' dar n! se de("rtase. *rin sti#la +eam!ril$r
a,!mate l ()ndea (e temni#er' #a s" .ad" da#" n! intr" n le+"t!r" #!
a+en-ii ($li-iei re(!li#ane' !na dintre #ele mai !ne din #)te a!
e6istat .re$dat"' #"#i $ 1!m"tate din s$#ietate $ s(i$na (e #ealalt"' n!
at)t (entr! +l$ria +randi$as" a +!.ern!l!i' #)t (entr! si+!ran-a
(r$(riil$r #a(ete.
%ar ni#i $ s!s(i#i!ne a (atri$t!l!i n! s2a d$.edit ntemeiat"< la
#eas!rile n$!" ,"r" #)te.a min!te' temni#er!l se ridi#"' $ #i!(i (e
#)r#i!m"reas" de "rie' a($i ie&i.
*atri$t!l l nt)lni l)n+" 0$n#ier+erie &i am)nd$i intrar" n n
#/is$are.
0/iar n seara a#eea t)r+!l se n#/eie9 tai#a Ri#/ard l a##e(t" (e
temni#er!l :ard$#/e #a nl$#!it$r al #et"-ean!l!i Cra##/!s.
0! d$!" #eas!ri nainte de n#/eierea n-ele+erii' ntr2alt" (arte a
n#/is$rii se (etre#ea $ s#en" a(arent neim($rtant"' #are are t$t!&i $
mare nsemn"tate (entr! (ers$na1ele (rin#i(ale ale ($.estirii de ,a-".
Gefieul de la Con#ier+erie' $stenit d!(" zi!a l!i de l!#r!' era
+ata s"2&i n#/id" re+istrele &i s" (le#e' #)nd !n "rat' #$nd!s &i
ns$-it de #et"-eana Ri#/ard' se n,"-i&" la ir$!l s"!.
? 0et"-ene +re,ier' s(!se ns$-it$area' iat" (e #$n,ratele d!mitale
de la :inister!l de R"z$i' #are .ine din (artea #et"-ean!l!i ministr!
#a s" #$(ieze #)te.a a#te de (!&#"ria&i militari.
? AD #et"-ene' ,"#! +re,ier!l' s$se&ti #am t)rzi!' t$#mai eram
+ata de (le#are.
? %ra+" #$n,rate' iart"2m"' r"s(!nse n$!2s$sit!l' dar a.em
at)tea tre!ri' n#)t de(las"rile n$astre n! le (!tem ,a#e de#)t n
#li(ele de r"+az &i #li(ele n$astre de r"+az s!nt d$ar #ele n #are
#eilal-i m"n)n#" &i d$rm.
? %a#"2i a&a' at!n#i zi' s#!m(e #$n,rate' dar d"2i z$r' #"#i' .ezi &i
d!mneata' e #eas!l #in#i &i mi2e foame- Ai #mputeniciile la dumneata.
? Iat"2le' s(!se +re,ier!l de la :inister!l de R"z$i' n,"-i&)nd !n
($rt$,$li!' (e #are #$n,ratele s"!' #! t$at" +raa l!i' l #er#et" #!
s#r!(!l$as" aten-ie.
? EiD t$ate s!nt n re+!l"' zise s$-ia l!i Ri#/ard' d$ar le2a
ins(e#tat &i s$-!l me!.
? N2are a ,a#e' n2are a ,a#e' r"s(!nse +re,ier!l' #$ntin!)nd!2&i
#er#etarea.
Cre,ier!l :inister!l!i de R"z$i a&te(t" #! r"dare #a !n!l #e &tia
#" tre!ie s" trea#" (rin stri#ta nde(linire a !n$r asemenea
,$rmalit"-i.
* E #n (er,e#t" $rdine' s(!se +re,ier!l de la 0$n#ier+erie' ($-i
n#e(e #)nd d$re&ti. Ai m!lte a#te de #$(iatA
? O s!t".
? At!n#i e trea" de mai m!lte zileD
? %e a#eea' dra+" #$n,rate' .rea! s" n,iin-ez la d!mneata $ mi#"
instit!-ie' da#"2mi n+"d!i' inen-ele!-
? 0!m inten-i$nezi s2$ ,a#iA ntre" +re,ier!l de la 0$n#ier+erie.
? Asta am de +)nd s"2-i e6(li#. Te in.it s" #inezi n seara asta #!
mine. i2e ,$ame' d!(" #!m s(!neai.
? Ii n! m" dezi#.
? Ei ine' ai s"2mi #!n$&ti s$-ia< e !#"t"reas" !n"< (e !rm" ai
s" m" #!n$&ti (e mine< s!nt "iat !n.
? *e le+ea mea' #/iar a&a mi (ari a ,i. T$t!&i' dra+" #$n,rate...
? Bai' (rime&te ,"r" naz!ri stridiile (e #are am s" le #!m("r
tre#)nd (rin *ia-a 0/)telet' !n (!i de la +r"tar+i!l n$str! &i d$!"2trei
,el!ri de m)n#are' ni&te ,lea#!ri' (e #are d$amna %!rand le re!&e&te la
(er,e#-ie.
? :" ,arme#i &i m" is(ite&ti' dra+" #$n,rate' r"s(!nse +re,ier!l de
la 0$n#ier+erie' !l!it de asemenea meni!' ne$i&n!it (entr! !n +re,ier
(l"tit de tri!nal!l re.$l!-i$nar #! d$!" li.re n /)rtia2m$ned" a a#el$r
tim(!ri' #are n realitate aia da#" .al$ra! d$i ,ran#i.
? A&adar' (rime&tiA
* /ime!c-
? n #az!l a#esta' l"s"m l!#r!l (e m)ine< n seara asta' (le#"m.
? 5" (le#"m.
? E&ti +ataA
? ntr2$ #li(". Las"2m" n!mai s" da! de &tire +ardienil$r #are $
("zes# (e a!stria#".
? 0e an!me le dai de &tireA
? 0" (le# &i #" n! mai e nimeni la +re,"' #a atare' t$ate z+$2
m$tele de.in (entr! ei s!s(e#te.
? AD ,$arte ine' min!nat" (re#a!-ie' (e le+ea meaD
? n-ele+i' n!2i a&aA
* De minune- Hai& du-te+
Cre,ier!l de la 0$n#ier+erie se d!se ntr2ade."r &i "t! n
,erestr!i#"< !n!l dintre (azni#i des#/ise' ntre)nd9
* Cine )ate.
? E!D +re,ier!l. A,l" #" (le#. 5eara !n"' #et"-ene Cilert.
? 5eara !n"' #et"-ene +re,ier.
Ii ,erestr!i#a se n#/ise.
Gefier!l de la :inister!l de R"z$i #er#etase t$at" s#ena #! #ea
mai mare aten-ie' iar #)nd !&a de la #amera re+inei se des#/ise'
(ri.irea l!i ("tr!nsese re(ede ()n" n ,!nd!l (rim!l!i #$m(artiment9 l
."s!se (e str"1er!l %!#/esne st)nd la mas" &i #a atare se n#redin-ase
#" re+ina n2a.ea de#)t d$i (azni#i.
5e2n-ele+e de la sine #" la nt$ar#erea +re,ier!l!i 0$n#ier+eriei'
#$n,ratele s"! l!ase #ea mai indi,erent" e6(resie (e #are2$ (!t!se da
,izi$n$miei sale.
T$#mai #)nd ie&ea! de la 0$n#ier+erie' d$i $ameni se (re+"tea!
s" intre.
0ei d$i' #are intra!' era! #et"-ean!l Cra##/!s &i ."r!l s"!
:ard$#/e.
V"r!l :ard$#/e &i +re,ier!l de la :inister!l de R"z$i' z"rind!2se'
&i n,!ndar" (e $#/i $neta de lan"' #el"lalt ("l"ria #! $r!ri late'
,ie#are dintre ei #! !n +est #e ("rea a iz.$r din sentimente identi#e.
? 0ine2s $amenii "&tiaA ntre" +re,ier!l de la :inister!l de
R"z$i.
? N! #!n$s# de#)t (e !n!l dintre ei9 !n temni#er' l #/eam"
Cra##/!s.
? AD ,"#! #el"lalt' #! $ ne("sare (re,"#!t"' a&adar temni#erii de
la 0$n#ier+erie ($t ie&i din n#/is$areA
? A! &i ei zi!a l$r de ie&ire.
In.esti+a-ia n! ,! m(ins" mai de(arte. N$ii ami#i $ l!ar" (e
*$nt2a!20/an+e. n #$l-!l *ie-ei 0/)telet' +re,ier!l de la :inister!l de
R"z$i' ($tri.it (r$+ram!l!i an!n-at' #!m("r" !n #$& #! d$!"s(reze#e
d!zini de stridii< (e !rm" $ a(!#ar" (e #/ei!l Ce.res.
L$#!in-a +re,ier!l!i de la :inister!l de R"z$i era ,$arte m$dest".
0et"-ean!l %!rand $#!(a trei n#"(eri mi#i sit!ate n *ia-a CrB0e& #nt-o
ca!" ,"r" ($rtar. 3ie#are l$#atar a.ea #)te $ #/eie de la !&a dins(re
alee &i se #$n.enise #"2&i .$r da de &tire' #)nd n! .$r ,i l!at #/eile #!
ei' (rintr2!na' d$!" sa! trei l$.it!ri de #i$#an' ($tri.it #! eta1!l l$#!it9
(ers$ana #are a&te(ta (e #ine.a &i #are re#!n$&tea semnal!l #$$ra &i
des#/idea !&a.
0et"-ean!l %!rand a.ea #/eia n !z!nar' de#i n! "t!.
Cre,ier!l de la *alat $ +"si (e s$-ia +re,ier!l!i de la :inister!l de
R"z$i ,$arte (e (la#!l s"!.
Era' ntr2ade."r' $ ,emeie ,erme#"t$are' a #"rei e6(resie de
ad)n#" triste-e' nti("rit" (e ntrea+a2i ,izi$n$mie' trezea la (rima
.edere !n interes (!terni#. 5" n! !it"m #" triste-ea e !n!l dintre #ele
mai si+!re mi1l$a#e de sed!#-ie ale ,emeil$r ,r!m$ase. Triste-ea i
atra+e (e t$-i "ra-ii' ,"r" e6#e(-ie' #/iar &i (e +re,ieri' #"#i' $ri#e s2ar
s(!ne' +re,ierii s!nt &i ei "ra-i &i n! e6ist" ni#i !n am$r2(r$(ri!'
$ri#)t de ,er$#e' &i ni#i !n s!,let sensiil #are s" n! n"d"1d!ias#" s"
m)n+)ie $ ,emeie ,r!m$as" ntristat" &i s"2i (res#/ime r$zele ale de
(e ten!l (alid n ni&te r$ze mai .esele' #!m s(!nea #et"-ean!l %!rand.
0ei d$i +re,ieri #inar" #! m!lt" ($,t"' d$ar d$amna %!rand n!
+!se nimi# n +!r".
ntre"rile t$t!&i #!r+ea! de la !n!l la #el"lalt.
Cre,ier!l de la :inister!l de R"z$i l intrea (e #$n,ratele s"!' #!
!n interes ne$i&n!it n tim(!rile a#el$r drame #$tidiene' #are era!
!zan-ele' la *alat' zilele de 1!de#at" sa! mi1l$a#ele de s!(ra.e+/ere &i
(az".
Cre,ier!l de la *alat' !#!r$s #" e as#!ltat #! at)ta aten-ie'
r"s(!ndea ine.$it$r' .$rind des(re $i#ei!rile +ardienil$r' des(re
#ele ale l!i 3$!H!ier2Tin.ille &i' n s,)r&it' des(re #ele ale #et"-ean!l!i
5ans$n' (rin#i(al!l a#t$r al tra+ediei #e se 1!#a n ,ie#are sear" n *ia-a
Re.$l!-iei.
A($i' adres)nd!2se #$le+!l!i &i +azdei sale' #erea &i el in,$rma-ii
#! (ri.ire la mini!te-
? OD r"s(!nse %!rand' e! s!nt mai (!-in in,$rmat de#)t d!m2
neata' ,iind d$ar se#retar de +re,ier &i n! tit!lar!l ($st!l!i. 3a# ns"
sl!1a +re,ier!l!i2&e,. 0a ,!n#-i$nar $s#!r' m" ale+ #! tr!da' iar #ei
il!&tri #! (r$,it!l< "sta2i $i#ei!l t!t!r$r ir$#ra-il$r' ,ie &i re.$l!-i$nari.
*"m)nt!l &i #er!l se .$r s#/ima ($ate ntr2$ zi' dar ir$!rile n! se .$r
s#/ima ni#i#)nd.
? Ei ine' e! am s" te a1!t' #et"-ene' s(!se +re,ier!l *alat!l!i'
n#)ntat de .in!l !n al +azdei &i mai #! seam" de $#/ii ,r!m$&i ai
d$amnei %!rand.
? AD m!l-!mes#' i r"s(!nse #el #"r!ia i se ,"#!se asemenea
$,ert" dezinteresat". Ori#e s#/imare a $i#ei!ril$r &i a l$#!ril$r de
m!n#" nseamn" $ distra#-ie (entr! !n iet ,!n#-i$nar' &i mai #!r)nd
m" tem #2am s"2mi ."d l!#r!l terminat la 0$n#ier+erie de#)t #2am s"2l
."d t"r"+"n)nd!2se' mai ales da#" .$i (!tea s2$ ad!# n ,ie#are sear"
la +re," (e d$amna %!rand' #are s2ar (li#tisi sin+!r" ai#i' a#as".
? N! ."d #e te2ar (!tea m(iedi#a' s(!se +re,ier!l *alat!l!i'
n#)ntat de (l"#!ta distra#-ie (e #are i2$ ,"+"d!ia #$n,ratele s"!.
? Ea are s"2mi di#teze a#tele de elierare ale aresta-il$r' !rm"
#et"-ean!l %!rand< &i a($i' din #)nd n #)nd' da#" n! -i2a ("r!t #ina
din seara asta (rea rea' .ei .eni s" mai iei #)te !na la ,el.
* Da& dar n! (rea des' r"s(!nse demn +re,ier!l de la *alat' #"#i
tre!ie s"2-i m"rt!rises# #" .$i ,i -in!t de r"! da#" m" .$i nt$ar#e mai
t)rzi! #a de $i#ei ntr2$ an!me #"s!-" din strada *etit2:!s#.
? Ei ine' las" #" l!#r!rile se .$r aran1a de min!ne' zise %!rand.
N!2i a&a' dra+a meaA
%$amna %!rand' ,$arte (alid" &i la ,el de trist"' ridi#" $#/ii as!(ra
s$-!l!i ei &i r"s(!nse9
? 3a#"2se (re#!m .$ie&ti d!mneata.
>"t!r" !ns(reze#e #eas!ri. Venise tim(!l s" se des(art". Cre,ier!l
de la *alat se ridi#" &i &i l!" r"mas !n de la n$ii s"i (rieteni'
e6(rim)nd!2&i t$at" (l"#erea de #are se !#!rase ,"#)nd #!n$&tin-" #!
ei &i #! #ina l$r.
0et"-ean!l %!rand &i #$nd!se $as(etele ()n" (e (alier. A($i'
nt$r#)nd!2se n #amer"' s(!se9
* Hai& Gene0iB0e& culc"2te.
T)n"ra' ,"r" s" r"s(!nd"' se s#!l"' l!" $ lam(" &i tre#! n #amera
din drea(ta.
%!rand' sa! mai #!r)nd %i6mer' $ (ri.i ie&ind' r"mase $ #li(" (e
+)nd!ri' #! ,r!ntea nt!ne#at" d!(" (le#area ei< a($i tre#! n #amera
sa' #are se a,la n (artea $(!s".
Capitolul XLII
0ELE %OUR >ILETE
0! n#e(ere de2at!n#i' +re,ier!l de la :inister!l de R"z$i .eni n
,ie#are sear" s" l!#reze #! s)r+ n ir$!l #$le+!l!i s"! de la *alat.
%$amna %!rand re#$nstit!ia d$#!mentele din re+istrele (re+"tite
dinainte' iar %!rand #$(ia #! nfocae-
%!rand #er#eta t$t #e era n 1!r' ,"r" s" (ar" #" e atent la #e.a.
>"+ase de seam" #" n ,ie#are sear"' la #eas!rile n$!"' !n (aner #!
de2ale m)n#"rii' ad!s de Ri#/ard sa! de s$-ia l!i' era a&ezat la !&".
'n clipa #n cae "efieul !punea pa%nicul!i9 J0et"-ene' e! (le#K'
(azni#!l' ,ie Cilert' ,ie %!#/esne' ie&ea' l!a (aner!l &i2l d!#ea la
:aria2Ant$aneta.
n tim(!l #el$r trei seri #$nse#!ti.e' n #are %!rand r"m"sese mai
t)rzi! la ($st!l l!i' (aner!l de asemeni r"m"sese mai t)rzi! la l$#!l l!i'
(entr! #" n!mai #)nd des#/idea el !&a' #a s" s(!n" r"mas !n
+re,ier!l!i' (azni#!l l!a #$&!l #! alimente.
La !n s,ert de #eas d!(" #e (aner!l #el (lin era "+at n"!ntr!'
!n!l dintre #ei d$i (azni#i (!nea la !&" #$&!l #el +$l' din a1!n'
a&ez)nd!2l n a#ela&i l$# n #are ,!sese #el"lalt.
n seara zilei a (atra' era la n#e(!t!l l!i $#t$mrie' d!(" &edin-a
$i&n!it"' d!(" #e +re,ier!l *alat!l!i (le#ase' &i %!rand' sa! mai
#!r)nd %i6mer' r"m"sese sin+!r #! s$-ia' el l"s" (ana din m)n"' (e
!rm" se !it" n 1!r &i' #i!lind !re#/ea #! $ aten-ie at)t de n#$rdat" de
(ar#" ar ,i ,$st n 1$# (r$(ria l!i .ia-"' se ridi#" re(ede &i' aler+)nd #!
(a&i n"!&i-i #"tre !&a #! ,erestr!i#"' d"d! la $ (arte &er.et!l #are
a#$(erea (aner!l &i n,i(se n ()inea m$ale' destinat" are!tatei& un tu)
mic de a"int-
A($i' al la ,a-"' trem!r)nd de em$-ie' $ em$-ie #are l t!l!r"
()n" &i (e $m!l #el mai st"()n (e sine d!(" #e a s".)r&it !n a#t
s!(rem' a #"r!i m(linire a ,$st ndel!n+ (re+"tit" &i m!lt a&te(tat"'
trem!r)nd de em$-ie' s(!neam' s2a nt$rs s"2&i reia l$#!l' a("s)nd!2&i
$ m)n" (e ,r!nte &i #ealalt" (e inim".
Gene0iB0e !-a uitat la el !" .ad" #e &i #!m ,a#e' ,"r" s"2i s(!n" ni#i
!n #!.)nt< n m$d $i&n!it' de #)nd s$-!l ei $ l!ase de la :a!ri#e' ea
a&te(ta t$tdea!na #a el s"2i ade!e%e pimul cu0$ntul-
T$t!&i' de data a#easta' ea r!(se t"#erea.
? Ast"2sear"A ntr" ea.
? N!' m)ine' r"s(!nse %i6mer.
Ii' ridi#)nd!2se' d!(" #e se !itase n 1!r!2i &i tr"sese din n$! #!
!re#/ea' n#/ise re+istrele' se a(r$(ie de !&a #! ,erestr!i#" &i "t! n
ea.
? 0e2iA ntre" Cilert
? 0et"-ene' r"s(!nse el' e! (le#.
? >ine' s(!se (azni#!l din ,!nd!l #el!lei. >!n" seara.
? >!n" seara' #et"-ene Cilert.
%!rand a!zi s#)r-)it!l z".$arel$r &i' n-ele+)nd #" (azni#!l a.ea
s" des#/id" !&a' (le#".
/e coid$r!l #e d!#ea de la l$#!in-a tai#"i Ri#/ard n #!rte' el se
izi de !n temni#ier #e (!rta $ $net" de lan" &i n.)rtea $ le+"t!r"
+rea de #/ei.
*e %i6mer l #!(rinse ,ri#a< $m!l a#ela r!tal' #a t$-i #$le+ii de
meserie' a.ea s"2l #er#eteze' s"2l (ri.eas#"' s"2l re#!n$as#" ($ate' &i
ndes" mai tare ("l"ria (e #a(' n .reme #e Cene.iV.e &i a#$(erea
$#/ii #! +arnit!ra (elerin!-ei ei ne+re.
%ar %i6mer se n&elase.
? A/D ierta-i2m"D %$ar at)t s(!se temni#ier!l' #! t$ate #" el
,!sese #el izit.
%i6mer tres"ri a!zind!2i .$#ea l)nd" &i ($liti#$as". %ar tem2
ni#er!l era ,"r" nd$ial" +r"it9 stre#!r)nd!2se (e #$rid$r' des#/ise !&a
de la l$#!in-a tai#"i Ri#/ard &i se ,"#! ne."z!t. %i6mer &i !rm"
dr!m!l' m(re!n" #! Cene.iB0e-
? 0e #i!datD s(!se el' #)nd se ."z! a,ar"' d!(" #e !&a se n#/i2
sese n s(atele l!i &i #!rent!l de aer i r"#$rise ,r!ntea n#ins".
? %a' ,$arte #i!dat' &$(ti Cene.iV.e.
*e .remea intimit"-ii l$r' #ei d$i s$-i &i2ar ,i m("rt"&it !n!l alt!ia
(ri#ina !imirii. %ar %i6mer &i (e#etl!i +)nd!rile n minte' #"!t)nd s" le
al!n+e #a (e2$ /al!#ina-ie' iar Cene.iB0e& tec$nd de /ont-au-C1an"e&
!e mul-!mi s" ar!n#e $ !ltim" (ri.ire as!(ra s!mr!l!i *alat' n #are
#e.a asem"n"t$r ,ant$mei (rieten!l!i (ierd!t trezise ntr2nsa at)tea
amintiri d!l#i &i t$t$dat" amare.
Am)nd$i a1!nser" n *ia-a CrB0e& f"r" s" mai ,i r$stit ni#i !n
#!.)nt.
ntre tim(' (azni#!l Cilert ie&ise &i l!ase (aner!l #! alimente'
destinat re+inei' n el se a,la! ,r!#te' !n (!i ,ri(t' $ sti#l" de .in al' $
+ara," de a(" &i 1!m"tate dintr2$ ()ine de d$!" li.re.
Cilert ridi#" &er.et!l &i #$nstat" a&ezarea $i&n!it" a $ie#tel$r
(!se n (aner de #"tre #et"-eana Ri#/ard' d!(" #are' d)nd la $ (arte
(ara.an!l' s(!se #! +las tare9
? 0et"-ean"' iat" masa.
Maia-Antoaneta up!e p$inea& da de ndat" #e a(!#" $ !#at" de
()ine ntre de+ete' sim-i atin+erea re#e a ar+int!l!i &i n-elese #" n
()inea a#eea se a,la #e.a e6tra$rdinar.
Atunci pi0i #n 3u& da pa%nicul pleca!e-
Re+ina r"mase $ #li(" nemi&#at"< era atent"' s$#$tind (a&ii
(azni#!l!i #e se de("rta tre(tat.
0)nd se n#redin-a #" e sin+!r" &i #" Cilert se a&ezase l)n+"
#amarad!l s"!' s#$ase t!!&$r!l din ()ine. n el se a,la !n ilet' l
des,"#! &i #iti #ele #e !rmeaz"9
J%$amn"' ,i-i +ata m)ine la $ra la #are a-i (rimit ilet!l de ,a-"'
#"#i m)ine' la a#eea&i $r"' $ ,emeie .a ,i ad!s" n #el!la
ma1est"-ii2.$astre. 3emeia se .a mr"#a #! .e&tmintele
d$mniei2.$astre &i .i le .a da (e ale sale. *e !rm" .e-i ie&i din
0$n#ier+erie la ra-!l !n!ia dintre #ei mai de.$ta-i sl!1it$ri ai
d!mnea.$astr".
5" n! ." s(erie z+$m$t!l #e se .a (r$d!#e n n#"(erea .e#in"< s"
n! ." $(ri-i &i s" n! &$."i-i ni#i la -i(ete' ni#i la +emete< s" n! a.e-i
alt" +ri1" de#)t #ea de2a mr"#a #)t mai re(ede r$#/ia &i de2a ." (!ne
(e !meri (elerin!-a ,emeii #are tre!ie s" ia l$#!l ma1est"-ii2.$astre.K
? 0e de.$tamentD &$(ti re+ina. :!l-!mes#!2-i' %$amneD A&adar'
n! s!nt' #!m se s(!nea' -inta /!lei t!t!r$r.
:aria2Ant$aneta re#iti ilet!l. Aia at!n#i ,! izit" de (ara+ra,!l al
d$ilea.
? J5" n! &$."i-i ni#i la -i(ete &i ni#i la +emeteK' &$(ti ea. Asta
nseamn" #" #ei d$i (azni#i ai mei .$r ,i l$.i-i' ie-ii $ameniD' ei #are
mi2a! ar"tat at)ta mil"D VaiD ni#i$dat"' ni#i$dat"D
R!(se 1!m"tatea a d$!a a ilet!l!i' #are era nes#ris" &i' #!m n!
a.ea ni#i (an"' l!" a#!l #! #are2&i (rindea ,i&i!l &i n-e(" n /)rtie litere
#e al#"t!ir" #!.intele !rm"t$are9
JN! ($t &i n! tre!ie s" (rimes# sa#ri,i#area .ie-ii nim"n!i n
s#/im!l .ie-ii mele.
M- A-C
*e !rm" (!se /)rtia n t!' (e #are l .)r n #ea de2a d$!a (arte a
()inii upte-
Aia se terminase $(era-ia des#ris" mai s!s #)nd #eas!rile "t!r"
ze#e. Re+ina' #! !#ata de ()ine n m)n"' n!m"r" #! triste-e "t"ile
$rel$r #are .ira! lent &i distin#t' #)nd a!zi la !na dintre ,erestrele #e
d"dea! s(re a&a2n!mita #!rte a ,emeil$r !n z+$m$t strident'
asem"n"t$r #el!i (r$d!s de !n diamant #e z+)ria sti#la. @+$m$t!l ,!
!rmat de2$ l$.it!r" !&$ar" n ,ereastr"' l$.it!r" re(etat" de mai m!lte
$ri' a#$(erit" #! inten-ie de t!sea !n!i "rat. *e !rm"' n #$l-!l
+eam!l!i se i.i $ !#"-i#" de /)rtie r"s!#it" s!l' #are al!ne#" n#eti&$r
&i #"z! 1$s' l)n+" zid. A($i re+ina a!zi z+$m$t!l le+"t!rii de #/ei #e
s"lta! izind!2se !nele de altele' &i (a&i #e se de("rta!' $#"nind (e
(a.a1.
V"z! #" +eam!l ,!sese +"!rit ntr2!n #$l-' &i #" (rin #$l-!l +"!rii'
"rat!l #e se de("rta stre#!rase /)rtia' #are era ,"r" nd$ial" t$t !n
ilet. Ii ilet!l &edea (e ("m)nt' la (i#i$arele ei. Re+ina l s$rea din
$#/i' tr"+)nd #! !re#/ea da#" .re!n!l dintre (azni#i n! se a(r$(ie
#!m.a de ea< dar i a!zi .$rind!2&i (e &$(tite' #a de $i#ei' (rintr2$
#$n.en-ie ta#it"' #a s" n!2i t!l!re lini&tea. At!n#i se s#!l" n#eti&$r'
-in)nd!2&i r"s!,larea' &i se d!se s" ridi#e /)rti!-a.
Un $ie#t s!-ire &i d!r #"z!' al!ne#)nd #a dintr2$ tea#"' &i se izi
de #"r"mida (ard$selii' r"s!n)nd metali#. Era $ (il" de #ea mai mare
,ine-e' mai #!r)nd $ i1!terie de#)t $ !nealt"' $ (ies" de $-el #! #are &i
m)na #ea mai sla" &i mai st)n+a#e ar ,i (!t!t t"ia ntr2!n s,ert de $r"
,ier!l #el$r mai +r$ase +ratii.
J%$amn"' +r"ia /)rtia' m)ine la #eas!rile n$!" &i 1!m"tate' !n
"rat .a .eni s" stea de .$r" #! +ardienii #e ." ("zes#' (rin ,ereas2
tra dins(re #!rtea ,emeil$r. n a#el r"stim(' ma1estatea2.$astr" s" taie
a treia +ratie de la ,ereastra sa' mer+)nd dins(re st)n+a s(re
drea(ta... T"ia-i (iezi&' !n s,ert de #eas tre!ie s"2i ,ie de2a1!ns
ma1est"-ii2.$astre' (e !rm" ,i-i (re+"tit" s" tre#e-i (rin ,ereastr"...
Itirea ." .ine de la !n!l dintre #ei mai de.$ta-i &i #redin#i$&i sl!1it$ri'
#are &i2a n#/inat .ia-a ma1est"-ii2.$astre &i ar ,i ,eri#it s" &i2$ sa#ri,i#e
(entr! ea.K
? OD &$(ti re+ina' s" ,ie $are $ #!rs"A %ar n!' s#ris!l mi se (are
#!n$s#!t' e a#ela&i #a la Tem(le< e s#ris!l 0a.aler!l!i de
:ais$n2R$!+e. 3ieD %!mneze! .rea ($ate s" s#a(.
Ii re+ina #"z! n +en!n#/i &i se #!,!nd" n r!+"#i!ne' alsam!l
s!.eran al aresta-il$r.
Capitolul XLIII
*RECRTIRILE LUI %I4:ER
@i!a !rm"t$are' (re#edat" de $ n$a(te de ins$mnie' .eni n
s,)r&it' +r$azni#" &i' (!tem s(!ne ,"r" e6a+erare' de #!l$area s)n+el!i.
%e ,a(t' n e($#a a#eea &i mai #! seam" n an!l a#ela' s$arele'
$ri#)t de ,r!m$s ar ,i ,$st' a.ea n ,ie#are zi ni&te (ete (alide2.ine-ii.
Re+ina aia (!t! s" d$arm"' &i s$mn!l n!2i ad!se $di/n"< de #!m
n#/idea $#/ii i ("rea #" .ede s)n+e' i ("rea #" a!de stri+"te &i
+emete.
Adomise #! (ila n m)n".
O (arte din zi $ n#/inase r!+"#i!nii. *azni#ii $ .edea! r!+)nd!2se
at)t de des' n#)t n!2i n+ri1$r" del$# s($r!l a#ela de #!#erni#ie.
%in tim( n tim(' arestata s#$tea de la (ie(t (ila #are2i ,!sese
trimis" de !n!l dintre sal.at$rii ei &i #$m(ara ,ra+ilitatea instr!2
ment!l!i #! (!terea +ratiil$r.
%in ,eri#ire' +ratiile n! era! ,i6ate n zid de#)t ntr2$ sin+!r" (arte'
adi#" n (artea de 1$s.
*artea de s!s se m!#a ntr2$ +ratie trans.ersal"< $dat" (artea
de 1$s t"iat"' n! mai r"m)nea de#)t s" tra+i +ratia' &i +ratia ie&ea.
%ar n! din (ri#ina +re!t"-il$r ,izi#e &$."ia re+ina9 n-elesese #)t se
($ate de ine #" l!#r!l era #! (!tin-"' &i t$#mai (!tin-a a#eea (re,"#ea
s(eran-a ntr2$ ,la#"r" s)n+er)nd" #are $ $rea.
*resim-ea #" (rietenii ei' #a s" a1!n+" la ea' tre!ia! s" !#id"
(azni#ii &i re+ina n2ar ,i admis #! ni#i !n (re- m$artea l$r< de m!lt"
.reme $amenii a#eia era! sin+!rii #are i ar"ta! $are#are mil".
*e de alt" (arte' din#$l$ de +ratiile (e #are i se #erea s" le taie'
tre#)nd (este tr!(!rile #el$r d$i $ameni s$rti-i (ieirii ,iind#" i2ar ,i
m(iedi#at (e sal.at$ri s2a1!n+" la ea' din#$l$ era .ia-a' liertatea &i
($ate r"z!narea' trei l!#r!ri ademenit$are' mai #! seam" (entr! $
,emeie' n#)t &i #erea iertare de la %!mneze! #" le doea at$t de
fie)inte-
Oser.ase' dealt,el' #" ni#i !n s$i de "n!ial" n!2i t!l!ra (e
(azni#i. 0)t des(re #!rsa ntins" arestatei' (res!(!n)nd #" (r$ie#tat!l
#$m(l$t n! era de#)t $ #!rs"' ni#i (rin minte n! le tre#ea !na #a asta.
Re+ina ren!n-" a(r$a(e n ntre+ime la +)nd!rile #are $ ,"#ea! s"
#$nsidere #ele d$!" (r$(!neri #e2i ,!seser" ,"#!te dre(t ni&te #a(#ane.
%ar (e m"s!r" #e r!&inea de2a ,i (rins" n !na dintre #ele d$!" #!rse $
("r"sea' era #!(rins" de2$ team" mai mare' a#eea de2a .edea
#!r+)nd s)n+ele ."rsat (entr! ea.
J>izar destin &i s!lim s(e#ta#$lD &$(ti ea. %$!" #$ns(ira-ii se
!nes# #a s" sal.eze $ s"rman" re+in"' sa! mai #!r)nd $ iat" ,emeie
arestat"' #are n2a ,"#!t as$l!t nimi# #a s"2i ademeneas#" sa! s"2i
n#!ra1eze (e #$ns(irat$ri' &i #$ns(ira-iile a! s" se dea n .ilea+ n
a#ela&i tim(.
0ine &tieD ($ate #" am)nd$!" n! s!nt de#)t !na &i a#eea&i. *$ate
#"2i $ m)n" d!l" #e tre!ie s" a1!n+" ntr2!n sin+!r (!n#t.
%a#" a& .rea' a& ,i sal.at"D
%ar $ iat" ,emeie sa#ri,i#at" n l$#!l meu+
Ii d$i $ameni !#i&i (entr! #a ,emeia a#eea s" a1!n+" ()n" la
mineD
Nici Dumne%eu& nici 0iitoul nu mi-a ieta una ca a!ta-
0! ne(!tin-"' #! ne(!tin-"D...K
%ar at!n#i n mintea ei se (erinda! iar"&i &i iar"&i m"re-ele idei
des(re de.$tament!l sl!1it$ril$r (entr! st"()nii l$r' &i .e#/ile tradi-ii
(ri.it$are la dre(t!l st"()nil$r de2a dis(!ne de .ie-ile sl!1it$ril$r9
,ant$me a(r$a(e s(!lerate ale !nei re+alit"-i m!ri!nde.
JAnna de A!stria' &i s(!nea ea' ar ,i a##e(tat. Anna de A!stria ar
,i (!s mai (res!s de $ri#e l!#r! m"re-!l (rin#i(i! al sal."rii (ers$anel$r
de s)n+e re+es#.
Anna de A!stria era dintr2a#ela&i s)n+e #! mine &i a(r$a(e n
a#eea&i sit!a-ie #a mine.
A ,$st $ ne!nie #2am .enit s" #$ntin!i n 3ran-a re+alitatea Annei
de A!striaD
Dealtfel nu eu am 0enit- Doi e"i au !pu!4
Z2 E im($rtant #a d$i #$(ii de s)n+e re+es# #are n! s2a! ."z!t
ni#i$dat"' #are n! s2a! i!it' #are ($ate #" n! se .$r i!i ni#i$dat"' s"
,ie #"s"t$ri-i la a#ela&i altar' #a a($i s" m$ar" (e a#ela&i e&a,$d.[
Ii a($i' m$artea mea n! $ .a ad!#e $are &i (e #ea a s"rman!l!i
me! #$(il #are' n $#/ii (!-inil$r (rieteni (e #are i am' e n#" re+ele
3ran-eiA
Ii #)nd ,i!l me! .a ,i m$rt #a &i s$-!l me!' #ele d$!" !mre n!
.$r s!r)de de mil"' ."z)nd #" am m)n1it #! s)n+ele me! r"m"&i-ele
tr$n!l!i l!i L!d$.i# #el 5,int' n!mai #a s" #r!- #)te.a (i#"t!ri de s)n+e
.!l+arAK
A&a' #!(rins" de temeri din #e n #e mai mari' de ,era nd$ielii'
ale #"rei (!lsa-ii se nte-ea!' &i' n s,)r&it' de +r$az"' a nt)m(inat
re+ina nserarea.
De mai multe $ri s2a !itat (e ,!ri& la #ei d$i (azni#i< ni#i$dat" n!
ar"taser" a ,i mai lini&ti-i #a at!n#i.
Ii ni#i$dat" mi#ile aten-ii ale $amenil$r a#el$ra +r$s$lani' dar !ni
la s!,let' n2$ im(resi$naser" mai tare. 0)nd !mra nser"rii ("tr!nse n
#el!l"' #)nd (a&ii (atr!lei de r$nd se a!zir" l$.ind #aldar)m!l' #)nd
z+$m$t!l armel$r &i !rlet!l #)inil$r trezir" e#$!rile s!mrel$r $l-i'
#)nd' n s,)r&it' n#/is$area ntrea+" se ."dea ns("im)nt"t$are &i
li(sit" de $ri#e s(eran-"' :aria2Ant$aneta' st"()nit" de sl"i#i!nea
inerent" ,irii ,emeie&ti' se s#!l" ns("im)ntat"' s(!n)nd9
? %a' am s" ,!+' am s" ,!+. 0)nd .$r .eni &i .$r .$ri' am s" tai $
+ratie &i am s" a&te(t s"2mi /$t"ras#" s$arta %!mneze! &i sal.at$rii
mei. 5!nt dat$are ,a-" de #$(iii mei. *e ei n2a! s"2i $m$are sa!' da#"2i
$m$ar"' iar e! am s" ,i! lier"' a/D at!n#i' #el (!-in...
N!2&i is(r".i .$ra' #"#i $#/ii i se n#/iser" &i !zele i se
n#le&tar". A ,$st !n .is ns("im)nt"t$r al !nei iete re+ine n#/ise
ntr2$ n#"(ere #! z".$are &i +ratii. %ar' #!r)nd' t$t n .is!l ei' +ratiile
&i z".$arele #"z!r"< se ."z! n mi1l$#!l !nei armate s!mre &i
nemil$ase' ($r!n#ea ,l"#"rii s" str"l!#eas#"' s"iei s" ias" din tea#"<
se r"z!na (e !n ($($r #are' la !rma !rmei' ni#i m"#ar n! era al ei.
n a#el r"stim(' Cilert &i %!#/esne st"tea! de .$r" lini&ti-i'
(re+"tind!2&i masa de sear".
T$t at!n#i' %i6mer &i Cene.iV.e intra! la 0$n#ienerie &i' #a de
$i#ei' se instala! la +re,". %!(" !n #eas de la .enirea l$r' de asemeni
($tri.it $i#ei!l!i' +re,ier!l *alat!l!i &i termina tre!rile &i i l"sa
sin+!ri.
%e ndat" #e !&a se n#/ise n !rma #$le+!l!i s"!' %i6mer se
re(ezi la (aner!l +$l' a&ezat la !&" n l$#!l (aner!l!i din seara a#eea.
A(!#" !#ata de ()ine' $ r!(se &i +"si t!!l.
>ile-el!l re+inei era n#/is n el. %i6mer l #iti' ("lind.
Ii (e #)nd Cene.iV.e se !ita la el' $ser.)nd!2l' %i6mer r!(se
/)rtia n !#"-ele mi#i (e #are le ar!n#" n +!ra s$ei n#inse.
? >ine' ,"#! el' t$t!l e n $rdine.
Apoi& #ntoc$ndu-!e !pe Gene0iB0e& %i!e4
? Vin$' d$amn".
* Eu.
* %a' tre!ie s"2-i .$res# n &$a(t".
Gene0iB0e& -ea("n" &i re#e #a marm!ra' ,"#! !n +est de re2
semnare &i se a(r$(ie.
? Iat"' a .enit #eas!l' d$amn"' s(!se %i6mer. As#!lt"2m".
* Da& domnule-
? *re,eri $ m$arte !til" #a!zei n$astre' $ m$arte (entr! #are s"
te ine#!.)nteze !n (artid ntre+ &i s" te (l)n+" t$t ($($r!l' de#)t $
m$arte r!&in$as" &i 1$sni#"' .enit" din r"z!nare' n!2i a&aA
* Da& domnule-
? A& ,i (!t!t s" te !#id (e l$#' #)nd te2am +"sit la amant!l
d!mitale< dar !n $m #a mine' #are &i2a #$nsa#rat .ia-a !nei #a!ze
demne &i s,inte' tre!ie s" &tie s" tra+" ,$l$ase din (r$(riile2i
nen$r$#iri &i s" le #$nsa#re a#elei #a!ze' a&a #!m am ,"#!t e! sa! mai
#!r)nd #!m inten-i$nez s" ,a#. %!(" #!m ai ."z!t' am ren!n-at la
(l"#erea de a2mi ,a#e sin+!r dre(tate. L2am #r!-at &i (e amant!l
d!mitale.
0e.a asem"n"t$r !n!i s!r)s ,!+ar' dar +r$azni#' ,l!t!r" (e !zele
li.ide ale Cene.iB0ei-
? 0)t des(re amant!l d!mitale' tre!ie s" n-ele+i' d!mneata '
#are m" #!n$&ti' #" n2am a&te(tat de#)t !n (rile1 mai !n.
* Domnule& !unt "ata- De ce atunci a!emenea peam)ul.
? E&ti +ataA
? %a' d!mneata m" !#izi. Ai dre(tate' a&te(t.
%i6mer se !it" la Cene.iV.e &i tres"ri ,"r" .$ie9 n m$ment!l a#ela
era s!lim"' $ a!re$l" ("rea #"2i l!mineaz" ,iin-a' #ea mai
str"l!#it$are dintre toate& cea cae 0ine din da"o!te-
? A#!m s" #$ntin!i' !rm" %i6mer. Am (re.enit2$ (e re+in". Ea
a&tea(t". T$t!&i' d!(" t$ate (r$ailit"-ile' re+ina .a ,a#e $ie#-i!ni'
dar d!mneata ai s2$ sile&ti.
? >ine' d$mn!le' ($r!n#e&te &i m" .$i s!(!ne.
? A#!&i' !rm" %i6mer' am s" at la !&" &i Cilert .a des#/ide. 0!
(!mnal!l "sta ? %i6mer &i des,"#! /aina &i2i ar"t"' tr"+)nd!2l (e
1!m"tate din tea#"' !n (!mnal #! d$!" t"i&!ri ? #! (!mnal!l "sta am
s"2l !#id.
Gene0iB0e !e cutemu" ,"r" .$ie.
%i6mer ,"#! !n semn #! m)na (rin #are i #erea s" ,ie atent".
? n #li(a n #are2l l$.es#' #$ntin!" el' te re(ezi n #amera
de2al"t!ri' !nde se a,l" re+ina. U&" n! e6ist"' d!(" #!m &tii' n!mai !n
(ara.an' &i d!mneata s#/imi mr"#"mintea #! ea' n tim( #e e! l .$i
!#ide (e2al d$ilea s$ldat. At!n#i am s2$ ia! (e re+in" la ra- &i am s"
ies #! ea.
* Aoate )ine& !pu!e ece Gene0iB0e-
? n-ele+iA $ ntre" %i6mer. n ,ie#ere sear" e&ti ."z!t" #!
(elerin!-a de ta,ta nea+r" #are2-i a#$(er" ,a-a. *!ne (elerin!-a (e
!merii ma1est"-ii2sale &i ($tri.e&te2i #!tele a&a #!m ai $i#ei!l s" le
($tri.e&ti (e d!mneata.
* Voi face #ntocmai cum !pui& domnule-
? N!2mi mai r"m)ne de#)t s" te iert &i s"2-i m!l-!mes# d$amn"'
ad"!+" %i6mer.
Gene0iB0e cl"tin" din #a( #! !n s!r)s re#e.
* Nu am ne0oie de iertarea d!mitale' d$mn!le' ni#i de
m!l-!mirile d!mitale' s(!se ea' ntinz)nd m)na. 0eea #e ,a# sa! mai
#!r)nd #eea #e am s" ,a# &ter+e $ #rim"' #! t$ate #" e! n! s!nt
.in$.at" de#)t de2$ sl"i#i!ne. Ii s(re sl"i#i!nea a#eea' ad!2-i
aminte' d$mn!le' a(r$a(e #" m2ai m(ins (rin (!rtarea d!mitale. E!
,!+eam de el &i d!mneata m" m(in+eai n ra-ele l!i. A&a #"
d!mneata e&ti insti+at$r!l' 1!de#"t$r!l &i' (e deas!(ra' &i r"z!n"t$r!l.
%e#i e! tre!ie s" te iert #" m" $m$ri' &i te iert. E! tre!ie s"2-i
m!l-!mes#' d$mn!le' #"2mi iei .ia-a' (entr! #" .ia-a mi2ar ,i de
nes!,erit de(arte de sin+!r!l $m (e #are2l i!es#' mai #! seam" din
#eas!l n #are d!mneata' dintr2$ r"z!nare s"lati#"' ai s,"r)mat t$ate
le+"t!rile dintre mine &i el.
%i6mer &i n,i(se !n+/iile n #arne. V$i s" r"s(!nd"' dar n! a.!
+las.
3"#! #)-i.a (a&i (rin +re,"' d!(" #are s(!se' n s,)r&it9
? Tim(!l tre#e' ,ie#are #li(" e (re-i$as". Baide' d$amn"' e&ti
+ataA
? i2am s(!s' d$mn!le' r"s(!nse Cene.iV.e #! #alm!l !nei
martire' a&te(tD
DiFmer &i ad!n" /)rtiile' se d!se s" .ad" da#" t$ate !&ile s!nt
ine n#/ise' da#" nimeni n2ar ,i (!t!t intra n +re,"< a($i .$i s" re(ete
s$-iei sale t$ate instr!#-i!nile.
? In!til' d$mn!le' s(!se Cene.iV.e' &ti! (er,e#t #e am de ,"#!t.
? At!n#i' r"mas !nD
Ii %i6mer i ntinse m)na' #a &i #!m' n #li(a a#eea s!(rem"' $ri#e
im(!tare ar ,i tre!it s" se &tear+" n ,a-a !nei sit!a-ii at)t de m"re-e
&i a !n!i sa#ri,i#i! at)t de s!lim.
Gene0iB0e& cutemu$ndu-!e& atin!e cu 0$ful de"etelo m$na
!o-!l!i ei.
* Vino l)n+" mine' d$amn"' s(!se %i6mer' &i' ndat" #e2l .$i ,i
l$.it (e Cilert' intr".
* Sunt "ata-
At!n#i %i6mer str)nse n m)na drea(t" (!mnal!l s"! mare' iar #!
st)n+a "t! n !&".
Capitolul XLIV
*RECRTIRILE 0AVALERULUI %E :Al5ON2ROUCE
'n 0eme ce !cena des#ris" n #a(it$l!l (re#edent se des,"&!ra n
,a-a !&ii de la +re,"' #e d"dea n n#/is$area re+inei' sa! mai (re#is n
(rima n#"(ere' $#!(at" de #ei d$i (azni#i' alte (re+"tiri se ,"#ea!' n
(artea $(!s"' adi#" n #!rtea ,emeil$r.
Un "rat se i.i dintr2$ dat"' #a $ stat!ie de (iatr" #are s2ar ,i
des(rins din zid. >"rat!l era ns$-it de d$i #)ini &i (e #)nd int$na
#)nte#!l #are era ,$arte la m$d" n e($#a a#eea' l$.i #! le+"t!ra de
#/ei (e #are $ -inea n m)na #ele #in#i +ratii #e ,ere#a! ,ereastra
e"inei-
Re+ina tres"ri mai nt)i' dar' l!)nd ,a(t!l dre(t !n semnal'
des#/ise n#eti&$r ,ereastra &i se a(!#" de l!#r! #! $ m)n" mai
e6(erimentat" de#)t s2ar ,i (!t!t #rede' #"#i n! $ dat"' n atelier!l de
l"#"t!&erie n #are a!+!st!l ei s$- se distrase $dini$ar" (etre#)nd!2&i
a#$l$ $ (arte a zilei' ea' #! de+etele2i deli#ate' a(!#ase instr!mente
asem"n"t$are #el!i n #are a#!m se s(ri1inea! t$ate &ansele de
sal.are.
%e ndat" #e a!zi ,ereastra re+inei des#/iz)nd!2se' "rat!l #!
le+"t!ra de #/ei se d!se s" at" n +eam!l (azni#il$r.
? EiD e6#lam" Cilert !it)nd!2se (rintre +ratii' e #et"-ean!l
:ard$#/e.
? 0/iar el' r"s(!nse a#esta. 5e (are #" (aza n$astr" mer+e de
min!neD
? 0a de $i#ei' #et"-ene. mi (are ine #" n! ne +"se&ti .in" (rea
des.
? EiD ,"#! :ard$#/e' n n$a(tea asta tre!ie s" ,im mai .i+ilen-i
#a $ri#)nd.
? NaD e6#lam" %!#/esne' a(r$(iind!2se.
? %a' da' #! si+!ran-"D
? %ar #e se nt)m(l"A
? %es#/ide-i ,ereastra' #" ." ($.estes#.
* De!c1ide& !pu!e Duc1e!ne-
Cilert des#/ise ,ereastra &i s#/im" $ str)n+ere de m)n" #!
(!rt"t$r!l #/eil$r' #are se &i m(rietenise #! #ei d$i (azni#i.
? 0e se2nt)m(l"' #et"-ene :ard$#/eA re(et" Cilert.
? 0e s" se2nt)m(leA Iedin-a 0$n.en-iei s2a #am n,ier)ntat. A-i
#itit &tirileA
* Nu- Da ce !-a petecut.
? 0e s" se (etrea#"A :ai nt)i de t$ate #et"-ean!l BEert a
des#$(erit !n l!#r!.
* Cae anume.
? *"i' #$ns(irat$rii (e #are2i #redea! m$r-i s!nt .ii' &i n#" ,$arte
.iiD
? A/' daD s(!se Cilert< %elessart &i T/ierr=< am a!zit .$rind!2se
des(re asta. 5e zi#e #" s!nt #n An"lia& nete)nicii-
? Ii 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+eD ,"#! (!rt"t$r!l #/eil$r' ridi#)nd
+las!l s"2l a!d" re+ina.
? 0!mD &i2a#ela e n An+liaA
? %aG de !ndeD E n 3ran-a' !rm" :ard$#/e ("str)nd!2&i +las!l la
a#ela&i dia(az$n.
* S-a #nto!.
* Nici n-a plecat-
? Iat" !n!l #are are t!(e!' n! +l!m"D zise %!#/esne.
? A&a e elD
? Ei ine' a! s" n#er#e s"2l aresteze.
? 5i+!r #" a! s" n#er#e s"2l aresteze. %ar' d!(" #)t se (are' n!2i
l!#r! !&$r.
n #li(a a#eea' #!m (ila re+inei s#r)&nea a&a de tare (e +ratii'
n#)t (!rt"t$r!l de #/ei se tem! s" n! ,ie a!zit" n #i!da s,$r-"ril$r (e
#are le ,"#ea #a s" a#$(ere z+$m$t!l' a("s" #! #"l#)i!l (e laa !n!ia
dintre #)inii s"i' #are s#$ase !n !rlet de d!rere.
* Vai+ )ietul c$ine+ !pu!e Gil)et-
? EiD ,"#! (!rt"t$r!l #/eil$r' n2a.ea de#)t s" n#al-e ni&te sa$-i.
N2ai de +)nd s" ta#i' Cir$ndin' n2ai de +)nd s" ta#iA
? *e #)inele t"! l #/eam" Cir$ndin' #et"-ene :ard$#/eA
? %a' i2am dat n!mele "sta.
? Ei' &i s(!neai #"' n#e(! %!#/esne' #are' se#/estrat &i el'
as#!lta .e&tile #! a#ela&i interes #a &i aresta-ii' zi#eai #"A
? %a' a&a2i' ." s(!neam #" #et"-ean!l BEert' "sta zi# &i e!
(atri$tD' a intr$d!s $ m$-i!ne #!m #" a!stria#a s" ,ie d!s" iar"&i la
Tem(le.
? Ii de #e' m" r$+A
? *entr! #" (retinde #" a ,$st sm!ls" din Tem(le n!mai #a s" ,ie
s!stras" ins(e#-iei dire#te a 0$m!nei din *aris.
? Ii tentati.el$r a,!risit!l!i de :ais$n2R$!+e' s(!se Cilert. mi
(are #" s!terana e6ist".
? 0/iar asta i2a r"s(!ns &i #et"-ean!l 5anterre' dar BEert a zis
#" de .reme #e s!ntem (re.eni-i n! mai e6ist" (rime1die' #" la Tem(le
:aria2Ant$aneta (!tea ,i -in!t" #! 1!m"tate din m"s!rile de (re#a!-ie
ne#esare ai#i. %e ,a(t' e2ade."rat #" Tem(le e $ #$nstr!#-ie m!lt mai
s$lid" de#)t 0$n#ier+erie.
? *e #instea mea' s(!se Cilert' e! a& .rea s2$ d!#" na($i la
Tem(le.
? n-ele+' -i .ine +re! s2$ ("ze&ti.
? N!' m" ntristeaz".
:ais$n2R$!+e t!&i (!terni#< (e m"s!r" #e ("tr!ndea mai ad)n# n
+ratia de ,ier' (ila ,"#ea mai m!lt z+$m$t.
? Ii #e s2a /$t"r)t ()n" la !rm"A ntre" %!#/esne' d!(" #e
a##es!l de t!se al (!rt"t$r!l!i de #/ei tre#!.
? 52a /$t"r)t s" r"m)n" ai#i' dar s" i se intenteze n!maide#)t
(r$#es!l.
* Vai+ 5iata femeie+ !pu!e Gil)et-
%!#/esne' al #"r!i a!z era mai ,in de#)t al #$le+!l!i s"!' sa! a
#"r!i aten-ie era mai (!-in #a(ti.at" de ($.e&tile l!i :ard$#/e' se
a(le#" s" tra+" #! !re#/ea s(re #$m(artiment!l din st)n+a.
*!rt"t$r!l #/eil$r $ser." mi&#area.
? A&a #"' n-ele+i d!mneata %!#/esne' s(!se el #! .i$i#i!ne'
tentati.ele #$ns(irat$ril$r .$r de.eni #! at)t mai dis(erate #! #)t ei &i
.$r da seama #" a! mai (!-in tim( naintea l$r #a s" le (!n" la #ale &i
s" le e6e#!te. 5e .$r d!la (azni#ii la n#/is$ri' dat ,iind #"2i .$ra ni#i
mai m!lt ni#i mai (!-in de#)t de $ in.azie armat" n 0$n#ier+erie.
0$ns(irat$rii .$r !#ide t$t!l n #alea l$r ()n" .$r ("tr!nde la re+in"' la
."d!.a 0a(et' .rea! s" s(!n.
? Ei' naD dar #!m a! s" intre #$ns(irat$riiA
? %e+/iza-i n (atri$-i' se .$r (re,a#e #" n#e( iar"&i !n 7
se(temrie' ti#"l$&iiD Ii2a($i' $dat" !&ile des#/ise' s2a is(r".itD
Urm" $ #li(" de t"#ere' (rile1!it" de !imirea (azni#il$r.
*!rt"t$r!l de #/ei a!zi' #! !#!rie &i s(aim" t$t$dat"' #!m (ila
#$ntin!a s" s#)r-ie. >"t!r" $rele n$!".
n a#ela&i tim( se a!zir" #i$#"nit!ri la !&a +re,ei' dar #ei d$i
(azni#i' (re$#!(a-i' n! r"s(!nser".
* Ei ine' .$m .e+/ea' .$m .e+/ea ,"r" r"+az' s(!se Cilert.
? Ii' da#" tre!ie' .$m m!ri la ($st!rile n$astre #a ni&te
ade."ra-i re(!li#ani' ad"!+" %!#/esne.
J0!r)nd tre!ie s" termineK' &i s(!nea (!rt"t$r!l de #/ei'
&ter+)nd!2&i ,r!ntea de s!d$are.
? Ii d!mneata' n #eea #e te (ri.e&te' zise Cilert' .e+/ezi'
(res!(!n' #"#i n2ai s" ,ii mai ,erit de#)t n$i' da#2ar ,i s" se nt)m(le
.re!n e.eniment de ,el!l #el!i (e #are ni2l (re.este&ti.
? Ni#i .$r"' s(!se (!rt"t$r!l de #/ei. E! mi (etre# n$(-ile
,"#)nd r$nd d!(" r$nd. %ealt,el' s!nt &i ,$arte ist$.it< .$i "&tilal-i ,a#e-i
#el (!-in #! s#/im!l &i din d$!" n$(-i (!te-i d$rmi !na.
n #li(a a#eea se a!zir" (entr! a d$!a $ar" "t"i n !&a de la
+re,". :ard$#/e tres"ri. Ori#e in#ident' #)t de mi#' (!tea m(iedi#a
re!&ita (lan!l!i s"!.
? 0e mai e &i astaA ntre" el #a din nt)m(lare.
? Nimi#' nimi#' r"s(!nse Cilert' +re,ier!l de la :inister!l de
R"z$i (lea#" &i2mi d" de &tire.
? A/aD e6#lam" (!rt"t$r!l #/eil$r.
%ar +re,ier!l se n#"("-)na s" at" n !&".
* 5ineD ineD stri+" Cilert ,"r" s" (le#e de la ,ereastr". >!n"
searaD... 0! ineD...
? mi (are #" s(!ne #e.a' ,"#! %!#/esne' nt$r#)nd!2se #! ,a-a
s(re !&". R"s(!nde2i.
Atunci !e au%i "la!ul "efieului4
? Bai' .in$' #et"-ene +ardian' a& .rea s"2-i s(!n #e.a' d$ar $
#li(".
V$#ea' #$(le&it" (re#!m ("rea de2$ em$-ie #are2i nl"t!ra
a##ent!l $i&n!it' l ,"#! (e (!rt"t$r!l #/eil$r s"2&i #i!leas#" !re#/ile'
#rez)nd #" $ re#!n$a&te.
? 0e ($,te&ti' #et"-ene %!randA ntre" Cilert.
? Vrea! s"2-i s(!n #e.a.
* Ei& las" #2ai s"2mi s(!i m)ine diminea-".
? N!' n seara asta. Tre!ie s"2-i .$res# n seara asta' re(et"
a#eea&i .$#e.
J0e are s" se nt)m(le $areA &$(ti (!rt"t$r!l #/eil$r. Asta e .$#ea
l!i %i6mer.K
5inistr" &i r"s!n"t$are' .$#ea a#eea ("rea #" im(rim" !n a##ent
,!ner! e#$!l!i nde("rtat al #$rid$r!l!i s!mr!. %!#/esne se
nt$arse.
? Ei /ai' zise Cilert' ,iind#" .rea n!maide#)t' iat"' m" d!#.
*!rt"t$r!l #/eil$r se ,$l$si de #li(a n #are aten-ia #el$r d$i
+ardieni era as$rit" de2$ m(re1!rare ne(re."z!t" &i d"d! ,!+a la
,ereastra re+inei.
? CataA ntre" el.
? 5!nt la mai m!lt de 1!m"tate' r"s(!nse re+ina.
? Cr"i-i2."D &$(ti el.
? Ei' #et"-ene :ard$#/e' s(!se %!#/esne' !nde e&tiA
? Iat"2m"' e6#lam" (!rt"t$r!l #/eil$r nt$r#)nd!2se re(ede la
,ereastra (rimei n#"(eri.
n a#eea&i #li("' n .reme #e era +ata s"2&i ia din n$! l$#!l' !n
stri+"t teriil r"s!n" n n#/is$are' (e !rm" !n ($t$( de $#"ri' a($i
z"n+"nit!l !nei s"ii' tras" din tea#a2i de metal.
? AD ti#"l$s!le' t)l/ar!leD stri+" Cilert.
Ii zar.a unei lupte !e au%i din coido-
n a#ela&i tim(' !&a se des#/ise9 temni#ier!l ."z! d$!" !mre
n#"ier)nd!2se n ,a-a !&ii &i l"s)nd lier" tre#erea !nei ,emei' #are'
m(in+)nd!2l (e %!#/esne' se re(ezi n n#"(erea re+inei.
%!#/esne' ,"r" s" se n+ri1$reze de (rezen-a ,emeii' aler+" s" dea
a1!t$r #amarad!l!i s"!.
Temni#ier!l se re(ezi la #ealalt" ,ereastr"9 ."z! ,emeia n+e2
n!n#/eat" n ,a-a re+inei' r!+)nd2$' im(l$r)nd2$ (e arestat" s"
s#/ime mr"#"mintea #! d)nsa.
:ard$#/e se a(le#" #! $#/ii s#)nteind' n#er#)nd s" $ser.e
#/i(!l ,emeii (e #are se temea #2$ re#!n$s#!se.
%intr2$ dat" s#$ase !n stri+"t nd!rerat.
* Gene0iB0e+ Gene0iB0e+ o!ti el #n"o%it-
Re+ina l"sase s"2i #ad" (ila din m)n" &i ("rea zdr$it"' n#" $
tentati." neiz!tit"D
,emnicieul pinse #! am)nd$!" m)inile &i z+)l-)i #! $ s,$r-are
s!(rem" +ratia de ,ier t"iat" de (il".
%ar m!&#"t!ra $-el!l!i n +ratie n! era dest!l de ad)n#" &i +ratia
rezist".
n r"stim(!l a#esta' %i6mer re!&ise s"2l m(in+" (e Cilert na($i
n n#/is$are &i era +ata s" intre #! el' #)nd %!#/esne' m(in+)nd !&a'
iz!ti s"2l res(in+".
%ar n! (!t! n#/ide !&". %i6mer' dis(erat' .)r)se ra-!l ntre !&"
&i !&$r!l ei.
La #a("t!l ra-!l!i' n#le&tat n (alm"' se a,la (!mnal!l' #are'
,re#)nd!2se de #atarama de aram" a #entir$n!l!i' l!ne#ase de2a l!n+!l
(ie(t!l!i +ardian!l!i' des(i#)nd!2i /aina &i s,)&iind!2i #arnea.
0ei d$i "ra-i se str"d!ia! s"2&i ad!ne t$ate (!terile &i' n a#ela&i
tim(' stri+a! d!(" a1!t$r.
%i6mer sim-i #" i se r!(e ra-!l< &i s(ri1ini !m"r!l de !&" &i'
rn(in+)nd #! t$at" (!terea' iz!ti s"2&i tra+" a,ar" ra-!l zdr$it.
U&a se n#/ise #! z+$m$t. %!#/esne m(inse z".$arele' n .reme
#e Cilert r"s!#i #/eia n r$as#".
*a&i +r"i-i r"s!nar" (e #$rid$r' d!(" #are t$t!l se s,)r&i. 0ei d$i
(azni#i se !itar" !n!l la alt!l &i n#e(!r" a #"!ta n 1!r.
A!zir" z+$m$t!l (e #are l ,"#ea ,als!l temni#ier n#er#)nd s" r!("
+ratia.
Cilert se re(ezi n n#/is$area arestatei' !nde $ +"si (e
Cene.iB0e #n "enunc1i #n fa-a re+inei' im(l$r)nd2$ s" s#/ime m2
r"#"mintea cu ea-
%!#/esne a(!#" #! am)nd$!" m)inile #araina &i aler+" la ,e2
reastr"9 ."z! !n $m a+"-at de +ratiile ,erestrei (e #are le z+)l-ia #!
dis(erare &i (rin #are zadarni# n#er#a s" trea#".
/u!e caa)ina la oc1i-
T)n"r!l ."z! -ea.a #arainei a(le#)nd!2se as!(ra l!i &i s(!se9
? %aD !#ide2m"< tra+eD
Ii' s!lim n dis(erarea sa' &i !m,l" (ie(t!l #a s" n,r!nte
+l$ntele.
? 0a.alereD e6#lam" re+ina' #a.alere' te im(l$r' #r!-"2-i .ia-a'
#r!-"2-i .ia-aD
La +las!l :ariei2Ant$aneta' 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e #"z! n
"enunc1i-
*!&#a se des#ar#"' dar #"derea l!i n +en!n#/i l sal."< +l$ntele
tre#! (e l)n+" #a(!l s"!.
Cene.iV.e &i #rez! (rieten!l !#is &i' (ierz)nd!2&i #!n$&tin-a' se
(r"!&i (e les(ezi.
0)nd ,!m!l de (!&#" se risi(i' n! mai era nimeni n #!rtea
,emeilo-
%!(" .re$ ze#e min!te' treize#i de s$lda-i' #$nd!&i de d$i #$2
misari' #er#eta! 0$n#ier+erie ()n" n #ele mai as#!nse #$tl$ane.
Nimeni n! ,! +"sit. Cre,ier!l tre#! lini&tit &i s!r)z"t$r (rin ,a-a
,$t$li!l!i n #are &edea tai#a Ri#/ard.
C$t de!pe temnicer' el ie&ise stri+)nd9
? Alarm"D alarm"D
5antinela .$ise s"2l $(reas#"' (!n)nd!2i ai$neta n (ie(t' dar
#)inii l!i se re(ezir" la +)t!l santinelei.
Numai Gene0iB0e a fo!t ae!tat"' inter$+at" &i "+at" n n#/is$are.
Capitolul XLV
0ER0ETRRILE
Nu mai (!tem l"sa n !itare (e !n!l dintre (ers$na1ele (rin#i(ale
ale ($.estirii de ,a-"' #el #are' n .reme #e se (etre#ea! e.enimentele
din #a(it$l!l (re#edent' s!,erea mai tare de#)t t$-i' #! at)t mai m!lt #!
#)t s!,erin-ele l!i merit" #! (ris$sin-" #$m(asi!nea #itit$ril$r n$&tri.
5trada La :$nnaie era s#"ldat" n s$are' iar #!metrele ad!nate n
,a-a !&il$r st"tea! la tai,as !#!r$ase tare' de (ar#" $ra&!l n2ar ,i ,$st
ntr2!n .al de s)n+e de mai ine de ze#e l!ni' #)nd iat" #" :a!ri#e se
nt$arse #! tr"s!ri#a (e #are ,"+"d!ise s2$ ad!#".
L"s" /"-!rile #al!l!i n m)inile !n!i l!stra+i! din ,a-a iseri#ii
5aint2E!sta#/e &i !r#"' #! inima (lin" de !#!rie' tre(tele s#"rii.
0e sentiment d"t"t$r de .ia-" e dra+$steaD Ea &tie s" ns!2
,le-eas#" inimile inerte la $ri#e senza-ie' ea ($(!leaz" (!sti!rile &i
ad!#e n ,a-a $#/il$r ima+inea ,iin-ei i!ite' ea ,a#e #a .$#ea #are
#)nt" n s!,let!l ndr"+$stit!l!i s"2i arate l!mea ntrea+" s#"ldat" n
l!mina s#li(it$are a s(eran-ei &i ,eri#irii' &i' dat ,iind #" a#est sentiment
este (e #)t de +ener$s' (e at)t de e+$ist' ndr"+$stit!l de.ine $r la
t$t #e n! e ,iin-a ad$rat".
:a!ri#e n! ."z! ,emeile' :a!ri#e n! le a!zi (ala.rele. El n2$
.edea de#)t (e Cene.iB0e f"#)nd (re+"tirile n .ederea (le#"rii #are
a.ea s" le asi+!re $ ,eri#ire traini#"' n2$ a!zea de#)t (e Cene.iB0e
fedon$nd du!" (e +)nd!ri #)nte#el!2i $i&n!it' &i #)nte#el!l a#ela i
s!na at)t de d!l#e n !re#/i' n#)t ar ,i 1!rat #" a!de m$d!la-iile .$#ii
ei #$n#$mitent #! s#r)&net!l !nei r$a&te #e se n#!ie.
n ,a-a intr"rii :a!ri#e se $(ri. U&a ? #are de $i#ei r"m)nea
n#!iat" ? era ntredes#/is"' #eea #e l mir" (e :a!ri#e. 5e !it"
1!r2m(re1!r s" .ad" da#" n2$ z"re&te #!m.a (e Cene.iB0e #n coido&
da Gene0iB0e nu !e afla acolo- Atunci int"' str""t)nd anti#amera'
s!,ra+eria' sal$n!l. 0er#et" &i d$rmit$r!l. Anti#amera' s!,ra+eria'
sal$n!l' d$rmit$r!l' t$ate era! (!stii. 0/eam"' stri+"' dar nimeni n!
r"s(!nde.
ndat$rit$r!l (le#ase' #!m dealt,el se &tie. :a!ri#e se +)ndi #"' n
li(sa l!i' Cene.iB0e 0a fi a0ut ne.$ie de .re$ ,!nie #a s" le+e #!,erele
sa! de #e.a (r$.izii (entr! dr!m' &i #" .a ,i (le#at s" le #!m(ere.
Im(r!den-a ei i ("r! mare' dar' #! t$ate #" nelini&tea n#e(!se s"2l
#!(rind"' n#" n! "n!ia nimi#.
5e /$t"r s" a&te(te' (lim)nd!2se n l!n+ &i2n lat &i a(le#)nd!2se
din tim( n tim( a,ar" (e ,ereastr"' (rin des#/iz"t!ra #"reia
("tr!ndea! r"!,niri de .)nt ameste#ate #! (l$aie.
La !n m$ment dat' i se ("r! #" a!de !n (as (e s#ar"< #i!li
!re#/ea9 n! era (as!l Cene.iB0ei- Cu toate ace!tea ale"" ()n" la
s#ar"' se a(le#" (este ram(" &i l ."z! (e ndat$rit$r!l s"! !r#)nd
alene s#ara' #! ne("sarea at)t de $i&n!it" a sl!1it$ril$r.
? 5#ae.$laD i stri+" el.
ndat$rit$r!l n"l-" #a(!l.
? AD d!mneata e&ti' #et"-eneA
? %a' e!< !nde e #et"-eanaA
? 0et"-eanaA ntre" 5#ae.$la mirat' #$ntin!)nd s" !r#e.
? %a. N2ai ."z!t2$ (e 1$sA
* Nu-
? At!n#i #$$ar"' ntrea" (e ($rtar &i #ere in,$rma-ii de la
.e#ini.
* Numaidec$t-
5#ae.$la #$$r iar"&i.
? :ai re(ede' /ai' mai re(edeD stri+" :a!ri#e. N! .ezi #" sta! #a
(e 1"rate#A
:a!ri#e a&te(t" #in#i2&ase min!te (e s#ar"' (e !rm"' ."z)nd #"
5#ae.$la n! a(are' intr" n a(artament &i se a(le#" din n$! (rin
,ereastr" a,ar"' l ."z! (e 5#ae.$la intr)nd n d$!"2trei (r"."lii &i
ie&ind ,"r" s" ,i a,lat nimi#.
n #!lmea ner"d"rii' l stri+".
ndat$rit$r!l n"l-" #a(!l &i2l ."z! la ,ereastr" (e st"()n!l s"! (lin
de ner"dare.
:a!ri#e i ,"#! semn s" !r#e.
? E #! ne(!tin-" s" ,i ie&it' &i s(!se :a!ri#e.
Ii $ stri+" din n$!9
* Gene0iB0e+ Gene0iB0e+
T$t!l ("rea a ,i m$rt. 0amera +$al" (ar#" n! mai a.ea ni#i e#$!.
5#ae.$la intr".
? Itii' ($rtar!l e sin+!r!l #are2a ."z!t2$.
? *$rtar!l a ."z!t2$A
* Da& 0ecinii n-au au%it nimic-
? *$rtar!l zi#i #2a ."z!t2$A 0!mA
? A ."z!t2$ (le#)nd.
? A&adar a (le#atA
? A&a se (are.
? 5in+!r"A E #! (!tin-" #a Cene.iB0e !" ,i (le#at sin+!r".
? N! era sin+!r"' #et"-ene' era #! !n "rat.
? 0!m #! !n "ratA
? 0el (!-in a&a s(!ne #et"-ean!l ($rtar.
? %!2te &i ad!2l ai#i. Tre!ie s" a,l! #ine e "rat!l a#ela.
5#ae.$la ,"#! d$i (a&i s(re !&". *e !rm"' nt$r#)nd!2se' s(!se
("r)nd #" st" (e +)nd!ri9
? A&tea(t" (!-in.
? 0e eA V$re&teD
? *$ate #" "rat!l #are a ,!+it d!(" mine.
? Un "rat a aler+at d!(" tineA
* Da-
* De ce.
? 0a s"2mi #ear" #/eia din (artea d!mitale.
* Cae c1eie& nenoocitule. Hai !pune& !pune $dat"D
* C1eia de la apatament-
? Ii2ai dat #/eia de la a(artament !n!i str"inA stri+" :a!ri#e
a(!#)nd!2l #! am)nd$!" m)inile de +!ler.
? %ar n! e !n str"in' d$mn!le' e !n!l dintre (rietenii d!mitale.
* A& da. Unul dinte pietenii mei. Atunci e Loin ,"r" nd$ial". A&a
tre!ie s" ,ie' .a ,i (le#at #! L$rin.
Ii :a!ri#e z)mi' a&a li.id #!m era' &i &i &terse #! atista ,r!ntea
!d" de s!d$are.
* Nu& nu& domnule& nu ea el& !pu!e Scae0ola- Ce dacu+ nu-l
cuno!c eu pe domnul Loin.
* Atunci cine ea.
* 'l &tii &i d!mneata ine' #et"-ene9 "rat!l #are2a .enit ntr2$
zi...
* Cae %i.
? @i!a n #are d!mneata erai at)t de trist. 0el #are te2a l!at #! el
&i (e !rm" te2ai nt$rs at)t de .esel...
5#ae.$la "+ase de seam" t$ate am"n!ntele. :atiri#e se !it" la
el !l!it' !n ,i$r i str""t! (rin t$ate m"d!larele' a($i' d!(" $ t"#ere
l!n+"' ntrea"9
* DiFme.
? %a' z"!' #red #" el e' #et"-ene' r"s(!nse ndat$rit$r!l.
:a!ri#e se #l"tin" &i' tr"+)nd!2se nd"r"t' #"z! ntr2!n ,$t$li!.
O#/ii i se n#e-$&ar".
* Doamne-%!mneze!leD &$(ti el.
0)nd des#/ise $#/ii' (ri.irile i #"z!r" (e !#/et!l de .i$lete !itat
sa! mai de+ra" l"sat de Cene.iB0e-
5e re(ezi la el' l l!"' l s"r!t"' a($i' $ser.)nd l$#!l n #are ,!sese
(!s' zise9
? N! mai r"m)ne ni#i $ nd$ial"9 .i$letele... s!nt !ltim!l ei r"mas
!nD
:a!ri#e se nt$arse &i aia at!n#i "+" de seam" #!,"r!l9 era d$ar
(e 1!m"tate ,"#!t< rest!l r!,el$r era! (e 1$s sa! n d!la(!l ntredes#/is.
3"r" nd$ial"' r!,ele #e se a,la! (e 1$s i #"z!ser" Cene.iB0ei din
m$ini la i0iea lui DiFme-
%in #li(a a#eea' &i e6(li#" t$t!l. 5#ena i a("r! .ie &i +r$azni#" n
,a-a $#/il$r' ntre #ei (atr! (ere-i' mart$ri $dini$ar" ai !nei at)t de
mari ,eri#iri.
*)n" n #li(a a#eea :a!ri#e ,!sese d$$r)t' zdr$it. %e&te(tarea
,! #!m(lit"' m)nia t)n"r!l!i ? ns("im)nt"t$are.
5e ridi#"' n#/ise ,ereastra r"mas" ntredes#/is"' l!" de deas!(ra
ir$!l!i d$!" (ist$ale' +ata n#"r#ate (entr! #"l"t$rie' le #er#et"
#a(sele &i' +"sind!2le n !n" stare' (!se (ist$alele n !z!narele de la
/ain".
*e !rm" &i stre#!r" n !z!nar d$!" ,i&i#!ri de l!d$.i#i' (e #are'
n #i!da (atri$tism!l!i s"!' s$#$tise #" e n-ele(t s"2i ("streze n
,!nd!l !n!i sertar' &i' l!)nd n m)n" saia' #! tea#" #! t$t' s(!se9
? 5#ae.$la' #red #" -ii la mine. %e #in#is(reze#e ani te a,li la noi&
#nt$i la tata& apoi la mine-
? %a' #et"-ene' r"s(!nse ndat$rit$r!l n+r$zit' #"#i (al$area'
.ini&$arele ie&ite &i trem!r!l ner.$s al st"()n!l!i s"! l s(eriar"9
ni#i$dat" n!2l ."z!se ntr2$ asemenea stare (e $m!l a#ela #are tre#ea
(e !n" dre(tate dre(t #el mai (!terni# dintre "ra-i< da' s(!ne #e2mi
($r!n#e&tiA
? As#!lt"' da#" d$amna #are l$#!ia ai#i...
Mauice !e #nteup!e- Vocea #i temua at$t de tae& o!tind
cu0intele de mai !u!& #nc$t nu mai putu continua-
? %a#" se nt$ar#e' !rm" el d!(" $ #li("' (rime&te2$< n#!ie !&a
d!(" #e .a ,i intrat' ia #araina asta' a&eaz"2te (e s#ar" &i #! (re-!l
#a(!l!i' #! (re-!l .ie-ii' #! (re-!l s!,let!l!i t"!' s" n! la&i (e nimeni s"
intre. %a#" .$r s" s(ar+" !&a' a("r2$< l$.e&te' !#ide' n! te teme de
nimic& Scae0ola- Iau totul a!upa mea-
Clas!l t)n"r!l!i n$str!' n#rederea l!i (lin" de .e/emen-" l
n,l"#"r" &i2l e6altar" (e 5#ae.$la.
? N! n!mai #" .$i !#ide' s(!se el' dar m" .$i l"sa #/iar !#is
(entr! #et"-eana Cene.iB0e-
? -i m!l-!mes#... A#!ma' as#!lt". A(artament!l "sta mi2a
de.enit nes!,erit &i n! mai .rea! s" #al# ai#i ()n" n! $ .$i +"si. %a#"
.a (!tea s" s#a(e &i da#" se nt$ar#e' a&eaz" (e ,ereastr" .as!l mare
1a($nez #! mar+arete' ,l$rile #are2i (l"#ea! at)t de m!lt. Asta n tim(!l
zilei. N$a(tea s" (!i !n s,e&ni#. %e ,ie#are dat" #)nd .$i tre#e (e la
#a("t!l str"zii' .$i a.ea .e&ti< #)t" .reme n2am s" mai ."d ni#i
s,e&ni#!l &i ni#i .as!l 1a($nez' .$i #$ntin!a #er#et"rile.
? VaiD d$mn!le' ,ii #! "+are de seam"' ,ii #! "+are de seam"D
e6#lam" 5cae0ola-
:a!ri#e ni#i m"#ar n! r"s(!nse. 5e re(ezi a,ar" din #amer"'
#$$r s#ara de (ar#2ar ,i a.!t ari(i &i aler+" ntr2!n s!,let la L$rin.
Ar ,i +re! de redat !imirea' m)nia' ,!ria demn!l!i n$str! ($et
#)nd a,l" asemenea .este< ar nsemna s" re(et"m ele+iile em$-i$2
nante (e #are tre!ie s" i le ,i ins(irat Oreste l!i *ilade.
? A&adar' n! &tii !nde se a,l"A ntrea el ntr!na.
? *ierd!t"' dis("r!t"D !rla :a!ri#e n (ar$6ism!l dis(er"rii< a
!#is2$' L$rin' a !#is2$D
* Nu& !cumpul meu pieten& nu& da"ul meu Mauice& n-a uci!-o-
Nu uci%i o femeie ca Gene0iB0e& dup" at)tea zile de +)ndire. %a#" ar ,i
!#is2$' ar ,i !#is2$ (e l$# &i' #a semn de r"z!nare' i2ar ,i l"sat tr!(!l n
#asa ta. N!' dra+!l me!' a ,!+it #! ea' (este m"s!r" de ,eri#it #" &i2a
+"sit #$m$ara-
? T! n!2l #!n$&ti' L$rin' t! n!2l #!n$&ti' se t)n+!ia :a!ri#e. Om!l
"sta a.ea #e.a ,!nest n (ri.ire.
? %aG de !nde' te n&eli. :i s2a ("r!t t$tdea!na !n $m de trea".
A l!at2$ #a s2$ sa#ri,i#e. Are s" ,ie arestat m(re!n" #! ea. A! s"2i
!#id" (e am)nd$i. Iat" !nde st" (rime1dia' s(!nea L$rin.
Ii .$rele l!i m"rea! nd$it t!l!rarea l!i :a!ri#e.
? Am s2$ +"ses#D Am s2$ +"ses# sa! am s" m$r' stri+" el.
? 0)t des(re asta' e si+!r #2a.em s2$ +"sim' zise L$rin.
Lini&te&te2te. As#!lt"' :a!ri#e' dra+!l me! :a!ri#e' n! #a!-i ine da#"
n! te +)nde&ti' &i +)nde&ti +re&it da#" te ,r"m)n-i' a&a #!m ,a#i t!.
? R"m)i #! ine' L$rin' r"m)i #! ine.
? %ar #e ai de +)nd s" ,a#iA
* /lec-
? Ii (e mine m" la&iA %e #eA
? *entr! #" treaa asta m" (ri.e&te n!mai (e mine' (entr! #"
n!mai e! tre!ie s"2mi ris# .ia-a #a s2$ sal.ez (e #ea a Cene.iB0ei-
? Vrei s" m$riA
? Am s" n,r!nt $ri#e. Vrea! s" m" d!# s"2l +"ses# (e (re2
&edintele #$mitet!l!i de s!(ra.e+/ere' .rea! s" sta! de .$r" #!
BEert' %ant$n' R$es(ierre. V$i m"rt!risi t$t' dar tre!ie s" mi2$
redea.
* 5ine& fie& !pu!e Loin-
Ii ,"r" s" mai ad!+e ni#i !n #!.)nt' se n#/ise #! #entir$n!l' &i
(!se (e #a( ("l"ria de !ni,$rm" &i' a&a #!m ,"#!se &i :a!ri#e' a(!#"
d$!" (ist$ale n#"r#ate (e #are le .)r n !z!nare.
? Bai s" (le#"m' ad"!+" el sim(l!.
? %ar te #$m(r$mi-iD e6#lam" :a!ri#e.
? Ei &iA
0)nd (iesa2i (e s,)r&ite' tre!ie' dra+!l me!'
n !n" t$."r"&ie s" te2nt$r#i #! ami#!l t"!.
? Unde mer+em s" #"!t"m n (rim!l r)ndA ntre" :a!ri#e'
? 5" #"!t"m mai nt)i n .e#/i!l #artier' n .e#/ea strad"
5aint28a#H!es' (e !rm" s"2l ()ndim (e :ais$n2R$!+e< !nde2i el' tre!ie
s" ,ie &i %i6mer< (e !rm" s" ne d!#em (rin (rea1ma #asel$r din
Vieille20$rderie. Itii #" se .$re&te s2$ trans,ere (e Ant$aneta la
Tem(leA 0rede2m"' $ameni #a ei aia n !ltima #li(" (ierd s(eran-a
de2a $ sal.a.
? %a' re(et" :a!ri#e' ntr2ade."r' ai dre(tate... :ais$n2R$!+e
#rezi #" e n *arisA
* DiFme !i"u e-
? Ade."rat' ade."rat. 52a! rent)lnit' s(!se :a!ri#e' (e #are
#)te.a str",!l+er"ri l a1!tar" s"2&i re#a(ete' n#et' n#et' #a(a#itatea
de2a ra-i$na.
At!n#i' #/iar n #li(a a#eea' #ei d$i (rieteni se (!ser" (e #"!tat'
dar t$t!l ,! n zadar. *aris!l e mare &i nt!neri#!l l!i ? de ne("tr!ns.
Ni#i $ (r"(astie n2a &ti!t .re$dat" s" as#!nd" mai ine taina (e #are
#rima sa! nen$r$#irea i2a n#redin-at2$.
%e s!te de $ri L$rin &i :a!ri#e tre#!r" (rin *ia-a CrB0e& de !ute de
oi au fo!t la un pa! de c"s!-a n #are l$#!ia Cene.iB0e& p"zit" ,"r"
r"+az de %i6mer' a&a #!m (re$-ii de alt"dat" &i ("zea! .i#tima
/"r"zit" sa#ri,i#i!l!i.
C$t de!pe Gene0iB0e& 0"z)nd!2se s$rtit" (ieirii' ea a##e(tase
sa#ri,i#i!l &i' #a t$ate ,iin-ele +ener$ase' .$ia s" m$ar" ,"r" .)l."<
dealt,el' se temea de (!li#itatea (e #are :a!ri#e n2ar ,i &$."it ni#i $
#li(" s2$ dea r"z!n"rii sale mai (!-in (entr! %i6mer' #)t (entr! #a!za
re+inei.
*"str"' a&adar' $ t"#ere at)t de (r$,!nd" de (ar#" m$artea i
n#le&tase +!ra.
T$t!&i' ,"r" s"2i s(!n" l!i L$rin' :a!ri#e se d!sese s" se r$a+e de
memrii nend!rat!l!i 0$mitet al 5al."rii *!li#e' iar L$rin' (e de alt"
(arte' ,"r" s"2i s(!n" l!i :a!ri#e' ntre(rinsese &i el a#elea&i
demers!ri.
A&a #"' n a#eea&i zi' #)te $ #r!#e r$&ie ,!sese ,"#!t" de
3$!H!ier2Tin.ille n dre(t!l n!mel$r l$r &i #!.)nt!l s!s(e#-i i le+"
ntr2$ a#$lad" s)n+er$as".
Capitolul XLVI
IUDECA,A
n a d$!"ze#i &i treia zi din .endemiar' an!l al II2lea al Re.$l!-iei
3ran#eze' !na &i indi.iziil"' #$res(!nd datei de 1M $#t$mrie 1793' stil
.e#/i' #!m se s(!nea (e2at!n#i' $ m!l-ime #!ri$as" n"."lise
dis2de2diminea-" !m(l)nd ()n" la re,!z tri!nele s"lii n #are se -inea!
&edin-ele re.$l!-i$nare.
0!l$arele (alat!l!i' aleile &i str"zile #e d!#ea! la 0$n#ier+erie
era! n"("dite de s(e#tat$ri d$rni#i s" a,le &i (lini de ner"dare' #are2&i
m("rt"&ea! !nii alt$ra z.$n!rile &i (atimile' #!m .al!rile &i
m("rt"&es# !nele alt$ra .!iet!l &i s(!ma.
n #i!da #!ri$zit"-ii #e (!sese st"()nire (e ,ie#are s(e#tat$r' sa!
($ate t$#mai din (ri#ina #!ri$zit"-ii' ,ie#e .al al a#estei m"ri nelini&tite'
str)ns" ntre d$!" $sta#$le' $sta#$l!l dina,ar" #are $ m(in+ea &i
$sta#$l!l din"!ntr! #are $ res(in+ea' &i ("stra n a#el ,l!6 &i re,l!6
a(r$a(e a#ela&i l$# (e #are a(!#ase s"2l $#!(e. T$t!&i' #ei mai ine
(lasa-i n-eleseser" #" ($zi-ia l$r .a st)rni in.idia #el$rlal-i' (e #are
n#er#aser" s2$ d$m$leas#" ($.estind .e#inil$r mai (r$st (lasa-i de#)t
ei' #are transmitea! la r)nd!l l$r mai de(arte' t$t #e .ede! &i #e
a!zea!.
%ar l)n+" !&a tri!nal!l!i $ #eat" de "ra-i n+/es!i-i &i ar!n#a!
in.e#ti.e +r$s$lane' #ert)nd!2se (entr! ze#e #entimetri' #"#i ze#e
#entimetri n l"-ime le2ar ,i ,$st de2a1!ns #a s" ($at" .edea (rintre d$i
!meri !n #$l- de sal" &i #/i(!rile 1!de#"t$ril$r' iar ze#e #entimetri n
n"l-ime le2ar ,i ,$st de2a1!ns #a s" .ad"' (e deas!(ra #a(etel$r #el$r
din ,a-"' sala ntrea+" &i #/i(ul acu%atei-
%in nen$r$#ire' tre#erea de (e #$rid$r n sal"' !n #!l$ar ,$arte
n+!st' ,!sese l!ata n st"()nire a(r$a(e n ntre+ime de #"tre !n
"rat lat n !meri &i #are &i -inea ra-ele #!rate #a ni&te ar#!ri'
(r$(tind ntrea+a m!l-ime !nd!it$are' +ata s" se n"(!steas#" n sal"
da#" meterez!l a#ela !man n! i2ar ,i stat n #ale.
>"rat!l ne#lintit de (e (ra+!l tri!nal!l!i era t)n"r &i #/i(e& &i la
,ie#are asalt mai (!terni# al m!l-imii &i s#!t!ra #a (e2$ #$am" ("r!l
des' s! #are str"l!#ea $ (ri.ire nt!ne#at" &i /$t"r)t". A($i' d!(" #e
res(in+ea m!l-imea dintr2$ (ri.ire &i dintr2!n +est' #a !n st".ilar
ns!,le-it' $(rind!2i asalt!rile n#"("-)nate' t)n"r!l re.enea la starea
de im$ilitate &i de aten-ie #$n#entrat".
%e s!te de $ri masa #$m(a#t" n#er#ase s"2l dea la $ (arte' #"#i
era nalt de stat!r" &i din s(atele l!i era #! ne(!tin-" s" se .ad" #e.a.
%ar' #!m am mai s(!s' $ st)n#" n2ar ,i ,$st mai +re! de #lintit de#)t el.
T$t!&i' de la #el"lalt #a("t al m"rii de $ameni' (rin #/iar inima
m!l-imii n+/es!ite' !n alt "rat &i #r$ise dr!m #! $ st"r!in-" s$r" #!
#r!zimea< nimi# n!2i st".ilise ne$$sita naintare' ni#i l$.it!rile #el$r
(e #are2i de("&ea' ni#i $#"rile #el$r (e #are2i stri.ea tre#)nd' ni#i
.aietele ,emeil$r' #"#i era! m!lte ,emei n +l$ata aceea-
La l$.it!ri r"s(!ndea #! l$.it!ri' la $#"ri #! #)te2$ (ri.ire
dinaintea #"reia se tr"+ea! nd"r"t &i #ei mai .ite1i' la .aiete ? #! $
ne("sare #are ad!#ea a dis(re-.
n s,)r&it' a1!nse n s(atele t)n"r!l!i .$ini#' #are n#/idea' #a s"
zi#em a&a' intrarea n sal". Ii n t$i!l a&te(t"rii +enerale' #"#i ,ie#are
dintre #ei de ,a-" .$ia s" .ad" #!m se .$r (etre#e l!#r!rile ntre #ei d$i
a(ri+i anta+$ni&ti' n t$i!l a&te(t"rii +enerale' #!m s(!neam' .iteaz!l
n$str! &i n#er#" met$da' #are #$nsta n a2&i intr$d!#e ntre d$i
s(e#tat$ri #$atele #a ni&te (ene &i n a2&i #r$i dr!m (rintre tr!(!rile
#ele mai n+/es!ite !nele ntr2altele.
T$t!&i' a#est t)n"r era mai #!r)nd s#!nd' a.ea $ra1ii (alizi &i
(i#i$are s!-iri #e ."dea! $ al#"t!ire i#isni#"' d!(" #!m $#/ii s"i
n,l"#"ra-i era! semn!l !nei .$in-e de nezdr!n#inat.
%ar aia da#" atinse #! #$t!l &$ld!l t)n"r!l!i din ,a-a l!i' &i
a#esta' !imit de a+resi!nea #el!ilalt' se nt$arse #)t ai #li(i &i ridi#"
(!mn!l #are' l"s)nd!2se s" #ad"' amenin-a s"2l stri.eas#" (e n2
dr"zne-.
0ei d$i .r"1ma&i se a,lar" at!n#i ,a-" n ,a-" &i !n stri+"t n"!&it
s#"(" n a#eea&i #li(" ,ie#"r!ia dintre ei.
5e re#!n$s#!ser".
? 0et"-ene :a!ri#e' zise t)n"r!l deli#at' #! !n a##ent de ine62
(rimail" d!rere' d"2mi .$ie s" tre#. Las"2m" s" ."d' te r$+ din
ad)n#!l s!,let!l!i. *e !rm" ($-i s" m" !#izi.
:a!ri#e' #"#i el era' se sim-i ("tr!ns de nd!i$&are &i admira-ie
(entr! !n asemenea de.$tament' (entr! $ asemenea .$in-" ne#lintit".
? %!mneataD &$(ti el. %!mneata ai#iD 0)t" nes$#$tin-"D
? %a' e! ai#i' dar s!nt sleit de (!teri... %$amne2%!mneze!leD' $
a!d .$rindD Las"2m" s2$ ."dD Las"2m" s2$ as#!ltD
:a!ri#e i ,"#! l$# &i t)n"r!l tre#! naintea l!i. At!n#i' dat ,iind #"
:a!ri#e se a,la n ,r!ntea +l$atei' nimi# n! mai (!tea m(iedi#a
.ederea #el!i #are s!,erise at)tea l$.it!ri &i at)tea m($tri.iri #a s"
($at" a1!n+e ()n" a#$l$.
ntrea+a s#en" &i &$a(tele (rile1!ite de ea de&te(tar" #!ri$zitatea
1!de#"t$ril$r.
A#!zata &i nt$arse &i ea (ri.irile ns(re (artea a#eea !nde' n
,r!ntea m!l-imii' l z"ri &i2l re#!n$s#! (e #a.aler.
Un ,i$r $ t!l!r" $ #li(" (e re+in"' #are era a&ezat" n ,$t$li!l de
,ier.
Inter$+at$ri!l' #$nd!s de (re&edintele Barmand' inter(retat de
3$!H!ier2Tin.ille &i #$mentat de 0/a!.ea!2La+arde' a("r"t$r!l re+inei'
d!r" at)t #)t n+"d!ir" (!terile 1!de#"t$ril$r &i ale a#!zatei.
T$t tim(!l' :a!ri#e r"mase ne#lintit (e l$#!l s"!' n .reme #e de
mai m!lte $ri s(e#tat$rii se rent$arser"' at)t n sal" #)t &i (e
#$rid$are.
0a.aler!l se s(ri1inea de !n st)l( &i era t$t at)t de palid ca !t$lpul
de cae !e popti!e-
N$a(tea $(a#" !rm" zilei< #)te.a l!m)n"ri a(rinse (e mesele
1!ra-il$r' #)te.a l"m(i #are ,ila! (e (ere-ii s"lii l!mina! #! re,le6ele l$r
sinistre &i r$&ieti#e #/i(!l n$il al a#elei ,emei #are ("r!se at)t de
,r!m$as" s! l!minile str"l!#it$are ale ser"ril$r de la Versailles.
5e a,la a#$l$ sin+!r"' r"s(!nz)nd s#!rt' dis(re-!it$r' la ntre"rile
(re&edintel!i &i a(le#)nd!2se !ne$ri la !re#/ea a("r"t$r!l!i #a s"2i
.$reas#" n &$a(t".
3r!ntea ei al" &i neted" n! (ierd!se nimi# din m)ndria2i
$i&n!it". Era mr"#at" n r$#/ia #! d!n+i ne+re (e #are' de la
m$artea re+el!i' n! mai .$ise s2$ le(ede.
8!de#"t$rii se ridi#ar" s(re a se d!#e s" dezat"< &edin-a se
terminase.
? :2am ar"tat $are (rea semea-"' d$mn!leA l ntre" ea (e
0/a!.ea!2La+arde.
? VaiD d$amn"' r"s(!nse el' are s" ." stea nt$tdea!na ine s" ."
ar"ta-i (re#!m s!nte-i.
? Ai ."z!t #)t e de m)ndr"D e6#lam" $ ,emeie din asisten-"' de
(ar#" $ .$#e ar ,i r"s(!ns ntre"rii (e #are ne,eri#ita t$#mai $ (!sese
a("r"t$r!l!i ei.
Re+ina nt$arse #a(!l #"tre ,emeia a#eea.
? Ei da' re(et" ,emeia' s(!n #" e&ti m)ndr"' Ant$aneta' &i #"
m)ndria asta a ta te2a (ierd!t.
Re+ina r$&i.
0a.aler!l se nt$arse s(re ,emeia #are r$stise #!.intele de mai s!s
&i i s(!se #! l)nde-e9
? Era re+in".
Mauice #l pin!e de #nc1ietua m$inii-
? Bai' i s(!se el n &$a(t"' ai t"ria de2a n! te (ierde' d)nd!2te n
.ilea+.
? %$mn!le :a!ri#e' i r"s(!nse #a.aler!l' e&ti "rat &i .$re&ti
#! !n "rat. 5(!ne2mi' #rezi $are #" .$r (!tea s2$ #$ndamne.
? N! #red' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' s!nt si+!r.
? O ,emeieD e6#lam" :ais$n2R$!+e #! !n s!s(in.
? N!' $ re+in"' re(li#" :a!ri#e. %!mneata ns!-i ai s(!s2$
adinea$ri.
0a.aler!l l (rinse la r)nd!l s"! (e :a!ri#e de n#/eiet!ra m)inii
&i' #! $ (!tere de #are n! l2ai ,i #rez!t n stare' l sili s" se a(le#e s(re
el.
5e ,"#!se #eas!l trei &i 1!m"tate de n$a(te' +$l!ri mari se (!tea!
.edea n r)nd!rile s(e#tat$ril$r. 0)te.a l!mini se stinser" i#i2#$l$'
l"s)nd !nele ("r-i din sal" n nt!neri#.
Una dintre ("r-ile #ele mai nt!ne#ate era t$#mai #ea n #are se
+"sea! #a.aler!l &i :a!ri#e' #are as#!lta #eea #e a.ea s"2i s(!n".
? %e #e te a,li ai#i &i #e #a!-i' l ntre" #a.aler!l' d!mneata'
d$mn!le' #are n2ai $ inim" de ti+r!A
? Ei' %$amneD r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' am .enit s" a,l! #e s2a
nt)m(lat #! $ ,emeie ne,eri#it".
? %a' s(!se :ais$n2R$!+e' #ea (e #are s$-!l ei a "+at2$ n
#el!la re+inei' n!2i a&aA 0ea #are a ,$st arestat" s! $#/ii meiA
* Gene0iB0e.
* Da& Gene0iB0e-
? A&adar' Cene.iV.e e arestat"' sa#ri,i#at" de s$-!l ei' !#is" de
%i6merA... VaiD n-ele+ t$t!l' a#!m n-ele+ t$t!l. 0a.alere'
($.este&te2mi #e s2a (etre#!t' s(!ne2mi !nde se a,l"' s(!ne2mi
!nde2a& (!tea s2$ re+"ses#. 0a.alere... ,emeia a#easta e t$at" .ia-a
mea' n-ele+iA
? Ei ine' am ."z!t2$< eram de ,a-" #)nd a ,$st arestat". Ii e!
.enisem s2$ s#$t (e re+in" din n#/is$areD %ar #ele d$!" (lan!ri ale
n$astre' (e #are n! ni le2am (!t!t m("rt"&i' s2a! distr!s !n!l (e alt!l'
n l$# s" se a1!te re#i(r$#.
? Ii d!mneta n2ai sal.at2$ #el (!-in (e ea' (e s$ra dumitale& pe
Gene0iB0e.
? *ar#2a& ,i (!t!tA Ni&te z"rele de ,ier m" des("r-ea! de ea. VaiD
%a#2ai ,i ,$st &i d!mneata a#$l$' da#" ne2am ,i (!t!t !ni (!terile' ara
lestemat" ar ,i #edat &i le2am ,i sal.at (e am)nd$!".
? Cene.iV.eD Cene.iV.eD &$(ti :a!rice-
A($i' !it)nd!2se la :ais$n2R$!+e #! $ ,!rie de nedes#ris' l
ntre"9
? Ii %i6merA 0e2i #! elA
? N! &ti!. A ,!+it (e !nde a (!t!t' #a &i mine.
? OD e6#lam" :a!ri#e #! din-ii str)n&i' da#" se2nt)m(l" s"2mi
ias" .re$dat" n #ale...
? %a' n-ele+. %ar sit!a-ia n! e n#" dis(erat" (entr! Cene.iB0e&
!pu!e Mai!on-Rou"e& pe c$t" .reme ai#i' (e #)t" .reme re+ina...
As#!lt"' :a!ri#e' e&ti !n $m de s!,let' e&ti !n $m (!terni#' ai (rieteni...
Te r$+ #!m te r$+i l!i %!mneze!' a1!t"2m" s" sal.ez re+ina.
* ,e mai ")nde&ti n#"A
* Mauice& Gene0iB0e te con3u" (rin +las!l me!.
? N! r$sti n!mele "sta' d$mn!le. 0ine &tie da#" n2ai ,i sa#ri,i#at2$
&i d!mneata (e iata ,emeie' la ,el #a %i6merA
? %$mn!le' r"s(!nse #a.aler!l #! m)ndrie' #)nd l!(t (entr! $
#a!z"' e! &ti! s" n! (!n n 1$# de#)t (r$(ria2mi (ers$an".
n #li(a a#eea' !&a de la sala de dezateri se redes#/ise. :a!ri#e
era +ata s" r"s(!nd".
? T"#ere' d$mn!leD s(!se #a.eler!l. T"#ereD Iat"' intr" 1!2
de#"t$rii.
Ii :a!ri#e sim-i #!m trem!r" m)na (e #are :ais$n2R$!+e' (alid &i
+ata s"2&i (iard" e#/ilir!l' t$#mai i2$ (!sese (e ra-.
? A/D &$(ti #a.aler!l' n! mai am (!tere.
? 0!ra1 &i -ine2-i ,irea' alt,el e&ti (ierd!t' s(!se :a!ri#e.
0!rtea intr"' ntr2ade."r' &i .estea (rezen-ei ei se r"s()ndi n
#$rid$are &i +alerii-
:!l-imea se n"(!sti din n$! n sal" &i l!minile se a(rinser" (ar#"
de la sine (entr! $ asemenea #li(" de#isi." &i s$lemn".
Re+ina ,! &i ea read!s" n sal"9 st"tea drea(t"' nemi&#at"' tr!,a&"'
#! $#/ii ,i#&i &i !zele str)nse.
i ,! #itit" sentin-a #are o condamna la pedeap!a cu moatea-
As#!lt" ,"r" s" ("leas#"' ,"r" s" #li(eas#"' ,"r" #a ni#i !n m!&#/i
al ,e-ei sale s" arate .re$ !rm" de em$-ie.
A($i se nt$arse s(re #a.aler' ndre(t" #"tre el $ l!n+" &i +r"it$are
(ri.ire' #a s"2i m!l-!meas#" a#est!i $m (e #are n!2l ."z!se ni#i$dat"
alt,el de#)t #a (e stat!ia ns!,le-it" a de.$tament!l!i. A($i'
s(ri1inind!2se de ra-!l $,i-er!l!i de 1andarmi #are #$manda tr!(a' ie&i
lini&tit" &i demn" din in#inta tri!nal!l!i. :a!ri#e s#$ase !n s!s(in
l!n+.
? 5la." %$mn!l!iD s(!se el' nimi# din de#lara-ia sa n2$ #$m2
(r$mite (e Cene.iV.e' &i mai s!nt n#" s(eran-e.
? 5la." %$mn!l!iD m!rm!r" (e de alt" (arte 0a.aler!l de
:ais$n2R$!+e' t$t!l s2a n#/eiat &i l!(ta s2a s,)r&it. N! mai a.eam
(!tere s" mer+ mai de(arte.
* Cura1D i s(!se :a!ri#e n &$a(t".
? V$i a.eaD i r"s(!nse #a.aler!l.
Ii am)nd$i' d!(" #e2&i str)nser" m)inile' (le#ar"' ie&ind (rin d$!"
!&i di,erite.
Re+ina ,! d!s" iar"&i la 0$n#ier+erie. 0)nd ("&i n"!ntr!l n2
#/is$rii' $r$l$+i!l #el mare "tea #eas!rile (atr! diminea-a.
0)nd d"d! s" ias" de (e *$nt2Ne!,' :a!ri#e ,! $(rit de #ele d$!"
ra-e ale l!i L$rin.
* Stai& !pu!e el& pe-aici nu !e tece+
* Da de ce.
* 'ncoto te duci.
? A#as". A#!m ($t s" m" nt$r#' ,iind#" &ti! #e s2a nt)m(lat #!
ea.
* Cu at$t mai ine' dar n2ai s" te d!#i a#as"D
* Cae-i moti0ul.
? :$ti.!l iat"2l9 de d$!" #eas!ri 1andarmii a! .enit s" te aresteze.
? A/D e6#lam" :a!ri#e. 0! at)t mai ine.
? E&ti ne!nA Ii Cene.iV.eA
? Ai dre(tate. Ii2at!n#i !nde mer+emA
* La mine& ce nai)a+
* Da te duc la pie%anie+
? 0! at)t mai ine. Bai' .in$D Ii2l l!" #! d)ns!l.
Capitolul XLVII
*REOT II 0RLRU
%!(" #e ("r"si in#inta tri!nal!l!i' re+ina ,!sese trans($rtat" t$t
la 0$n#ier+erie.
A1!ns" n #amera ei' a l!at $ ,$ar,e#" &i &i2a t"iat ("r!l l!n+ &i
,r!m$s' n#" &i mai ,r!m$s din (ri#ina li(sei de (!dr"' interzis" de !n
an de zile. A($i l2a n,"&!rat ntr2$ /)rtie' (e #are a s#ris9 A se m("r-i
ntre ,i!l &i ,ii#a mea.
%!(" a#eea s2a a&ezat sa! mai #!r)nd s2a (r"!&it (e !n s#a!n &i'
zdr$it" de $$seal"' ? inter$+at$ri!l d!rase $(ts(reze#e #eas!ri ? a
ad$rmit.
La $ra &a(te' z+$m$t!l (ara.an!l!i m!tat din l$# $ trezi r!s#9 se
nt$arse &i ."z! !n "rat #are2i era #! des".)r&ire ne#!n$s#!t.
? 0e d$ri-i de la mineA ntre" ea.
>"rat!l se a(r$(ie de ea &i' sal!t)nd2$ at)t de ($liti#$s de (ar#"
n2ar ,i ,$st re+in"' i s(!se9
? E! m" n!mes# 5ans$n.
Re+ina se n,i$r" (!-in &i se ridi#". N!mele a#ela i s(!nea mai
m!lt de#)t $ l!n+" #!.)ntare.
? Ai .enit (rea de.reme' d$mn!le' i s(!se ea. N! ai (!tea s" mai
nt)rzii (!-inA
? N!' d$amn"' r"s(!nse 5ans$n< am (rimit $rdin s" .in.
%!(" #e r$sti #!.intele de mai s!s' ,"#! !n (as s(re re+in".
Ii (rezen-a a#el!i $m &i #li(a #e s$sise era! (e #)t de lim(ezi' (e
at)t de #!m(lite.
? A/D n-ele+' s(!se arestata' ai .enit s"2mi tai ("r!l.
? Este ne#esar' d$amna' r"s(!nse +)dele.
? Itiam' d$mn!le' zise re+ina' &i am d$rit s" te s#!tes# de
asemenea sar#in". *"r!l me! e a#$l$' (e mas".
5ans$n !rm"ri m)na re+inei n (artea n #are se ndre(ta.
? N!mai #"' !rm" ea' a& .rea s" le ,ie dat #$(iil$r mei' n seara
a#easta.
? %$amn"' zise 5ans$n' asemenea sar#in" n! m" (ri.e&te (e
mine.
? T$t!&i' #rez!sem...
? :ie n!2mi a(ar-ine' !rm" #"l"!l' de#)t #eea #e r"m)ne...de la
(ers$ane... /aine' i1!terii' &i n#" &i a#elea n!mai da#" mi se da!
,$rmal< da#" n!' t$t!l e d!s la 5al(\triere &i a(ar-ine s"rmanil$r din
s(itale. Un de#ret al 0$mitet!l!i 5al."rii *!li#e a /$t"r)t a&a.
? %ar t$t!&i' d$mn!le' ntre" :aria2Ant$aneta' st"r!ind' a&
(!tea ,i si+!r" #" ("r!l me! .a ,i dat #$(iilo mei.
5ans$n r"mase m!t.
? mi ia! e! sar#ina s" n#er#' s(!se Cilert.
Arestata i ar!n#" (azni#!l!i $ (ri.ire (lin" de ine6(rimail"
re#!n$&tin-".
? Venisem a#!ma' s(!se 5ans$n' #a s" ." tai ("r!l' dar de .reme
#e $(era-ia asta s2a n,"(t!it' a& (!tea' da#" d$ri-i' s" ." las !n
m$ment sin+!r".
? Te r$+' d$mn!le' r"s(!nse re+ina' #"#i am ne.$ie s" m" re#!le+
&i s"2mi ,a# r!+"#i!nea.
5ans$n se n#lin" &i ie&i.
At!n#i re+ina r"mase sin+!r"' ,iind#" Cilert &i stre#!rase d$ar
#a(!l #a s" r$steas#" .$rele pe cae le-am au%it-
n .reme #e #$ndamnata n+en!n#/ea (e !n s#a!n mai s#!nd
de#)t #elelalte' #are2i sl!1ea de s#"!nel de r!+"#i!ne' $ s#en"' n! mai
(!-in n,i$r"t$are de#)t #ea (e #are .2am ($.estit2$' se (etre#ea n
#asa (ar$/ial" a iseri#!-ei 5aint2Land8& #n in!ula Cit(-
*re$t!l (ar$/iei aia se s#!lase. >"tr)na l!i mena1er" i (re+"tea
m$desta +!stare' #)nd' de$dat"' #ine.a "t! #! (!tere n !&a #asei
(ar$/iale.
0/iar la !n (re$t din zilele n$astre' $ .izit" ne(re."z!t" .este&te
t$tde!na !n e.eniment9 $tez' $ #"s"t$rie in e6tremis sa! $
s($.edanie s!(rem". %ar n .rem!rile a#elea' .izita !n!i str"in (!tea
(re.esti #e.a mai +ra.. %e ,a(t' n .rem!rile a#elea (re$t!l n! mai era
mandatar!l l!i %!mneze!' el tre!ia s" dea s$#$teal" $amenil$r.
T$t!&i' aatele Cirard era din n!m"r!l #el$r #are n! (rea a.ea! de
#e se teme' #"#i de(!sese 1!r"m)nt!l (e 0$nstit!-ie9 n ,"(t!ra sa
#$n&tiin-a &i (r$itatea .$riser" mai tare de#)t am$r!l2(r$(ri! &i
s(irit!l reli+i$s. 3"r" nd$ial"' aatele Cirard admitea ($siilitatea !n!i
(r$+res n +!.ernare &i2i ("rea r"! #" at)tea a!z!ri se s".)r&iser" n
n!mele (!terii di.ine. *"str)nd!2&i #redin-a n %!mneze!' n#!.iin-ase
t$t!&i s" se n,r"-eas#" #! re+im!l re(!li#an.
? %!2te de .ezi' d$amn" 8a#int/e' #ine2a .enit s" ne at" la
($art" at)t de diminea-"' zise el. %a#" n! mi se #ere #!m.a !n a1!t$r
+rani#' s(!ne #2am ,$st #/emat n diminea-a asta la 0$n#ier+erie &i
#" s!nt silit s" (le# ndat".
%$amna 8a#int/e se n!mise (e .rem!ri d$amna :adeleine' dar
n#!.iin-" s" (rimeas#" !n n!me de ,l$are n s#/im!l .e#/i!l!i n!me'
a&a #!m aatele Cirard n#!.iin-ase titl!l de #et"-ean n l$#!l #el!i de
(re$t.
La ndemn!l st"()n!l!i ei' d$amna 8a#int/e se +r"i s" #$$are
tre(tele +r"dini-ei n #are d"dea ($arta de la intrare. Trase z".$arele &i
!n t)n"r tare (alid &i tare nelini&tit' dar #! $ n,"-i&are l)nd" &i
#instit"' i se n,"-i&".
* 'l caut pe domnul a)ate Giad+ !pu!e el-
8a#int/e i #er#et" straiele r"."&ite' ara nen+ri1it" &i $ser."
trem!r!l ner.$s al n$!2.enit!l!i. T$ate i se ("r!r" semne r"!
(re.estit$are.
? 0et"-ene' r"s(!nse ea' ai#i n! e6ist" ni#i !n d$mn' ni#i aate.
? Ierta-i2m"' d$amn"' !rm" t)n"r!l' .rea! s" s(!n (ar$/!l
iseri#ii 5aint2Landr=.
8a#int/e' n #i!da (atri$tism!l!i de #are era ns!,le-it"' ,! izit" de
#!.)nt!l d$amn"' #are n! i s2ar mai ,i adresat ni#i m"#ar !nei
m("r"tese. T$t!&i i s(!se9
? N! ($ate ,i ."z!t' #et"-ene< &i s(!ne r!+"#i!n!le din re.iar.
? n #az!l a#esta am s" a&te(t' r"s(!nse t)n"r!l.
? %ar' ri($st" d$amna 8a#int/e' #"reia st"r!in-a str"in!l!i i
rede&te(ta +)nd!rile rele (e #are &i le ,"#!se dintr! n#e(!t' ai s"
a&te(-i zadarni#' #et"-ene' #"#i a ,$st #/emat la 0$n#ier+erie !nde are
s" (le#e n #)te.a #li(e.
T)n"r!l se ,"#! al #a .ar!l' sa!' mai #!r)nd' din (alid #!m ea&
de0eni li0id-
? A&adar e2ade."ratD s(!se el n &$a(t".
A($i' ad"!+" tare9
? Iat"' d$amn"' t$#mai (ri#ina #are m" ad!#e la #et"-ean!l
Cirard.
Ii .$rind ntr!na' intrase' n#/isese z".$arele de la ($art"'
n#eti&$r' #e e dre(t' dar si+!r' &i #! t$ate (r$testele' a #/iar
amenin-"rile d$amnei 8a#int/e' ("tr!nsese n #as"' a1!n+)nd ()n" n
#amera aatel!i.
A#esta' ."z)nd!2l' s#$ase !n !&$r stri+"t de s!r(riz".
? 5" m" ierta-i' d$mn!le (ar$/' s(!se t)n"r!l n!maide#)t'
tre!ie s" ." ad!# la #!n$&tin-" !n l!#r! ,$arte +ra.. n+"d!i-i s"
r"m)nem sin+!ri.
>"tr)n!l (re$t &tia din e6(erien-" #!m se e6teri$rizeaz" marile
s!,erin-e. *e ,i+!ra t)n"r!l!i n$str! #iti $ (asi!ne mist!it$are &i2n
.$#ea l!i ,eril" desl!&i $ em$-ie s!(rem".
? Las"2ne sin+!ri' d$amn" 8a#int1e& %i!e el-
T)n"r!l !rm"ri din $#/i #! ner"dare mena1era' #are' $i&n!it" s"
ia (arte la tainele st"()n!l!i' nt)rzia s" (le#e< a($i' d!(" #e n s,)r&it
n#/ise !&a n !rma ei' ne#!n$s#!t!l n#e(! s" .$reas#"9
? %$mn!le (ar$/' m" .e-i ntrea de la n#e(!t #ine s!nt. Am s"
.2$ s(!n9 s!nt !n $m (r$s#ris' s!nt !n $m #$ndamnat la m$arte' #are
n! tr"ie&te de#)t dat$rit" #!tezan-ei. 5!nt 0a.aler!l de :ais$n2R$!+e.
Aatele tres"ri de s(aim" n ,$t$li!l s"! mare.
? OD s" n! ." teme-i de nimi#' !rm" #a.aler!l< nimeni n! m2a
."z!t intr)nd ai#i' &i #/iar #ei #are m2ar ,i ."z!t' n! m2ar ,i re#!n$s#!t<
m2am s#/imat tare m!lt n !ltimele d$!" l!ni.
? %ar ine' #e d$re&ti d!mneata' #et"-eneA ntre" (ar$/!l.
? V" d!#e-i n diminea-a asta la 0$n#ier+erie' n!2i a&aA
* %a' am ,$st #"!tat de ($rtar.
? Iti-i de #eA
* /entu 0eun )olna0& pentu 0eun mui)und& !au pentu 0eun
condamnat& poate-
? A-i +/i#it' $ ,iin-" #$ndamnat" ." a&tea(t".
>"tr)n!l se !it" la #a.aler (lin de !imire.
? %ar &ti-i #ine e ,iin-a a#eeaA ntre" :ais$n2R$!+e.
? N!' n! &ti!.
? 3iin-a a#eea e re+ina.
Aatele l"s" s"2i s#a(e !n stri+t de d!rere.
* Re"ina. Doamne-Dumne%eule+
? %a' d$mn!le aate' re+inaD Am #"!tat s" a,l! #e (re$t a.ea!
s"2i dea. Am a,lat #" .2a! ales (e s,in-ia2.$astr" &i2am .enit #nt-un
!uflet-
? Ii #e .rei d!mneata de la mineA ntre" (re$t!l ns("im)ntat
de #!.intele n,ri+!rate ale #a.aler!l!i.
? Vrea!... a/D n! .rea!' d$mn!le aate' .in s" ." im(l$r' s" ."
r$+' s" m" (r$sternez.
* /entu ce anume.
? 5" m" l!a-i #! d$mnia2.$astr" la ma1estatea2sa.
? OD dar d!mneata e&ti ne!nD e6#lam" aatele. %!mneata mi
.rei (ieirea &i2-i .rei (ieirea d!mitale ns!-iD
? 5" n! ." teme-i de nimi#.
? >iata ,emeie e #$ndamnat" &i s2a is(r".it #! eaD
? Iti!' d$mn!le aate. N! #a s2$ sal.ez .rea! e! s2$ ."d' #i...
%ar' as#!lta-i2m"' ."d #" n! m" as#!lta-i' ("rinte.
? N! te as#!lt ,iind#"2mi #eri !n l!#r! #! ne(!tin-"< n! te as#!lt
,iind#" te #$m($r-i #a !n $m dement' r"s(!nse "tr)n!l< n! te as#!lt
,iind#" .$rele d!mitale m" ns("im)nt".
? *"rinte' lini&ti-i2."' #$ntin!" t)n"r!l n#er#)nd s" se lini&teas#"
el ns!&i. *"rinte' #rede-i2m"' s!nt #! mintea ntrea+". Re+ina e
(ierd!t"' $ &ti!' dar d$res# s" m" (r$sternez la (i#i$arele ei' d$ar $
#li("' &i asta2mi .a sal.a .ia-a< da#" n2$ ."d' m" $m$r' &i #!m
s,in-ia2.$astr" .a ,i (ri#ina dis(er"rii mele' mi .e-i ,i !#is n a#ela&i
tim( &i tr!(!l' &i s!,let!l.
? 3i!le' ,i!le' s(!se (re$t!l' mi #eri s"2mi sa#ri,i# .ia-a'
+)nde&te2teD A&a "tr)n #!m s!nt' e6isten-a mea e n#" de tre!in-"
m!lt$r nen$r$#i-i< a&a "tr)n #!m s!nt' s" ies sin+!r n #alea m$r-ii ar
nsemna s" m" sin!#id.
? N! m" al!n+a-i' ("rinte' r"s(!nse #a.aler!l. %$ar a.e-i ne.$ie
de !n a1!t$r' de !n dia#$n< l!a-i2m" (e mine' l!a-i2m" #!
s,in-ia2.$astr".
*re$t!l n#er#" s" ,a#" a(el la t"ria l!i de #ara#ter' #are n#e(!se
s" sl"eas#".
? N!' zise el' n!' asta ar nsemna s"2mi #al# dat$ria< am 1!rat (e
0$nstit!-ie' am 1!rat din inim"' #! t$at" sin#eritatea. 3emeia
#$ndamnat" e $ re+in" .in$.at". *rimes# !#!r$s s" m$r' da#"
m$artea mea ar (!tea ,i de ,$l$s a(r$a(el!i me!' dar n! a##e(t s"2mi
nes$#$tes# dat$ria.
? V" s(!n &i ." re(et' ." 1!r #" n! .rea! s2$ sal.ez (e re+in"<
iat"' 1!r (e s,inta e.an+/elie' (e s,)nta #r!#e #e2$ a.e-i n ,a-"' #" n!
mer+ la 0$n#ier+erie #a s2$ s#a( de la m$arte-
? At!n#i #e d$re&tiA ntr" "tr)n!l mi&#at de a##ent!l a#ela de
dis(erare' #are n! ($ate ,i imitat.
? As#!lta-i' ("rinte' .$ri #a.aler!l' al #"r!i s!,let .$ia (ar#" s"
a1!n+" (e !ze' mi2a ,$st ine,"#"t$are &i are (entr! mine !n $are#are
ata&ament< s" m" .ad" n !ltim!l ei #eas .a ,i (entr! ea' s!nt si+!r' $
m)n+)iere.
? Asta e t$t #e .reiA ntre" (re$t!l' zdr!n#inat de a##ent!l
irezistiil al t)n"r!l!i.
? E t$t &i n!mai at)t.
? N! #!m.a !rze&ti !n #$m(l$t #a s" n#er#i s2$ sal.ezi (e
#$ndamnat"A
* Ni#i !n #$m(l$t. 5!nt #re&tin' ("rinte' &i da#" n s!,let!l me! e
$ !mr" de min#i!n"' da#" n!tres# n"de1dea #" ea .a s#"(a #! .ia-" &i
da#" m" str"d!i s" ,a# #)t de #)t #e.a n asemenea s#$(' s" m"
(ede(seas#" %!mneze!' #$ndamn)nd!2m" la ,$#!l #el .e&ni#-
? N!2-i ($t ,"+"d!i nimi#' i s(!se (re$t!l' n mintea #"r!ia se
i.ea! (rime1diile at)t de mari &i de n!mer$ase ad!se de $ asemenea
im(r!den-".
? L!a-i aminte' ("rinte' e6#lam" #a.aler!l #! !n a##ent de
ad)n#" d!rere' .2am s(!s t$t!l #a !n ,i! s!(!s' n2am +r"it de#)t s!
ndemn!l !n$r sentimente #re&tine&ti' de mil$stenie. Ni#i $ .$r"
$tr".it" &i ni#i $ amenin-are n! s2a des(rins de (e !zele mele &i t$t!&i
#a(!l mi #l$#$te&te &i ,era mi arde s)n+ele' dis(erarea mi s,)&ie
inima &i s!nt narmat' ("rinte. *ri.i-i' am !n (!mnal la mine.
Ii t)n"r!l s#$ase de la (ie(t $ s(ad" str"l!#it$are &i ,in" #e
ar!n#" !n li#"r li.id (e m)na l!i trem!r"t$are.
*ar$/!l se trase re(ede nd"r"t.
? 5" n! ." teme-i de nimi#' s(!se #a.aler!l #! !n s!r)s trist. Al-ii'
&tiind!2." at)t de #redin#i$s #!.)nt!l!i dat' .2ar ,i sm!ls !n 1!r"m)nt
n s#/im!l ,ri#ii s,in-iei2.$astre. N!' e! .2am im(l$rat &i n#" ." mai
im(l$r #! m)inile m(re!nate &i #! ,r!ntea (le#at"9 a1!ta-i2m" s2$ mai
."d $ sin+!r" #li(". Iat" n s#/im $ +aran-ie (entr! si+!ran-a .$astr".
5#$ase din !z!nar !n ilet &i2l nm)n" aatel!i Cirard' #are l
des,"#! &i #iti #ele de mai 1$s9
JE!' Rene' 0a.aler de :ais$n2R$!+e' de#lar' n n!mele l!i
%!mneze! &i (e a mea #inste' #"' (rin amenin-are #! m$artea' l2am
silit (e .enerail!l (ar$/ de la 5aint2Landr= s" m" ia #! el la
0$n#ier+erie' n #i!da m($tri.iril$r sale .i$lente. %re(t #are semnez'
Mai!on-Rou"eC
? >ine' ,ie' zise (re$t!l. %ar mai 1!r"2mi n#" $ dat" #" n2ai s"
#$mi-i im(r!den-e. N!2i dest!l #a .ia-a mea s" ,ie a("rat"' r"s(!nd &i
de2a d!mitale.
? OD s" n! ne mai +)ndim la asta' s(!se #a.aler!l9 s!nte-i de
a#$rdA
? N2am n#$tr$' de .reme #e d!mneata -ii #! t$t dinadins!l. Ai s"
m2a&te(-i 1$s &i #)nd ea .a intra n +re,"' at!n#i ai s2$ .ezi...
Ca0aleul ap!#" m)na "tr)n!l!i &i $ s"r!t" #! a#ela&i res(e#t &i
#! a#ela&i e6taz #! #are ar ,i s"r!tat #r!#i,i6!l.
? VaiD &$(ti #a.aler!l' #el (!-in .a m!ri #a $ re+in" &i m)na
#"l"!l!i n2$ .a atin+e.
Capitolul XLVIII
0RRUA
%e ndat" #e #"("t" n#!.iin-area (ar$/!l!i de la 5aint2Landr='
:ais$n2R$!+e se re(ezi ntr2$ #"m"r!-" ntredes#/is"' (e #are $
re#!n$s#! a ,i $d"i-a de t$alet" a aatel!i.
A#$l$' ntr2$ #li(it"' ara &i m!st"-ile2i #"z!r" s! t"i&!l ri#i!l!i
&i2aia at!n#i (!t! s" .ad" &i el #)t era de (alid< era ntr2ade."r
n,ri#$&"t$r.
5e nt$arse a(arent lini&tit< dealt,el' (ar#" !itase #! des".)r&ire #"
la 0$n#ier+erie (!tea ,i re#!n$s#!t' #! t$ate #" n! mai a.ea ar" &i
m!st"-i.
l !rm" (e aate (e #are' n tim(!l #el$r #)te.a #li(e #)t er$!l
n$str! li(sise' d$i ,!n#-i$nari .eniser" s"2l #a!te. 0a.aler!l era de
nere#!n$s#!t' ,iind !/"it &i (!/a. din (ri#ina ,erei &i' #! ndr"zneala
a#eea #are s(!ler" $ri#e "n!ial"' intr" (rin ($arta #! +ratii #e da n
#!rtea *alat!l!i.
Era' #a &i aatele Cirard' mr"#at n /aine ne+re' .e&tmintele
(re$-e&ti ,iind interzise.
n in#inta +re,ei d"d!r" (este mai m!lt de #in#ize#i de in&i' sl!1it$ri
ai n#/is$rii' de(!ta-i' #$misari' #are a&te(ta! s2$ .ad" (e re+in"
tre#)nd' ,ie trimi&i de al-ii' ,ie .eni-i din sim(l" cuio%itate-
Inima #a.aler!l!i "tea at)t de (!terni# #)nd a1!nse n ,a-a
+/i&e!l!i de la intrarea n n#/is$are' n#)t n! mai a!zi dis#!-iile
aatel!i #! (azni#ii &i #! temni#ier!l.
%ar !n $m' #are -inea n m)na $ ,$ar,e#" &i $ !#at" de st$,"
t"iat" de cu$nd& !e i%)i de Mai!on-Rou"e #n pa"-
:ais$n2R$!+e se nt$arse &i2l re#!n$s#! (e #"l"!.
? 0e #a!-i ai#i' #et"-eneA ntre" 5ans$n.
0a.aler!l n#er#" s"2&i ($t$leas#" ,i$rii #are ,"r" .$ia l!i i tre#ea!
(rin .ine.
? E!A ntre" el. N! .ezi' #et"-ene 5ans$n' #" l ns$-es# (e
(ar$/!l de la 5aint2Landr=A
? AD ine' r"s(!nse #"l"!l.
Ii se a&ez" de$(arte' d)nd ($r!n#i a1!t$r!l!i s"!. n tim(!l a#ela'
:ais$n2R$!+e ("tr!nse n in#inta +re,ei' (e !rm" din +re," tre#! n
n#"(erea n #are se a,la! #ei d$i (azni#i-
>ie-ii $ameni era! #$nsterna-i9 (e #)t de m)ndr" &i tr!,a&" ,!sese
#$ndamnata #! #eilal-i' (e at)t de !n" &i l)nd" ,!sese #! ei< ("rea!
a ,i mai #!r)nd sl!1it$rii de#)t (azni#ii ei.
%ar' de2a#$l$ de !nde &edea' #a.aler!l n2$ (!tea z"ri (e re+in"<
(aa0anul ea #nc1i!-
*ara.an!l se des#/ise #a s" intre (re$t!l' dar se n#/ise la l$# n
!rma l!i.
0)nd #a.aler!l intr"' #$n.$rirea n#e(!se.
? %$mn!le' s(!nea re+ina #! +las strident &i distant' de$are#e ai
de(!s 1!r"m)nt de #redin-" Re(!li#ii' n n!mele #"reia s!nt trimis" la
m$arte' n2a& (!tea a.ea n#redere n d$mnia2ta. N! ne mai n#/in"m
a#el!ia&i %!mneze!.
? %$amn"' r"s(!nse aatele Cirard' ad)n# mi&#at de semea-" ei
(r$,esi!ne de #redin-"' $ #re&tin" #are are s" m$ar" tre!ie s" m$ar"
,"r" !r" n s!,let &i n! tre!ie s"2l al!n+e (e %!mneze!' s! $ri#e
,$rm" i s2ar (rezenta.
:ais$n2R$!+e ,"#! !n (as #a s" ntredes#/id" (ara.an!l' n"2
d"1d!ind #" re+ina' ."z)nd!2l &i a,l)nd (ri#ina #are2l ad!sese' &i .a
s#/ima &i /$t"r)rea ,a-" de (re$t. %ar #ei d$i (azni#i se &i re(ezir".
* Deoaece !unt diaconul pao1ului---& !pu!e Mai!on-Rou"e-
? %a#" ea n!2l .rea (e (re$t' s(!se %!#/esne' n2are ne.$ie ni#i
de dia#$n!l l!i.
? *$ate #" .a (rimi' s(!se #a.aler!l' ridi#)nd .$#ea< e #! ne2
(!tin-" s" n! (rimeas#".
Da Maria2Ant$aneta era (rea #$(le&it" de sentimentele #are $
,r"m)nta!' #a s" a!d" &i s" re#!n$as#" +las!l #a.aler!l!i.
? Baide' d$mn!le' !rm" ea' adres)nd!2se t$t aatel!i Cirard'
d!2te &i las"2m". %e$are#e tr"im la $ra a#easta n 3ran-a s! !n re+im
de liertate' #er liertatea de2a m!ri d!(" ($,ta mea.
*re$t!l n#er#" s" st"r!ie.
? Las"2m"' d$mn!le' e6#lam" ea' -i2am s(!s s" m" la&i n (a#e.
*re$t!l .r! s" mai s(!n" #e.a.
? E d$rin-a mea' ad"!+" re+ina #! !n +est #a al :ariei Tereza.
Aatele Cirard ie&i.
Mais$n2R$!+e n#er#" s"2&i stre#$are (ri.irea (rin des#/iz"t!ra
(ara.an!l!i' dar arestata &edea #! s(atele s(re el.
A1!t$r!l #"l"!l!i se n#r!#i&" #! (re$t!l< intrase -in)nd ni&te
,r)n+/ii n m)n".
0ei d$i (azni#i l m(inser" (e #a.aler s(re !&"' nainte #a el'
dezn"d"1d!it &i z"("#it' s" ,i s#$s $ .$r" sa! s" ,i ,"#!t $ mi&#are
(entr! a2&i n,"(t!i (lan!l.
5e rent)lni #! aatele Cirard (e #$rid$r!l #e d!#ea la ($arta #!
+/i&e!. %e (e #$rid$r ,!r" am)nd$i m(in&i ()n" la +re,"' !nde .estea
re,!z!l!i re+inei de2a (rimi (re$t!l se r"s()ndise &i !nde tr!,ia
a!stria#" a :ariei2Ant$aneta era (entr! !nii (rete6t de in.e#ti.e &i
$#"ri +r$s$lane' iar (entr! al-ii m$ti.!l !nei taini#e admira-ii.
? Baide-i' s(!se Ri#/ard (re$t!l!i' nt$ar#e-i2." a#as"' de .reme
#e .2a al!n+at. N2are de#)t s" m$ar" #!m ($,te&te.
? @"!D ,"#! s$-ia l!i Ri#/ard' s" &ti-i #" are dre(tate' &i e! a& ,a#e
la ,el.
? %ar n2a-i a.ea dre(tate' #et"-ean"' s(!se aatele.
? Ta#i' ,emeieD &$(ti temni#er!l' /$l)nd!2se la ea. 0e te (ri.e&te
(e tineA *$,ti-i' ("rinte' ($,ti-i.
? N!' r"s(!nse aatele Cirard' am s2$ ns$-es# #/iar ,"r" .$ia ei<
!n #!.)nt' de n2ar ,i de#)t !n #!.)nt' da#"-l a!de' are s"-i aminteas#"
de ndat$ririle sale< dealt,el 0$m!na mi-a dat $ misi!ne... &i tre!ie s"
da! as#!ltare Comunei-
? 3ie' dar at!n#i des#$t$r$se&te-te de (ara#liser!l t"!' s(!se #!
+r$s$l"nie ad1!tant!l-ma1$r #are #$manda !nitatea militar".
Era !n .e#/i a#t$r de la 0$media 3ran#ez"' (e n!me Cramm$nt.
O#/ii #a.aler!l!i ,!l+erar" de m)nie' &i a!t$mat &i .)r m)na #n
!$n-
Aatele Cirard &tia #" s! .est" -inea !n (!mnal. 0! $ #"!t"t!r"
r!+"t$are i $(ri +est!l.
? 0r!-"-mi .ia-a' i s(!se el n &$a(t". Vezi ine #" t$t!l e (ierd!t'
n! te (ierde &i (e d!mneata $dat" #! ea. *e dr!m am s"-i 0o)e!c
de!pe dumneata& -i 1!r' am s"-i po0e!te!c c$t ai i!cat ca !-$ .ezi
(entr! !ltima $ar".
0!.intele (re$t!l!i ($t$lir" #l$#$t!l t)n"r!l!i n$str! er$!< dealt,el'
rea#-ia ,ireas#" n#e(!se s" se (r$d!#"< t$at" ,iin-a l!i era #!(rins"
de-$ sl"i#i!ne #i!dat". >"rat!l a#esta' de $ .$in-" er$i#"' de $ t"rie
mira#!l$as"' a1!nsese la #a("t!l (!teril$r &i al .$in-ei sale< (l!tea
&$."it$r' sa! mai #!r)nd ist$.it' r"(!s' ntr-!n s$i de s$mn$len-" (e
#are ai ,i (!t!t-$ l!a dre(t (re.estirea m$r-ii.
? %a' s(!se el' a&a tre!ia s" se nt)m(le9 #r!#ea (entr! Iis!s'
e&a,$d!l (entr! ea< zeii &i re+ii ea! ()n" la ,!nd (a/ar!l (e #are li-l
nm)neaz" $amenii.
Rez!ltat!l a#estei medita-ii' (lin" de resemnare &i de iner-ie' ,! #"
t)n"r!l se l"s" m(ins ()n" la !&a e6teri$ar"' ,"r" s" se a(ere dec$t
pin c$te-!n +eam"t in.$l!ntar' ,"r" s" se-m($tri.eas#" de,el' #a
O,elia' s$rtit" m$r-ii' #)nd se ."z! l!at" &i m(ins" de !ndele a(ei.
La ($r-ile 0$n#ier+eriei &i (e l)n+" +ratii se n+/es!ia $ m!l-ime
ns("im)nt"t$are' dintr-acelea pe cae e cu ne(!tin-" s" -i le ima+inezi
da#" n! le-ai ."z!t m"#ar $ dat" n .ia-".
Ner"darea (!sese st"()nire (e t$t s$i!l de (atimi' &i (atimile
a#elea &i stri+a! n +!ra mare ("s!rile #are' m(re!n)nd!-se' al2
#"t!ia! !n s$i de r!m$are imens" &i (rel!n+it"' #a &i #!m t$t z+$m$t!l
ntre+ii ($(!la-ii a *aris!l!i s-ar ,i #$n#entrat n #artier!l *alat!l!i de
1!sti-ie.
n ,a-a m!l-imii se instalase $ armat" ntrea+"' #! t!n!ri menite s"
(r$te1eze serarea &i s" dea $ #ertit!dine #el$r .eni-i s" se des,ete.
6adanic ai ,i n#er#at s" str"(!n+i zid!l de $ameni' n+r$&at (!-in
#)te (!-in de (atri$-ii s!!riil$r' din #li(a n #are .estea #$ndamn"rii
se r"s()ndise &i n a,ara *aris!l!i.
Mai!on-R$!+e' $dat" s#$s din 0$n#ier+erie' se a,l" ,ire&te n ,a-a
(rim!l!i r)nd de s$lda-i.
5$lda-ii l ntrear" #ine e.
El r"s(!nse #" e .i#ar!l aatel!i Cirard' dar' #a !n!l #e 1!rase (e
#$nstit!-ie $dat" #! aatele s"!' ,!sese &i el re,!zat de re+in".
5$lda-ii l m(inser" &i ei' ()n" #e a1!nse n (rimele r)nd!ri ale
+l$atei.
Acolo fu !ilit s" re(ete #ele s(!se s$lda-il$r.
At!n#i' .$#ile se n"l-ar" ntr-!n stri+"t9
* Acum !-a des("r-it de ea... A ."z!t-$... 0e s(!neaA... 0e
,"#eaA... T$t tr!,a&" eA... E a"t!t"A... *l)n+eA...
0a.aler!l r"s(!nse t!t!r$r ntre"ril$r #! $ .$#e stins"' l)nd" &i
ine.$it$are n a#ela&i tim(' #a &i #!m .$#ea l!i ar ,i ,$st #ea din !rm"
mani,estare a .ie-ii #e (ar#" i se #$n#entrase (e !ze.
R"s(!ns!l l!i era ade."r!l #!rat &i sim(l!< n!mai #" ade."r!l
a#ela era !n el$+i! ad!s t"riei de #ara#ter a Ant$anetei' &i t$t #e
s(!nea el' #! sim(litatea &i sin#eritatea !n!i e.an+/elist' stre#!r" #/in
&i rem!&#are n m!lte s!,lete.
%!(" #e .$ri de (rin-!l m$&tenit$r' de (rin#i(es"' a($i de re+ina
detr$nat"' de s$-ia ,"r" s$- &i de mama ,"r" #$(ii' n s,)r&it de ,emeia
r"mas" sin+!r" &i ("r"sit"' ,"r" ni#i !n (rieten' (e m)inile #"l"il$r'
m!lte ,r!n-i ("lir" s! ."l!l triste-ii' m!lte la#rimi se i.ir"' ,!ri&ate &i
,ierin-i' n $#/i #e d$ar #! $ #li(" nainte ,!seser" ns!,le-i-i de !r".
>"t! #eas!l !ns(reze#e la $r$l$+i!l *alat!l!i &i (e dat" r!m$area'
n#et". 5!te de mii de $ameni n!m"ra! "t"ile #eas!l!i #"r$ra le
r"s(!ndea! "t"ile inimii.
A($i' d!(" #e .irarea !ltimei "t"i a $rni#!l!i se stinse n
."zd!/' se a!zi !n z+$m$t mare nd"r"t!l ($r-il$r &i se ."z! .enind $
#"r!-" dins(re #/ei!l 3l$ril$r' #r$ind!-&i dr!m (rin !ria&a +l$at"' (e
!rm" (rintre (azni#i' &i $(rind!-se n s,)r&it n ,a-a tre(tel$r.
ndat" re+ina a("r! s!s' (e imens!l (er$n. T$ate (asi!nile se
#$n#entrar" n $#/i' t!t!r$r li se #!rm" r"s!,larea.
*"r!l' t"iat s#!rt' i alise n tim(!l #a(ti.it"-ii' iar n!an-a l!i
ar+intie a##ent!a deli#ate-ea (al$rii side,ii' #are' n #li(a s!(rem"'
d"dea ,r!m!se-ii a#elei ,ii#e a #ezaril$r $ tr"s"t!r" a(r$a(e #elest".
*!rta $ r$#/ie al" &i m)inile-i eau le"ate la !pate-
0)nd a("r! s!s (e s#ar"' a.)nd n drea(ta (e aatele Cirard' #e $
ns$-ea n #i!da d$rin-ei ei' &i n st)n+a (e #"l"!' am)nd$i mr"#a-i n
ne+r!' (rin t$at" m!l-imea str""t! !n m!rm!r' (e #are d$ar
%!mneze!' #are #ite&te n ad)n#!l s!,letel$r& l-ar ,i (!t!t n-ele+e &i
sintetiza ntr-!n ade."r.
Un $m se stre#!r" at!n#i ntre #"l"! &i :aria-Antoaneta-
Era Cramm$nt. Tre#! ast,el #a s"-i arate a1e#ta #"r!-".
In0olunta& e"ina !e ta!e un pa! #napoi-
? Ur#"' i s(!se Cramm$nt.
T$at" l!mea a!zi #!.)nt!l a#ela' #"#i em$-ia ,"#!se s" am!-eas#"
(e !zele s(e#tat$ril$r $ri#e &$a(t".
At!n#i se ."z! #!m s)n+ele !r#" n $ra1ii re+inei &i a1!n+e la
r"d"#ina ("r!l!i< a($i' a(r$a(e n!maide#)t' ,a-a-i re#a("t" (al$area
a#eea m$rtal".
>!zele n.ine-ite se ntredes#/iser".
? %e #e e! s!nt d!s" n #"r!-"' s(!se ea' #)nd re+ele a mers la
e&a,$d n tr"s!ra l!iA
Aatele Cirard i s(!se n &$a(t" #)te.a #!.inte. 3"r" nd$ial"'
#$m"tea a#est !ltim stri+"t de $r+$li! re+al al #$ndamnatei.
Re+ina t"#! &i se #l"tin".
5ans$n ntinse am)nd$!" ra-ele s-$ s(ri1ine' dar ea se ndre(t"
nainte #a el s-o fi atin!-
0$$r tre(tele' n .reme #e a1!t$r!l #"l"!l!i ($tri.ea $ s#"ri-" de
lemn n s(atele #"r!-ei.
Re+ina !r#"' aatele !r#" &i el n !rma ei.
San!on #i pu!e pe am)nd$i s" se a&eze.
0)nd #"r!-a n#e(! a se /!rd!#a' $ mare mi&#are se is#" n ($($r.
%ar #!m s$lda-ii n! (!tea! #!n$a&te s#$(!l a#el!i ,ream"t al m!l-imii'
&i ad!nar" t$ate (!terile #a s" nde("rteze +l$ata. 5e ,"#! de#i !n
mare s(a-i! ntre #"r!-" &i (rimele $ndui-
n s(a-i!l a#ela se a!zi !n !rlet l!+!r!.
Re+ina tres"ri &i se ridi#" n (i#i$are' (ri.ind n 1!r.
&i ."z! #)inele' (ierd!t de d$!" l!ni' #)inele #are n! (!t!se
("tr!nde #! ea n 0$n#ier+erie' #are n #i!da /!id!ielil$r' l$.it!ril$r &i
$#"ril$r se re(ezea ntr!na s(re #"r!-". %ar ntr-$ #li(" iet!l >la#;'
sleit de (!teri' sla' zdr$it' dis("r! s! (i#i$arele #ail$r.
Re+ina l !rm"ri din $#/i. N! (!tea .$ri' #"#i .$#ea i era
a#$(erit" de z+$m$t< n!-l (!tea ar"ta #! de+et!l' #"#i m)inile-i era!
le+ate. %ealt,el' #/iar da#" l-ar ,i (!t!t ar"ta' #/iar da#" ar ,i (!t!t ,i
a!zit"' r!+"mintea ei ar ,i r"mas zadarni#".
%ar' d!(" #e-l (ierd!se $ #li(" din $#/i' l re."z!.
5e a,la n ra-ele !n!i t)n"r (alid #are' st)nd n (i#i$are (e !n
t!n' d$mina m!l-imea. *ar#" n"l-at de $ e6altare #e n! ($ate ,i
des#ris" n #!.inte' t)n"r!l ,"#ea (le#"#i!ni re+inei &i i ar"ta #er!l.
Maia-Ant$aneta &i ndre(t" &i ea (ri.irea s(re #er &i s#/i-" #!
l)nde-e !n s!r)s.
Ca0aleul de Mai!on-R$!+e s#$ase !n +eam"t' de (ar#" s!r)s!l
a#ela i-ar ,i ,"#!t $ ran" n inim" &i' n tim( #e #"r!-a #$ti ns(re
*$nt-au-0/an+e' el #$$r n m!l-ime &i se ,"#! ne."z!t.
Capitolul XLIX
EIA3O%UL
n *ia-a Re.$l!-iei' a&te(ta! d$i "ra-i' s(ri1ini-i de-un felina-
A&te(ta!' m(re!n" #! m!l-imea ? din #are $ (arte se d!sese n
*ia-a *alat!l!i' $ alt" (arte .enise n *ia-a Re.$l!-iei &i rest!l' n t!m!lt
&i n+/es!ial"' se r"s()ndise (e dr!m!l #are le+a #ele d$!" (ie-e ?
a&te(ta!' s(!neam' s$sirea re+inei la instr!ment!l de s!(li#i!' #are'
t$#it de (l$aie &i de .)nt' t$#it de m)na #"l"!l!i' t$#it' +r$azni# l!#r!D'
de #$nta#t!l #! .i#timele' d$mina #! $ tr!,ie sinistr" t$ate #a(etele de
s! el' a&a #!m $ re+in" &i d$min" ($($r!l.
0ei d$i "ra-i' #! ra-ele n#r!#i&ate' #! !zele li.ide' #!
s(r)n#enele n#r!ntate' #e &i .$rea! din #)nd n #)nd n &$a(t"' era!'
,ire&te' :a!ri#e &i L$rin. *ierd!-i (rintre s(e#tat$ri' dar $#!()nd l$#!ri
#e (!tea! ,i in.idiate de t$-i' #$ntin!a! n &$a(t" $ dis#!-ie #e n! era
dintre #ele mai (!-in interesante din #)te &er(!ia! n +r!(!rile #are'
(ar#" ele#trizate' se ,r"m)nta!' (re#!m $ mare .ie' de la
*$nt-au-0/an+e ()n" la *$d!l Re.$l!-iei.
Ima"inea pe cae 0-am n,"-i&at-$' #ea a e&a,$d!l!i d$min)nd
t$ate #a(etele' i izise (e am)nd$i.
? *ri.e&te' zi#ea :a!ri#e' #!m m$nstr!l /id$s &i nal-" ra-ele
r$&ii. Ai zi#e #" ne #/eam" &i #" ne z)me&te din ,erestr!i#a l!i' #e
(are $ +!r" n,i$r"t$are.
? *e #!.)nt' r"s(!nse L$rin' e! n! ,a# (arte din a#ea &#$al" a
($eziei #are .ede t$t!l n r$&!. E! ."d l!#r!rile n r$z' &i #/iar
(i#i$arele ma&inii "steia /id$ase a& #)nta &i a& s(!ne9 %!m s(ir$'
s(er$.
? n#" n"d"1d!ie&ti' #)nd se !#id ,emeileA
? A/' :a!ri#e' ,i! al Re.$l!-iei' n!--i rene+a mama. R"m)i mai
de(arte (atri$t!l !n &i leal. :a!ri#e' #ea #are .a s" m$ar" n!-i $
,emeie #a t$ate #elelalte ,emei< #ea #are .a s" m$ar" este +eni!l r"!
al 3ran-ei.
? N! d!(" ea mi (are r"!' n! (e ea $ (l)n+D e6#lam" :a!ri#e.
? %a' n-ele+. E .$ra de Cene.iB0e-
? A/D $,t" :a!ri#e' &tii t!' m" r$ade !n +)nd #are m" nne2
!ne&te9 #" Cene.iB0e !e afl" n m)inile ,!rniz$ril$r +/il$tinei' BEert &i
3$!H!ier-,in0ille& #n m$inile celo ce-au timi!-$ ai#i (e s"rmana El$ise
&i #are $ trimit ai#i &i (e tr!,a&a :aria-Antoaneta-
? Ei ineD re(li#" L$rin' .ezi t!' (e mine t$#mai asta m" ,a#e s"
s(er. %!(" #e m)nia ($($r!l!i se .a ,i /r"nit din (lin #! #ei d$i tirani'
se .a s"t!ra #el (!-in (entr! $ !#at" de .reme' #a &ar(ele $a' #"r!ia
i tre!ie trei l!ni #a s" mist!ie #eea #e s,)&ie. At!n#i m)nia a#easta n!
.a mai (!tea n+/i-i (e nimeni &i' #!m zi# (r$,e-ii ma/alalei' are s" se
team" ()n" &i de #ele mai mi#i ,"r)me.
? L$rin' zise :a!ri#e' e! s!nt mai ($ziti. de#)t tine &i--i .$i s(!ne
n &$a(t" #eea #e s!nt +ata s" re(et &i n +!ra mare9 L$rin' e! $ !r"s#
(e re+ina #ea n$!"' s!cce!oaea au!tiecei& pe cae ae !-$ distr!+". E $
re+in" m$/$r)t"' trist"' a #"rei (!r(!r" e -es!t" din s)n+ele ."rsat
zilni# &i al #"rei (rim-ministr! e #"l"!l 5ans$n.
* Ei& pe noi n-are s" ne (rind"D
? N! &ti!' !rm" :a!ri#e' #l"tin)nd din #a(. %$ar .ezi #" n-a.em
alt" ie&ire de#)t s" #$lind"m str"zile' #a s" n! ne aresteze la n$i
a#as"D
? *!tem (le#a din *aris' nimi# n! ne m(iedi#". 5" n! ne
(l)n+em' a&adar. Un#/i!l me! ne a&tea(t" la 5aint-Omer< ani'
(a&a($arte' nimi# n! ne li(se&te. %$ar n-are s" ne aresteze ni#i !n
1andarm' #e #reziA 5t"m ai#i ,iind#" .rem s" st"m.
* Nu& ceea ce !pui tu nu-i dre(t' dra+" (rietene' s!,let de.$tat
#e-mi e&ti... T! stai n!mai ,iind#" e! .rea! s" sta!.
? Ii t! .rei s" stai #a s-$ +"se&ti (e Cene.iB0e- Ei )ine& ce poate ,i
mai sim(l!' mai dre(t &i mai ,ires#A 0rezi #"-i n n#/is$are' #eea #e e
a(r$a(e si+!r. Vrei s" .e+/ezi as!(ra ei &i' (entr! asta' n! tre!ie s"
("r"se&ti *aris!l.
:a!ri#e s#$ase !n s!s(in. Era e.ident #" +)nd!rile sale (rin2
seser" a r"t"#i (e alte melea"ui-
? -i mai ad!#i aminte m$artea l!i L!d$.i# al 4VI-leaA s(!se el.
*ar#" m" ."d' (alid de em$-ie &i de m)ndrie. Eram !n!l dintre &e,ii
m!l-imii n #are m" as#!nd ast"zi. Eram mai mare la (i#i$arele
e&a,$d!l!i de#)t ,!sese .re$dat" n .ia-a l!i re+ele #are i !r#a
tre(tele. 0e s#/imare' L$rinD Ii #)nd te +)nde&ti #" n-a! tre#!t de#)t
n$!" l!niD
? N$!" l!ni de dra+$ste' :a!ri#eD... OD dra+$ste' t! ai ,"#!t s"
#ad" Tr$iaD
:a!ri#e s!s(in". C)nd!rile-i /$inare a(!#ar" (e alt dr!m &i
(rinser" a #er#eta alte oi%ontui-
? 5"rman!l :ais$n-R$!+e' &$(ti el' #e zi trist" (entr! elD
? E/eiD ,"#! L$rin' &tii t! #e mi se (are mie #el mai trist n
re.$l!-iiA Vrei s"--i s(!nA
* Da-
? 0" de m!lte $ri ai dre(t d!&mani $ameni (e #are i-ai d$ri
(rieteni' &i dre(t (rieteni oameni pe cae---
? mi .ine +re! s" #red...' l ntrer!(se :a!ri#e.
* Ce.
? 0" n-are s" n"s#$#eas#" .re!n (lan' ,ie el #/iar nes"!it' #a s-$
sal.eze (e re+in".
? Un $m mai tare #a $ s!t" de miiA
? i-am s(!s d$ar9 ,ie (lan!l a#ela #/iar nes"!it... E! !n!l &ti!
#" de-a fi !-o !al0e% pe Gene0iB0e---
L$rin n#r!nt" s(r)n#enele.
? i-$ mai s(!n $ dat"' :a!ri#e' ai a(!#at (e #"i +re&ite. N!'
#/iar da#-a te)ui !-o !al0e%i pe Gene0iB0e& n-ai de.eni !n #et"-ean
(eri#!l$s. %ar dest!l #! asta' s!ntem as#!lta-i. Iat"' #a(etele a! (rins
a se !nd!i. Uite' sl!1it$r!l #et"-ean!l!i 5ans$n s-a ridi#at de (e (aner
&i (ri.e&te n de("rtare. 5$se&te a!stria#a.
'nt-ade."r' !n ,ream"t (rel!n+ &i din #e n #e mai (!terni#
#!(rinsese m!l-imea' (ar#" s(re a ns$-i !nd!irea (e #are $ $ser.ase
L$rin. 5em"na #! $ ra,al" dintr-a#elea #are n#e( &!ier)nd &i s,)r&es#
m!+ind.
:a!ri#e &i n"l-" stat!ra im(!n"t$are sl!1ind!-se de st)l(ii
,elinar!l!i' &i (ri.i ns(re strada 5aint-Hono(-
* Da& !pu!e el& cupin! de fioi& iat-o-
'nt-ade."r' se z"rea alt" ma&in"rie' a(r$a(e la ,el de /id$as" #a
+/il$tina9 #"r!-a.
La drea(ta &i la st)n+a str"l!#ea! armele es#$rtei' n ,a-a ei'
Cramm$nt r"s(!ndea #! ,l!t!r"ri de saie la stri+"tele #)t$r.a
,anati#i.
%ar' (e m"s!r" #e nainta #"r!-a' stri+"tele se stin+ea! s!
(ri.irea re#e &i s!mr" a #$ndamnatei.
Nici o fi%ionomie n-a im(!s .re$dat" !n res(e#t mai ad)n#'
ni#i$dat" :aria-Antoaneta n-a ,$st at)t de (lin" de m"re-ie &i de
maiestate' m(inse tr!,ia #!ra1!l!i ei ()n" a#$l$ n#)t trezi s(aima
#el$r de ,a-".
Ne("s"t$are la n#!ra1"rile aatel!i Cirard' #are $ ns$-ise m2
($tri.a d$rin-ei ei' ,r!ntea n! i se n#lina ni#i la drea(ta' ni#i la st)n+a<
+)nd!l .i! din str",!nd!l min-ii sale ("rea ne#lintit' #a &i (ri.irea<
/!rd!#"t!rile #"r!-ei (e #aldar)m!l $l$."n$s i s#$tea! &i mai m!lt n
relie, ri+iditatea -in!tei9 s-ar ,i zis #"-i $ stat!ie de marm!r" (!rtat"
ntr-!n #ar. 5tat!ia re+al" a.ea ns" (ri.irea a(rins" &i ("r!l i ,l!t!ra n
.)nt.
O t"#ere' asem"n"t$are #elei a de&ert!l!i' se l"s" r!s# as!(ra
#el$r trei s!te de mii de $ameni #are asista! la $ s#en" (e #are #er!l $
.edea (entr! nt)ia $ar" s! "taia s$arel!i.
0!r)nd' din l$#!l !nde se a,la!' :a!ri#e &i L$rin a!zir" s#)r-)it!l
$siil$r #"r!-ei &i r"s!,larea (!terni#" a #ail$r.
0"r!-a se $(ri la (i#i$arele e&a,$d!l!i.
Re+ina' #are ,"r" nd$ial" n! se +)ndise la #li(a a#eea' se trezi &i
n-elese< &i ar!n#" (ri.irea semea-" as!(ra m!l-imii' &i a#ela&i t)n"r
(alid' (e #are-l ."z!se n (i#i$are (e !n t!n' i a("r! din n$!' n
(i#i$are (e $ $rn".
%e (e $rn" i ,"#! a#eea&i (le#"#i!ne (lin" de res(e#t' (e #are
i-$ ad!sese &i-n #li(a ie&irii de la 0$n#ier+erie< (e !rm"' s"ri
n!maide#)t 1$s.
:!l-i $ameni l ."z!r" &i' ,iind#" era mr"#at n ne+r!' se is#"
z.$n!l #" !n (re$t ar ,i a&te(tat-o pe Maia-Ant$aneta #a s"-i a#$rde
as$l.irea ("#atel$r &i iertarea di.in" n #li(a !r#"rii (e e&a,$d.
%ealt,el nimeni n!-l t!l!r" (e #a.aler. E6ist" n m$mentele s!(reme
!n res(e#t s!(rem (entr! !nele l!#r!ri.
Re+ina #$$r #! "+are de seam" #ele trei tre(te ale s#"ri-ei. Era
s!s-in!t" de 5ans$n. A#esta' de&i &i e6e#!ta sar#ina la #are ("rea el
ns!&i #$ndamnat' $ n#$n1!r" ()n" n !ltim!l m$ment #! #ele mai
(re.enit$are aten-ii.
n tim( #e se ndre(ta #"tre tre(tele e&a,$d!l!i' #)-i.a #ai se
#arar"' #)-i.a +ardieni (ede&tri &i #)-i.a s$lda-i ("r!r" #" se #latin"
&i-&i (ierd e#/ilir!l. A($i se ."z! !n s$i de !mr" stre#!r)nd!-se s!
e&a,$d. %ar #alm!l se restaili ntr-$ #li("9 nimeni n! .$ia s"-&i (iard"
l$#!l ntr-un a!emenea moment !olemn& nimeni n! .$ia s" (iard" ni#i
#el mai mi# am"n!nt din marea dram" #are a.ea s" se s".)r&es#"9 t$-i
$#/ii se ndre(tar" s(re #$ndamnat".
Re+ina a1!nsese (e (lat,$rma e&a,$d!l!i. *re$t!l i .$rea ntr!na'
!n a1!t$r de #"l"! $ m(in+ea !&$r din s(ate' !n alt!l i dezle+a ,i&i!l
#are-i acopeea umeii-
Maia-Ant$aneta sim-i m)na netreni#" #e-i atinse +)t!l &i'
,erind!-se r!s#' #"l#" ,"r" .$ie (e (i#i$r!l l!i 5ans$n' #are' ,"r" #" ea
s" .ad"' $ le+a de s#)nd!ra ,atal".
5ans$n &i trase (i#i$r!l.
? Iart"-m"' d$mn!le& #i !pu!e e"ina& n-am ,"#!t-o anume-
3!r" #ele din !rm" #!.inte r$stite de ,ii#a de m("ra-i' re+ina
3ran-ei' ."d!.a l!i L!d$.i# al 4VI-lea-
5,ert!l de #eas d!(" $ra amiezii "t! la $r$l$+i!l (alat!l!i
T!ileries9 $dat" #! el' :aria-Ant$aneta se #!,!nd" #n etenitate-
Un stri+"t teriil' !n stri+"t #are ns!ma t$ate sentimentele'
!#!rie' s(aim"' dezn"de1de' s(eran-"' tri!m,' is("&ire' a#$(eri #a !n
!ra+an !n stri+"t sla &i 1alni#' #are' n a#eea&i #li("' iz!#ni de s!
e&a,$d.
T$t!&i' a&a sla #!m era' +ardienii l a!zir" &i ,"#!r" #)-i.a (a&i
nainte. :!l-imea' s#"()nd din str)ns$are' se re."rs" asemeni !n!i
,l!.i! #are r!(e z"+az!rile' r"st!rn" +rila1!l' m(r"&tie (azni#ii &i se izi
#a !n ,l!6 de ($stament!l e&a,$d!l!i' #l"tin)nd!-l-
3ie#are .$ia s" .ad" de-a(r$a(e r"m"&i-ele re+alit"-ii' (e #are t$-i
$ s$#$tea! de,initi. s!(rimat" n 3ran-a.
%ar +ardienii &i 1andarmii #"!ta! alt#e.a' #"!ta! !mra #are se
stre#!rase s! e&a,$d.
%$i 1andarmi se nt$rseser" t)r)nd de +!ler !n t)n"r #are -inea n
dre(t!l inimii $ atist" ("tat" de s)n+e.
T)n"r!l era !rmat de !n #)ine mi#' (re(eli#ar' #are !rla 1alni#.
? La m$arte arist$#rat!lD La m$arte #! elD stri+ar" #)-i.a "ra-i
din ($($r ar"t)nd!-l (e t)n"r. Ii-a muiat )ati!ta #n !$n"ele au!tiecei+
La moate cu el+
* Doamne-%!mneze!leD zise :a!ri#e #"tre L$rin' l re#!n$&tiA
5(!ne' l re#!n$&tiA
? La m$arte re+alist!lD re(etar"' !rl)nd' ,!ri$&ii. L!a-i-i )ati!ta pe
cae 0ea !-$ ("streze #a (e-$ reli#."' sm!l+e-i-$' sm!l+e-i-o+
Un !u$! o"olio! !e i0i pe )u%ele t)n"r!l!i. &i des,"#! #"ma&a'
des#$(erind!-&i (ie(t!l' &i l"s" s"-i #ad" atista.
* Domnilo& !pu!e el& !$n"ele pe cae-l .ede-i n!-i al re+inei' e al
me!. Lasa-i-m" s" m$r n (a#eD
Ii $ ran" ad)n#"' l!#ind n "taia l!minii' se ."z! lar+ des#/is" n
dre(tul inimii-
:!l-imea s#$ase !n stri+"t &i se d"d! nd"r"t.
At!n#i t)n"r!l se a(le#" n#eti&$r &i #"z! n +en!n#/i' #! (ri.irile
ndre(tate s(re e&a,$d' #a !n martir #e (ri.e&te s(re altar.
* Mai!on-R$!+eD &$(ti L$rin la !re#/ea l!i :a!ri#e.
? >!n r"masD &$(ti t)n"r!l' a(le#)nd!-&i #a(!l #! !n s!r)s
s!(ra$menes#. >!n r"mas' sa! mai #!r)nd' la !n" .edereD
Ii-&i d"d! !ltima s!,lare n mi1l$#!l +ardienil$r !l!i-i.
? Iat" #e se mai ($ate ,a#e' L$rin' s(!se :a!ri#e' nainte de-a
a1!n+e #et"-ean d"!n"t$r.
0"-el!l se t$t n.)rtea n 1!r!l #ada.r!l!i' !rl)nd n"!#it &i s(eriat.
? Rsta-i >la#;' s(!se !n "rat' #e -inea !n ast$n +r$s n m)n".
Vin$ ai#i' dr"+!-!leD
0)inele se ndre(t" s(re #el #are-l #/ema' dar' #)nd a1!nse la !n
(as de el' $m!l ridi#" ast$n!l &i-i #r"(" #a(!l' /$/$tind de r)s.
? >lestemat!lD e6#lam" :a!ri#e.
? Ta#iD &$(ti L$rin' $(rind!-l' ta#i' alt,el s!ntem (ierd!-i. Rsta e
5im$n.
Capitolul L
DESCINDERE LA DOMICILIU
L$rin &i :a!ri#e s-a! nt$rs la l$#!in-a (rim!l!i dintre ei. :a!ri#e'
#a s" n!-&i #$m(r$mit" (rieten!l' &i l!ase !n $i#ei s" (le#e
dis-de-diminea-" &i s" n! se mai nt$ar#" de#)t seara.
Urm"rind e.enimentele' asist)nd la trans,er!l (riz$nieril$r la
0$n#ier+erie' ()ndea zilni# trans($rtarea Cene.iV.ei' ne(!t)nd &ti n
#e im$il ,!sese n#/is".
0"#i L$rin' d!(" #e se d!sese la 3$!H!ier-Tin.ille' re!&ise s"-l
#$n.in+" (e :a!ri#e #" (rim!l s"! demers (e ,a-" l .a (ierde &i #" .a
,i sa#ri,i#at ,"r" s"-i fi putut aduce 0eun a3uto Gene0iB0ei& ia Mauice&
cae !-ar ,i l"sat n#ar#erat n!maide#)t n s(eran-a de a-&i re+"si n
s,)r&it i!ita' a1!nsese s" ,ie (r!dent din teama de-a n! ,i des("r-it (e
.e#i de ea.
A&adar' n ,ie#are diminea-" se d!#ea de la 0armes la *$rt-Li)e&
de la Madelonnette! la Saint-La%ae& de la Aoce la LuFem)ou" &i se
($sta n ,a-a n#/is$ril$r la ie&irea #"r!-el$r #are d!#ea! a#!za-ii la
tri!nal!l re.$l!-i$nar. %e #!m &i ar!n#a (ri.irile as!(ra .i#timel$r'
aler+a la alt" n#/is$are.
%ar #!r)nd &i d"d! seama #" ni#i ze#e $ameni n-ar iz!ti s"
s!(ra.e+/eze #ele treize#i &i trei de n#/is$ri de #are dis(!nea *aris!l
n e($#a a#eea' a&a #" se m!l-!mi s" mear+" #/iar la tri!nal &i s"
a&te(te a(ari-ia Cene.iB0ei-
Era' d!(" #)t se .ede' !n n#e(!t de dis(erare' ntr-ade."r' #e
s(eran-e i mai r"m)nea! !n!i #$ndamnat d!(" arestareA Une$ri'
tri!nal!l' #are-&i n#e(ea &edin-ele la $ra ze#e diminea-a' (r$#eda la
#$ndamnarea a d$!"ze#i sa! #/iar treize#i de in&i ()n" la #eas!rile
(atr! d!("-amiaz"< n asemenea #az' (rim!l #$ndamnat se mai !#!ra
de .ia-" (re- de &ase #eas!ri' dar !ltim!l' (rimind sentin-a la (atr! ,"r"
!n s,ert' #"dea s! #!-it la (atr! &i 1!m"tate.
A se resemna la +)nd!l #" Cene.iB0e a putea a0ea o a!emenea
!oat" nsemna a ren!n-a s" se mai l!(te #! destin!l.
O+ dac-ar ,i &ti!t dinainte de ntemni-aea Gene0iB0ei& cum a mai fi
de3ucat Mauice 3u!ti-ia !man"' at)t de $rit" n e($#a a#eeaD 0)t de
!&$r &i de re(ede ar ,i sm!ls-o pe Gene0iB0e din #nc1i!oae- Nicic$nd
e0ad"rile n! ,!seser" mai lesni#i$ase #a at!n#i' &i t$t!&i s-ar (!tea
s(!ne #" ni#i$dat" n-a! ,$st at)t de rare. T$at" n$ilimea' $dat"
"+at" n n#/is$are' se instala a#$l$ #a ntr-!n #astel &i a&te(ta n
ti/n" s" m$ar". A ,!+i ar ,i ,$st t$t!na #! a te aate de la le+ile
d!el!l!i. *)n" &i ,emeile r$&ea! de r!&ine la +)nd!l de a-&i re#)&ti+a
liertatea #! !n asemenea (re-.
%ar :a!ri#e n! &i-ar ,i ,"#!t at)tea s#r!(!le. 5" !#izi ni&te #)ini'
s" #$r!(i !n temni#ier' #e (!tea ,i mai sim(l!D Cene.iB0e nu puta un
nume at$t de ilu!tu #nc$t !" tra+" aten-ia l!mii... Ea n! s-a fi
de%onoat fu"ind din n#/is$are &i dealt,el... #/iar da#" s-a fi de%onoat+
O/D #! #e am"r"#i!ne se +)ndea la +r"dinile de la *$rt-Lire'
(este ($r-ile #"r$ra era at)t de !&$r de s"rit< la (ere-ii n#"(eril$r de la
:adel$nnettes' at)t de sim(l! de str"(!ns #" s" a1!n+i n strad"< la
zid!rile de la L!6em$!r+ &i la #$rid$arele nt!ne#$ase de la 0armes n
#are !n "rat /$t"r)t (!tea ("tr!nde at)t de lesne ,$r-)nd $
,ereastr"D
Da ea oae Gene0iB0e #n 0euna din #nc1i!oile ace!tea.
At!n#i' s,)&iat de nd$ial" &i zdr$it de n+ri1$rare' :a!ri#e l
#$(le&ea #! $#"ri (e %i6mer' l amenin-a' &i de+!sta m)nia (e #are $
n!trea m($tri.a $m!l!i a#el!ia a #"r!i r"z!nare la&" se as#!ndea
s! mas#a de.$tament!l!i (entr! #a!za re+alit"-ii.
JAm s"-l +"ses# ()n" la !rm"' +)ndea :a!ri#e' #"#i da#" .rea s-$
sal.eze (e s"rmana l!i s$-ie' are s" se arate' iar da#" .rea s-$ (iard"'
.a #"!ta s-$ a#$(ere de ins!lte. Am s"-l +"ses#' nele+i!it!l' &i-atunci
0a fi 0ai de el+C
n diminea-a zilei n #are se (etre#ea! ,a(tele (e #are le .$m
($.esti' :a!ri#e (le#ase s"-&i ia l$#!l n in#inta tri!nal!l!i re2
.$l!-i$nar. L$rin d$rmea.
3! de&te(tat de $ +"l"+ie mare9 a!zi la !&a l$#!in-ei sale .$#i de
,emei &i z+$m$t de (at!ri de (!&#".
Ar!n#" n 1!r $ (ri.ire !ima#"' de $m s!r(rins' d$rind (ar#" s" se
n#redin-eze #" ni#i !n $ie#t #$m(r$mi-"t$r n! e la .edere.
*atr! militari de la se#-ie' d$i 1andarmi &i !n #$misar intrar" n
l$#!in-a l!i.
Vizita l$r era at)t de semni,i#ati."' n#)t L$rin se +r"i s" se
mra#e.
? :" aresta-iA ntre" el.
* Da& cet"-ene L$rin.
* Da de ce.
? *entr! #" e&ti s!s(e#t.
* A+ e dept-
0$misar!l m)z+"li #)te.a #!.inte n 1$s!l (r$#es!l!i-0e)al de
ae!tae-
? Unde -i-e (rieten!lA ntre" el (e !rm".
* Cae pieten.
? 0et"-ean!l :a!ri#e Linde=.
? La el a#as"' (r$ail' r"!pun!e Loin-
* Nu-i ade."rat' l$#!ie&te ai#i.
* El. Haida-deD 0"!ta-i &i da#"-l +"si-i...
? Iat" den!n-!l' s(!se #$misar!l' e lim(ede.
Ii-i d"d! l!i L$rin $ !#at" de /)rtie #! $ s#riere /id$as" &i $
$rt$+ra,ie eni+mati#"' n den!n- se s(!nea #" n ,ie#are diminea-"
#et"-ean!l Linde=' s!s(e#t &i s$rtit arest"rii' era ."z!t ie&ind de la
#et"-ean!l L$rin.
%en!n-!l era is#"lit de 5im$n.
? *"i #)r(a#i!l "sta are s"-&i (iard" #lien-ii' s(!se L$rin' da#"
(ra#ti#" d$!" meserii n a#ela&i tim(. Ii delat$r &i t"l(!it$r de +/eteD E
!n ade."rat #ezar a#est d$mn 5im$n...
Ii iz!#ni n r)s.
? 0et"-ean!l :a!ri#e' s(!se at!n#i #$misar!l' !nde e #et"-ean!l
:a!ri#eA Te s$m"m s"-l pedai+
* V-am s(!s #" n!-i aici+
0$misar!l tre#! n #amera .e#in"' (e !rm" !r#" ntr-$ $d"i-" !nde
l$#!ia ndat$rit$r!l l!i L$rin. n s,)r&it intr" &i ntr-$ #amer" s#!nd".
Ni#i !rm" de :a!ri#e.
%ar' (e masa din s!,ra+erie' $ s#ris$are s#ris" de #!r)nd atrase
aten-ia #$misar!l!i. Era de la :a!ri#e #are $ (!sese la (le#are'
dis-de-diminea-"' ,"r" s"-&i trezeas#" (rieten!l' #! t$ate #" d$rmea!
m(re!n".
J:" d!# la tri!nal. Ia masa ,"r" mine' n! m" nt$r# de#)t
desear".K
? 0et"-eni' s(!se L$rin' $ri#)t m-a& +r"i s" ." da! as#!ltare'
.e-i n-ele+e #" n! ." ($t ns$-i n #"ma&"... n+"d!i-i-i #ndat$rit$r!l!i
s" m" mra#e.
? Arist$#rat!lD s(!se $ .$#e' are ne.$ie de a1!t$r #" s"-&i tra+"
(antal$nii.
? EiD %$amne' daD r"s(!nse L$rin' e! s!nt la ,el #! #et"-ean!l
%a+$ertD A-i "+"t de seam" #" n-am !pu! e"ele---
? Bai' d"-i dumul& !pu!e comi!aul' dar +r"e&te-te-
ndat$rit$r!l #$$r din #"m"r!-a l!i &i .eni s"-&i a1!te st"()n!l s"
se mra#e.
Scopul lui Loin nu ea de fapt acela de-a ,i sl!1it de !n .alet. El
.$ia #a nimi# din #ele (etre#!te s" n!-i !cape #ndatoitoului& pentu ca
la $ndul !a! ndat$rit$r!l s"-i s(!n" l!i :a!ri#e t$t #e se (etre#!se.
? A#!ma' d$mnil$r... s#!za-i' #et"-enil$r... a#!ma' #et"-enil$r'
s!nt +ata &i ." !rmez. %ar n+"d!i-i-m"' ." r$+' s" ia! #! mine !ltim!l
.$l!m din Scrisori ctre Emilia de Demou!tie& cae a)ia a a("r!t &i n#"
n! l-am #itit. Asta .a al!n+a (li#tis!l #a(ti.it"-ii mele.
? 0a(ti.itatea taA s(!se de$dat" 5im$n' a1!ns &i el m!ni#i(al'
intr)nd !rmat de (atr! memri ai se#-iei. N-are s" ,ie l!n+"< ,a#i (arte
din (r$#es!l ,emeii #are a .r!t s-$ ,a#" s#"(at" (e a!stria#". Ea e
1!de#at" ast"zi... m)ine te 1!de#" (e tine d!(" #e de(!i m"rt!ria.
? 0izmar!le' s(!se L$rin (e !n t$n +ra.' ia seama #" (rea #$&i
re(ede t"l(ile la n#"l-"ri.
? %a' dar #e min!nat" t"iet!r" de #!-itD r"s(!nde 5im$n #! !n
r)n1et /id$s. Ai s" .ezi' ai s" .ezi' ,r!m$s!le +renadir.
L$rin ridi#" din !meri.
? Ei' /ai' n! (le#"mA ntre" el. V" a&te(t.
Ii #!m !n!l #)te !n!l se nt$r#ea! s" #$$are s#ara' L$rin i trase
m!ni#i(al!l!i 5im$n $ l$.it!r" de (i#i$r at)t de (!terni#"' n#)t a#esta
se r$st$+$li' !rl)nd' din trea(t" n trea(t" de-a l!n+!l s#"rii l!str!ite'
()n" 1$s.
Cei ce-l ns$-ea! n!-&i (!t!r" st"()ni r)s!l. L$rin &i .)r m)inile n
!z!nare.
? n e6er#i-i!l ,!n#-iei meleD stri+" 5im$n al la ,a-" de m)nie.
? Ei' dr"#ieD r"s(!nse L$rin' n! s!ntem $are #! t$-ii n e6er#i-i!l
,!n#-ieiA
l !r#ar" ntr-$ tr"s!r" &i #$misar!l l d!se la *alat!l de 1!sti-ie.
Capitolul LI
LORIN
%a#" #itit$r!l .rea s" ne !rmeze (entr! a d$!a $ar" la tri!nal!l
re.$l!-i$nar' a.em s"-l re+"sim a#$l$ (e :a!ri#e' n a#ela&i l$# n #are
l-am ."z!t' n!mai #"-l .$m +"si mai (alid &i mai nelini&tit.
n #li(a #)nd ridi#"m #$rtina l!+!rei s#ene s(re #are ne m)n"
e.enimentele mai m!lt de#)t (r$(ria n$astr" (l"#ere' 1!ra-ii s!nt n
delierare as!(ra !n!i (r$#es (e #are t$#mai l as#!ltaser"< d$i a#!za-i
&i &i ,"#!ser" t$aleta' +"tind!-se (entr! e&a,$d #! $ (re#a!-ie
ins$lent"' ? !n mi1l$# (rin #are era! ze,lemisi-i 1!de#"t$rii n e($#a
a#eea' &i a#!m st"tea! de .$r" #! a("r"t$rii l$r' ale #"r$r #!.inte
ne#lare sem"na! #! #ele ale !n!i medi# dezn"d"1d!it n (ri.in-a st"rii
$lna.!l!i s"!.
Gloata din ti)une !e afla& #n %iua aceea& #nt-$ dis($zi-ie s!mr"' $
dis($zi-ie dintre #ele #e a-)-" se.eritatea 1!ra-il$r< (!&i s! dire#ta
s!(ra.e+/ere a tri#$tezel$r &i ma/ala+iil$r' 1!ra-ii se -in mai tare'
(re#!m a#t$rii #are-&i d!leaz" ener+ia n ,a-" !n!i (!li# (r$st dis(!s.
n#e()nd de la $ra ze#e de diminea-"' #in#i de-in!-i ,!seser" +ata
(res#/ima-i n #in#i #$ndamna-i de #"tre nend!(le#a-ii 1!ra-i.
Cei doi& #are se a,la! at!n#i (e an#a a#!za-il$r' a&te(ta!' a&adar'
a#el da sa! n! #e tre!ia s"-i redea .ie-ii sa! s"-i ar!n#e n ra-ele
m$r-ii.
Cl$ata #el$r de ,a-"' (e #are $i&n!ita tra+edie #$tidian"' #e
de.enise s(e#ta#$l!l ei ,a.$rit' $ ad!sese ntr-o !tare de #r!zime
s"lati#"' +l$ata #el$r de ,a-"' s(!neam' i (re+"tea (rin e6#lama-ii
(entr! #li(a de (e !rm".
? Ia te !it" la #el l!n+D zi#ea $ tri#$tez" #are' nea.)nd $net"'
(!rta la #$# $ #$#ard" tri#$l$r"' de !n lat de (alm". Uite-te c$t e de
pieit+ pac-ai %ice c-a &i m!ritD
0$ndamnat!l se !ita #! !n s!r)s (lin de dis(re- la ,emeia #are-l
apo!tofa-
? 0e t$t s(!iA ,"#! .e#ina #elei dint)i. Uite-l #" r)de.
* Da& $de "al)en+
Un ma/ala+i! se !it" la #eas.
? 0)t e #eas!lA l ntre" #el #e-l nt$."r"&ea.
? Un! ,"r" ze#e. %!reaz" de trei s,ert!ri de #eas...
? 0a la %$m,r$nt' $ra&!l nen$r$#irii9 s$se&ti la amiaz"' e&ti
s()nz!rat la !n!.
? Ii #el mi#' &i #el mi#D stri+a alt!l din m!l-ime< ia te !it" la el' #)t
are s" ,ie de !r)t #)nd .a str"n!ta n sa#D
* Ei+ treaa se ,a#e la i!-eal"' ni#i n-ai tim( s"--i dai seama.
? Itii #e.aA 5"-i #erem #a(!l de la d$mn!l 5ans$n< d$ar a.em
dre(t!l s"-l 0edem-
? Ia te !it" #e /ain" ,r!m$as" areD 0e s" zi#' a! &i s"ra#ii $
(l"#ere #)nd s!nt s#!rta-i ele+an-ii.
'nt-ade."r' a&a #!m s(!sese &i #"l"!l re+inei' s"rmanii m$&te2
nea! /ainele r"mase de la ,ie#are .i#tim"' ndat" d!(" e6e#!-ie t$ate
/ainele ,iind d!se la 5al()triere s(re a ,i m("r-ite ne.$ia&il$r. T$t a#$l$
,!seser" trimise &i .e&tmintele re+inei +/il$tinate.
Maui#e as#!lta n.$l!rarea #!.intel$r ,"r" s" ia seama la ele. n
#li(e #a a#elea' ,ie#are era st"()nit de #ine &tie #e +)nd (!terni# #are-l
nsin+!ra. %e #)te.a zile inima l!i n! mai "tea de#)t n an!mite #li(e
&i #! ntret"ieri. %in tim( n tim(' ,ie teama' ,ie s(eran-a i ntrer!(ea!
(ar#" mers!l .ie-ii' &i a#east" ne#!rmat" $s#ila-ie nimi#ise
sensiilitatea s!,let!l!i s"!' nl$#!ind-$ #! !n s$i de ne("sare.
8!ra-ii intrar" n &edin-" &i' #!m era de a&te(tat' (re&edintele r$sti
#$ndamnarea #el$r d$i aresta-i.
3!r" l!a-i &i ie&ir" #! !n (as ,erm9 (e .remea a#eea t$at" l!mea
m!rea ,r!m$s.
V$#ea a(r$d!l!i s!n" l!+!r! &i sinistr!.
? 0et"-ean!l a#!zat$r (!li# m($tri.a #et"-enei Cene.iB0e
DiFme-
:a!ri#e ,! str""t!t (rin t$t tr!(!l de !n ,i$r &i !n .al de s!d$are
i a#$(eri ,a-a.
U&a mi#" (rin #are intra! a#!za-ii se des#/ise &i Cene.iB0e ap"r!.
Era mr"#at" n al' ("r!-i era (ie(t"nat #! $ ,erme#"t$are
#$#/et"rie' #"#i &i-l eta1ase n !#le aran1ate #! art"' n l$# s"-l taie'
#!m ,"#ea! m!lte dintre ,emei.
3"r" nd$ial"' s"rmana Cene.iB0e 0oia !" (ar" ()n"-n !ltima #li("
,r!m$as" #el!i #are s-a fi putut !-$ .ad".
:a!ri#e $ ."z! (e Cene.iV.e &i sim-i #" t$ate (!terile (e #are &i
le str)nsese (entr! a#east" m(re1!rare l ("r"ses# dintr-$ dat". T$t!&i
se a&te(ta la $ atare l$.it!r"' de$are#e' de d$!"s(reze#e zile' n!
s#"(ase ni#i $ &edin-" &i de trei $ri #/iar n!mele Cene.ie.ei ,!sese
r$stit de a#!zat$r!l (!li#. Unele dis(er"ri s!nt ns" at)t de intime &i
at)t de (r$,!nde' n#)t nimeni n! le ($ate s$nda aisul-
T$-i #ei #are-$ ."z!r" i.ind!-se (e ,emeia a#eea' at)t de ,r!2
m$as"' at)t de (!r"' at)t de (alid"' s#$aser" #)te !n stri+"t' !nii de
,!rie ? n e($#a a#eea se +"sea! $ameni #are !ra! $ri#e s!(eri$ritate'
,ie ea a ,r!m!se-ii sa! a an!l!i' ,ie ea a +eni!l!i sa! a $ri+inei ?' al-ii
de admira-ie' #)-i.a de mil".
N! n#a(e nd$ial" #" Cene.iB0e ecuno!cu un !ti""t ntre t$ate
stri+"tele' $ .$#e ntre t$ate .$#ile' #"#i se nt$arse ns(re :a!ri#e' n
.reme #e (re&edintele r"s,$ia d$sar!l a#!zatei' !it)nd!-se din #)nd n
#)nd la ea' (e ,!ri&.
%e la (rima ar!n#"t!r" de $#/i' Cene.iB0e #l 0"z! (e :a!ri#e' #!
t$ate #" $r!rile ("l"riei l!i mari i as#!ndea! #/i(!l. At!n#i se
nt$arse s(re el' #! !n s!r)s d!l#e' ,"#)nd !n +est &i mai d!l#e n#"9 &i
a("s" m)inile #!(rinse de trem!r (e !ze &i' n#redin-)nd!-&i s!,let!l
s!,l!l!i' nari(a s"r!t!l a#ela (ierd!t' (e #are !n sin+!r ins din m!l-ime
a.ea dre(t!l s"-l (rind".
O &$a(t" str""t! t$at" sala' trezit" de #!ri$zitate. Cene.iB0e&
intepelat"' se nt$arse #"tre 1!de#"t$ri' dar se $(ri r!s# din mi&#area
ei &i $#/ii dilata-i se ,i6ar"' #! $ ine6(rimail" e6(resie de ter$are'
as!(ra !n!i (!n#t din sal".
@adarni# se n"l-" :a!ri#e n .)r,!l (i#i$arel$r. N! ."z! nimi# sa!'
($ate' alt#e.a #! m!lt mai im($rtant i atrase aten-ia as!(ra s#enei'
#! alte #!.inte as!(ra tri!nal!l!i.
AouNuie-Tin.ille n#e(!se #itirea a#t!l!i de a#!za-ie.
A#t!l s!s-inea #" Cene.iB0e DiFme ea !o-ia !n!i #$ns(irat$r
nd)r1it' "n!it #-a fi a3utat pe eF-Ca0aleul de Mai!on-Rou"e #n
tentati.ele s!##esi.e (e #are a#esta din !rm" le ,"#!se (entr! sal.area
re+inei.
%ealt,el' a#!zata ,!sese s!r(rins" n +en!n#/i n ,a-a re+inei
im(l$r)nd-$ s" s#/ime /ainele #! ea &i $,erind!-se s" m$ar" n l$#!l
ei. Asemenea ,anatism st!(id' s(!nea mai de(arte a#t!l de a#!zare'
.a merita ,"r" nd$ial" el$+iile #$ntrare.$l!-i$naril$r' dar ast"zi'
ad"!+a a#t!l' ,ie#are #et"-ean ,ran#ez &i dat$re&te .ia-a n!mai
na-i!nii' &i a &i-$ sa#ri,i#a d!&manil$r 3ran-ei nseamn" a se ,a#e de
d$!" $ri .in$.at de tr"dare.
Gene0iB0e& #nte)at" da#" re#!n$a&te #" ,!sese s!r(rins"' a&a #!m
de#laraser" +ardienii %!#/esne &i Cilert' n +en!n#/i n ,a-a re+inei'
im(l$r)nd-$ s" s#/ime /ainele #! ea' r"s(!nse sim(l!9
* Da+
? At!n#i' s(!se (re&edintele' ($.este&te-ne #e (lan!ri -i ,"#!se&i
&i #e s(eran-e n!treai.
Gene0iB0e %$m)i-
? O ,emeie ($ate n!tri s(eran-e' r"s(!nse ea' dar n! e n stare s"
,a#" !n (lan de ,el!l #el!i #"r!ia i-am #"z!t .i#tim".
* Atunci& cum de te aflai acolo.
? :" a,lam a#$l$ ,iind#" n! eram lier"' st"()n" (e a#tele mele'
#i eram m(ins".
* Cine te-a m(insA ntrea" a#!zat$r!l (!li#.
? Oameni #are m" amenin-aser" #! m$artea da#" n! m-a& ,i
s!(!s.
Ii (ri.irea nt"r)tat" a tinerei a#!zate r"t"#i iar"&i (rin sal"'
,i6)nd!-!e a!upa unui punct in0i%i)il pentu Mauice-
? %ar' #a s" s#a(i de m$artea de #are erai amenin-at"' n,r!ntai
m$artea #are de#!r+ea n #/i( ,ires# (entr! d!mneata dintr-o
condamnae-
? 0)nd am #edat (resi!nil$r' eram #! #!-it!l n (ie(t' (e #)t"
.reme ,ier!l +/il$tinei era n#" de(arte de #a(!l me!. Am n+e2
n!n#/eat n ,a-a amenin-"rii &i .i$len-ei imediate.
* De ce n-ai stri+at d!(" a1!t$rA Ori#are #et"-ean inte+r! te-ar ,i
a("rat.
? A/D d$mn!le' r"s(!nse Cene.iB0e& cu at$ta ti!te-e &i d!l#ea-"
n +las' n#)t inima l!i :a!ri#e se !m,l" de (ar#" s" (lesneas#"' n!
mai a.eam (e nimeni l)n+" mine.
nd!i$&area nl$#!i sim(atia' d!(" #!m sim(atia nl$#!ise
#!ri$zitatea. :!lte #a(ete se a(le#ar"' !nele as#!z)nd!-&i la#rimile'
altele l"s)nd!-le s" #!r+" n .$ie.
:a!ri#e z"ri at!n#i n st)n+a l!i !n #a( d)rz' $ ,i+!r" m(ietrit".
Ea DiFme& #n picioae& !um)u& implaca)il& nepie%$nd din oc1i
nici pe Gene0iB0e& nici ti)unalul-
T)n"r!l n$str! sim-i s)n+ele !r#)nd!-i-se la #a(< m)nia i se ridi#"
din inim" n #reier' !m(l)nd!-i t$at" ,iin-a de $ nest"()nit" d$rin-" de
r"z!nare' i ar!n#" l!i %i6mer $ #"!t"t!r" (lin" de !r"' at)t de
("tr!nz"t$are &i de (!terni#"' n#)t a#esta nt$arse #a(!l ns(re
d!&man!l l!i' de (ar#" ar ,i ,$st atras de !n ,l!id ,ierinte.
*ri.irile l$r se n#r!#i&ar" #a d$!" ."("i.
* Spune-ne n!mele insti+at$ril$r d!mitale' #er! (re&edintele.
* Nu-i dec$t unul !in"u& domnule-
* Cae.
? 5$-!l me!.
? Itii !nde se a,l"A
* Da-
* Spune-ne unde !e a!cunde-
? El a (!t!t ,i ti#"l$s ,a-" de mine' dar e! n-am s" ,i! la&". N! e
de dat$ria mea s"-i di.!l+ as#!nz"t$area' #i de dat$ria
d$mniil$r-0oa!te !-$ des#$(eri-i.
:a!ri#e se !it" la %i6mer.
%i6mer ni#i n! se #linti. Un +)nd tre#! (rin #a(!l t)n"r!l!i' +)nd!l
de a-l den!n-a' den!n-)nd!-se &i (e el ns!&i< dar l nl"t!r".
JN!' &i s(!se el' n! tre!ie s" m$ar" a&a.K
? *rin !rmare' re,!zi s" ne nlesne&ti #er#et"rileA ntre" (re2
&edintele.
? 0red' d$mn!le' #" n-a& (!tea-$ ,a#e' r"s(!nse Cene.iB0e& dec$t
f"#)nd!-m" demn" de dis(re- n $#/ii alt$ra' a&a #!m s-a ,"#!t el n
$#/ii mei.
* Matoi s!ntA ntrea" (re&edintele.
? Este !n!l' r"s(!nse a(r$d!l.
? 0/eam" mart$r!l.
* MaFimilien-8ean L$rinD -i(" a(r$d!l.
? L$rinD e6#lam" :a!ri#e. Vai' %$amne' $are #e s-a #nt$mplat.
Scena de mai !u! !-a (etre#!t #/iar n zi!a arest"rii l!i L$rin &i
:a!ri#e 1a)a n-a.ea #" L$rin ,!sese arestat.
? L$rinD &$(ti Cene.iV.e !it)nd!-se n 1!r #! $ nd!rerat"
n+ri1$rare.
? %e #e n! r"s(!nde mart$r!l la a(elA ntre" (re&edintele.
? 0et"-ene (re&edinte' s(!se 3$!H!ier-Tin.ille' n !rma !n!i
den!n- re#ent' mart$r!l a ,$st arestat la d$mi#ili!< !rmeaz" s" ,ie ad!s
n!maide#)t.
:a!ri#e tres"ri.
? Este !n alt mart$r mai im($rtant' !rm" 3$!H!ier' dar a#ela n]a
(!t!t ,i n#" +"sit.
%i6mer se nt$arse s(re :a!ri#e' s!r)z)nd. *$ate #" a#ela&i +)nd
#are str""t!se (rin #a(!l i!it!l!i tre#ea a#!m (rin #a(!l s$-!l!i.
Gene0iB0e !e f"#! al" #a .ar!l &i se +/em!i s#$-)nd !n +eam"t.
n #li(a a#eea intr" L$rin ns$-it de d$i (azni#i. %!(" d)ns!l &i (rin
a#eea&i !&" se ar"t" &i 5im$n' #are .eni s" se a&eze n sala
tri!nal!l!i' #a !n!l dintre $i&n!i-ii l$#!l!i.
? N!mele &i (ren!mele d!mitaleA ntre" (re&edintele.
* MaFimilien-Iean Loin-
? O#!(a-ia d!mitaleA
* Om li)e-
* N-ai s" mai ,ii m!lt" .reme' s(!se 5im$n' ar"t)nd!-i pumnul-
? E&ti r!d" #! a#!zataA
* Nu& da am cin!tea de-a face pate dinte pietenii ei-
? Ai &ti!t #" a #$ns(irat (entr! r"(irea re+inei din n#/is$areA
? 0!m #rede-i #" a& ,i &ti!tA
? *$ate #" -i-a n#redin-at taina.
? :ie' memr! al se#-iei Term$(ileA... Baida-de+
? T$t!&i ai ,$st ."z!t #! ea.
? Tre!ie s" ,i ,$st ."z!t #/iar adese$ri.
* Ai cuno!cut-$ dre(t $ arist$#rat"A
* Am cuno!cut-$ #a s$-ia !n!i me&ter t""#ar.
? n realitate' s$-!l ei n! e6er#ita meseria s! #are era as#!ns.
* A+ a!ta n-$ &ti!. 5$-!l ei n! ,a#e (arte dintre (rietenii mei.
? 5(!ne #e &tii des(re s$-.
? AD >!#!r$sD... e !n $m r"! &i (rime1di$s...
* Domnule Loin& inte0eni Gene0iB0e& fie--i mil"...
L$rin !rm" ne("s"t$r9
? 0are &i-a sa#ri,i#at s$-ia' s"rmana' (e #are $ a.e-i n ,a-a
$#/il$r' n! s(re a-&i satis,a#e #rez!l s"! ($liti#' #i #a s"-&i ($t$leas#" $
!r" (ers$nal". *,D l (!n a(r$a(e t$t at)t de 1$s #a &i (e 5im$n.
%i6mer se ,"#! li.id. 5im$n .$i s" des#/id" +!ra' dar #! !n +est
(re&edintele i im(!se t"#erea.
? 5e (are #" &tii la (er,e#-ie ($.estea #! (ri#ina' #et"-ene L$rin'
s(!!e AouNuie-Tin.ille< ia ($.este&tene-o-
? 5"-mi ,ie #! iertare' #et"-ene 3$!H!ier' r"s(!nse L$rin'
ridi#)nd!-se' dar am s(!s t$t #e &tiam.
5al!t" &i se a&ez" iar"&i 1$s.
? 0et"-ene L$rin' !rm" a#!zat$r!l' e de dat$ria ta s" l"m!re&ti
tri!nal!l.
? 5" se l"m!reas#" #! #ele (e #are i le-am s(!s. 0)t des(re
,emeia de ,a-"' $ mai re(et $ dat"' n-a ,"#!t alt#e.a de#)t s" se
s!(!n" .i$len-ei... Uita-i-." la ea' are ea aer!l !nei #$ns(irat$areA A
,$st silit" s" ,a#" #eea #e a ,"#!t' asta-i tot+
* Ce%i.
* Sunt !i+!r #"-i a&a.
? n n!mele le+ii' s(!se 3$!H!ier' #er #a mart$r!l L$rin s" ,ie
#/emat n ,a-a tri!nal!l!i' #a n.in!it de #$m(li#itate #! ,emeia
a#easta.
:a!ri#e s#$ase !n +eam"t. Cene.iV.e &i as#!nse ,a-a n m)ini.
5im$n e6#lam" n #!lmea !#!riei9
* Cet"-ene a#!zat$r' ai sal.at (atriaD
0)t des(re L$rin' ,"r" s" r"s(!nd" nimi#' s"ri (este al!strad"' #a
s" .in" s" se a&eze al"t!ri de Cene.iB0eJ #i lu" m)na &i' s"r!t)nd!-i-o
e!pectuo!& #i !pu!e cu un !$n"e ece cae #nfioa adunaea4
* 5ine te-am +"sit' #et"-ean". 0e mai ,a#iA
%!(" #are se a&ez" (e an#a a#!za-il$r.
Capitolul LII
URMARE LA CEL DINAIN,E
T$at" s#ena de mai nainte tre#!se #a $ ,antasma+$rie (rin ,a-a
$#/il$r l!i :a!ri#e' #e &edea s(ri1init n saia de #are n! se des("r-ea.
Vedea #!m i #ad !n!l #)te !n!l (rietenii n (r"(astia din #are n! se
mai nt$r#' &i ima+inea a#eea !#i+"t$are l t!l!ra at)t de (!terni#'
n#)t se ntrea (entr! #e el' t$.ar"&!l ne,eri#i-il$r a#el$ra' se mai
a+"-a de mar+inea (r"(astiei' de #e n! se l"sa d!s de .)rte1!l #are l
t)ra d!(" ei.
5"rind (este al!strad"' L$rin ."z!se #/i(!l s!mr! &i at1$#$rit$r
al l!i %i6mer.
%!(" #e se a&ez" l)n+" ea' a&a #!m am s(!s' Cene.iB0e !e aplec"
la !re#/ea l!i &i-i &$(ti9
? Itii #" :a!ri#e e a#$l$A
* Unde.
* Nu te uita numaidec$t- /i0iea dumitale l-a putea piede-
* Aii pe pace-
? n s(atele n$str!' a(r$a(e de !&". 0e d!rere (entr! el da#"
.$m ,i #$ndamna-iD
L$rin se !it" la t)n"ra n$astr" er$in" #! $ e6(resie de l)nd"
#$m("timire.
? V$m ,i' s(!se el' te r$+ s" n! te nd$ie&ti. %ezam"+irea ar ,i
(rea #r!d" da#" ai a.ea im(r!den-a s" s(eri.
? VaiD %$amneD e6#lam" Cene.iB0e- S"rman!l (rieten .a r"m)ne
sin+!r (e l!meD
L$rin se nt$arse at!n#i #"tre :a!ri#e' iar Cene.iB0e& nemaiput$nd
e%i!ta& aunc" $ (ri.ire ,!+ar" as!(ra t)n"r!l!i. :a!ri#e &edea #!
$#/ii -int" la ei' a("s)nd!-&i $ m)n" (e inim".
? E6ist" !n mi1l$# s" te sal.ezi' s(!se L$rin.
? 5i+!rA ntre" Cene.iB0e& cu o !t"l!#ire de !#!rie n $#/i.
? *e r"s(!nderea mea.
? %a#" m-ai !al0a& Loin& cum te-a& mai ine#!.)nta+
? %ar mi1l$#!l a#ela...' !rm" t)n"r!l.
Gene0iB0e #i citi #ndoiala #n pi0ie-
? A&adar' &i d!mneata l-ai ."z!tA ntre" ea.
* Da& l-am ."z!t. Vrei s" ,ii sal.at"A 5" #$$are &i el (e ,$t$li!l de
,ier' &i-at!n#i e&ti sal.at".
%i6mer +/i#i' ,"r" nd$ial"' din e6(resia (ri.irii l!i L$rin' #e .$re
r$stise' #"#i se ,"#! al #a .ar!l. %ar d!(" s#!rt" .reme re.eni la
#alm!l l!i ($s$m$r)t &i r)n1et!l i se a&tern! din n$! (e !ze.
? E #! ne(!tin-"' s(!se Cene.iB0e& nu l-a& mai (!tea !r.
? Va s" zi#" -i &tie +ener$zitatea &i te n,r!nt".
? 3"r" nd$ial"' ,iind#" e si+!r de el' de mine' de n$i t$-i.
* Gene0iB0e& eu !unt mai pu-in (er,e#t #a d!mneata. Las"-m" (e
mine s"-l .)r a#i &i (e !rm" s" (iar".
* Nu& Loin& te implo& nimic comun cu un a!emenea om& nici c1ia
moatea- Mi !-ar ("rea #" i s!nt ne#redin#i$as" l!i :a!ri#e da#" a&
m!ri #! %i6mer.
* Da dumneata n-ai s" mai m$ri.
? Ii #!m .a ,i #! (!tin-" s" tr"ies# #)nd .a ,i m$rtA
? VaiD ,"#! L$rin' #)t" dre(tate are :a!ri#e s" te i!eas#"D E&ti
!n n+er &i (atia #n"eilo e ceul- 5ietul Mauice& !cumpul no!tu
Mauice+
ntre tim(' 5im$n' #are n! (!tea a!zi #e .$rea! #ei d$i a#!za-i' i
s,)&ia #! (ri.irea' ne(!t)nd!-le au%i cu0intele-
? 0et"-ene (azni#' zise el' ia $(re&te #$ns(irat$rii s"-&i #$ntin!e
#$m(l$t!rile m($tri.a Re(!li#ii ()n" &i n tri!nal!l re.$l!-i$nar.
? %$ar &tii' #et"-ene 5im$n' r"s(!nse (azni#!l' #" ai#i n! se mai
#$ns(ir" sa!' da#" se #$ns(ir"' n! -ine m!lt. 5ta! de .$r" #et"-enii &i
de .reme #e le+ea n! le interzi#e s" .$reas#" n #"r!-"' de #e i-ar
$(ri s" .$reas#" n tri!nalA
*azni#!l n! era alt!l de#)t Cilert. Re#!n$s#!se n.in!ita arestat"
de el n #el!la re+inei &i' #instit #a de $i#ei' n! se (!tea m(iedi#a s"
admire #!ra1!l &i de.$tament!l.
*re&edintele &i as#!ltase ases$rii< la in.ita-ia l!i 3$!H!ier-Tin.ille
&i n#e(! #/esti$nar!l.
? A#!zat L$rin' l ntre" el' de #e nat!r" era! rela-iile d!mitale #!
#et"-eana %i6merA
? %e #e nat!r"' #et"-ene (re&edinteA
* Da-
? %e $ (rietenie (!r" ne !nea! inimile le+ate9 E! $ i!eam ca
pe-$ s$r"' ea m" i!ea #a (e-un fate-
? 0et"-ene L$rin' ,"#! 3$!H!ier-Tin.ille' rima n! e (er,e#t".
* Cum a!ta.
? 3"r" nd$ial"' +ata #! ,rate.
? Taie' #et"-ene a#!zat$r' taie' d$ar asta -i-e me!eia-
0/i(!l ne("s"t$r a l!i 3$!H!ier-Tin.ille ("li !&$r la a!z!l
n,i$r"t$arei +l!me.
? Ii #! #e $#/i' ntre" (re&edintele' (ri.ea #et"-ean!l %i6mer
le+"t!rile !n!i "rat' #e se (retindea re(!li#an' #! s$-ia l!iA
? %es(re asta n! ." ($t s(!ne nimi#' de#lar)nd!-." #" n! l-am
#!n$s#!t (e #et"-ean!l %i6mer' l!#r! de #are s!nt #)t se ($ate de
m!l-!mit.
* Da& inte0eni AouNuie-Tin.ille' ."d #" n! ne s(!i #" (rieten!l
t"!' #et"-ean!l :a!ri#e Linde=' era n$d!l a#estei (rietenii at)t de (!re
dintre d!mneata &i a#!zat"...
* N-$ s(!n' r"s(!nse L$rin' (entr! #" +"ses# #" n! e ine s-$
s(!n &i #red #" &i d!mneata ar ,i tre!it s" iei e6em(l! de la mine.
? 0et"-enii 1!ra-i' s(!se 3$!H!ier-Tin.ille' .$r de#ide as!(ra
a#estei alian-e #i!date dintre d$i re(!li#ani &i $ arist$#rat"' &i n#" n
#li(a n #are arist$#rata a ,$st d$.edit" #a a!t$are a !n!ia dintre #ele
mai ne+re #$m(l$t!ri m($tri.a na-i!nii.
? 0!m a& ,i (!t!t &ti des(re #$m(l$t!l de #are .$re&ti' #et"-ene
a#!zat$rA ntre" L$rin mai #!r)nd re.$ltat de#)t ns("im)ntat de
r!talitatea ar+!ment!l!i.
* Dumneata ai cuno!cut-$ (e ,emeia asta' i erai (rieten' ea te
n!mea ,rate &i d!mneata $ n!meai s$r"' &i adi#" n-a.eai /aar des(re
demers!rile eiA E $are #! (!tin-"' #!m sin+!r ai s(!s-$' ntre"
(re&edintele' #a ea s" ,i s".)r&it sin+!r" a#-i!nea de #are e n.in!it"A
* N-a s".)r&it-$ sin+!r"' r"s(!nse L$rin' sl!1ind!-se de termenii
te/ni#i ,$l$si-i de (re&edinte' de .reme #e ea .-a !pu!& de 0eme ce eu
0-am s(!s' de .reme #e e! ." re(et #" s$-!l ei $ silea.
? At!n#i #!m se ,a#e #" n!-l #!n$&ti (e s$-' s(!se
3$!Huie-Tin.ille' de .reme #e s$-!l era !nit #! ,emeiaA
Loin n-ar ,i a.!t de#)t s" ($.esteas#" (rima dis(ari-ie a l!i
%i6mer< L$rin n-ar ,i a.!t de#)t s" .$reas#" des(re dra+$stea
Cene.iB0ei cu MauiceJ Loin n-ar ,i a.!t' n s,)r&it' de#)t s-ad!#" la
#!n$&tin-" ,el!l n #are s$-!l &i r"(ise &i-&i as#!nsese s$-ia ntr-!n l$#
retras' de ne+"sit' &i ast,el s-ar ,i dez.in$."-it de $ri#e #$m(li#itate'
s(!ler)nd $ri#e "n!ial".
%ar (entr! asta ar ,i tre!it s" dea n .ilea+ taina #el$r d$i
(rieteni< (entr! asta a fi te)uit !-$ ,a#" (e Cene.iB0e !" r$&eas#" n
,a-a a #in#i s!te de $ameni< L$rin #l"tin" din #a( de (ar#" &i-ar ,i s(!s
l!i ns!&i< n!.
? Ei ine' ntre" (re&edintele' #e ai de r"s(!ns #et"-ean!l!i
a#!zat$rA
? 0" l$+i#a d$mniei-!ale e %do)itoae& !(!se L$rin' &i #" m-a
con0in! de un lucu pe cae nici nu-l "n!iam.
* Cae lucu.
? 0" s!nt' d!(" #)t se (are' !n!l dintre #ei mai $riili &i
ns("im)nt"t$ri #$ns(irat$ri din #)-i s-a! ."z!t.
Asemenea de#lara-ie st)rni !n .al de ilaritate +eneral". Ni#i #/iar
1!ra-ii n!-&i (!t!r" $(ri r)s!l' #"#i t)n"r!l n$str! r$stise .$rele de mai
s!s #! t$n!l #el mai ($tri.it.
3$!H!ier sim-i ir$nia din (lin' &i #!m' dat$rit" (erse.eren-ei sale
ne$$site' a1!nsese s" #!n$as#" tainele a#!za-il$r t$t at)t de ine #a
&i (e a#!za-ii n&i&i' n!-&i (!t! st"()ni !n sentiment de admira-ie &i
#$m("timire (entr! L$rin.
? Bai' s(!se el' #et"-ene L$rin' .$re&te' a("r"-te. Tri!nal!l are
s" te as#!lte' #"#i -i &tie tre#!t!l' &i tre#!t!l t"! e #el al !n!i ra.
re(!li#an.
Simon 0oi s" des#/id" +!ra. *re&edintele i ,"#! semn s" ta#".
? V$re&te' #et"-ene L$rin' te as#!lt"m.
L$rin #l"tin" iar"&i din #a(.
? T"#erea asta e $ re#!n$a&tere' !rm" (re&edintele.
? N!' s(!se L$rin' t"#erea asta e t"#ere &i-at$ta tot-
? n#" $ dat"' inter.eni AouNuie-Tin.ille' n! .rei s" .$re&tiA
L$rin se nt$arse #! ,a-a s(re a!dit$ri! #a s"-l ntree din $#/i (e
:a!ri#e #e tre!ia s" ,a#".
Mauice nu-i ,"#! ni#i !n semn s" .$reas#" &i L$rin t"#!.
0eea #e a nsemnat #" s-a condamnat !in"u-
*e !rm"' l!#r!rile se des,"&!rar" ra(id.
3$!H!ier &i rez!m" a#!za-ia' (re&edintele rez!m" dezaterile'
1!ra-ii (le#ar" s" deliereze &i se nt$arser" #! !n .erdi#t de .in$."-ie
m($tri.a l!i L$rin &i a Cene.iB0ei-
*re&edintele i #$ndamn" (e am)nd$i la (edea(sa #! m$atea-
La marele $r$l$+i! al *alat!l!i "tea! #eas!rile d$!".
*re&edintele (r$n!n-" #$ndamnarea e6a#t n r"stim(!l #)t s!n"
$r$l$+i!l.
:a!ri#e as#!lt" #ele d$!" z+$m$te #$nt$(ite. 0)nd d!la .irare'
a .$#ii &i-a #l$($t!l!i' se stinse' (!terile l ("r"sir"-
*azni#ii i s#$aser" a,ar" (e Cene.iV.e &i L$rin' #are i $,eri ra-!l.
Am)nd$i l sal!tar" (e :a!ri#e' ,ie#are n ,el!l s"!9 L$rin s!r)dea<
Cene.iB0e& palid"' +ata s" le&ine' i trimise !n !ltim s"r!t (e .)r,!l
de+etel$r s#"ldate n la#rimi.
Ea ("strase ()n" n !ltima #li(" s(eran-a de-a tr"i &i a#!m &i
(l)n+ea n! .ia-a' #i dra+$stea #e a.ea s" se stin+" $dat" #! .ia-a.
:a!ri#e' (e 1!m"tate ne!n' n! r"s(!nse a#el!i r"mas !n al
(rietenil$r. 5e s#!l" (ierit' r"t"#it' de (e an#a (e #are se (r"!&ise.
*rietenii l!i dis("r!ser".
At!n#i sim-i #" !n sin+!r l!#r! mai tr"ia n ,iin-a l!i< !ra #are i
m!&#a inima.
Ar!n#" $ !ltim" (ri.ire n 1!r &i-l re#!n$s#! (e %i6mer' (le#)nd #!
#eilal-i s(e#tat$ri &i a(le#)nd!-se #a s" trea#" (e s! !&a ar#!it" a
#!l$ar!l!i-
0! re(ezi#i!nea !n!i ar# #e se destinde' :a!ri#e s"ri din an#" n
an#" a1!nse la a#eea&i !&".
%i6mer ie&ise &i a#!m #$$ra s(re #$rid$r!l nt!ne#$s.
Mauice co)o# #n uma lui-
n #li(a n #are %i6mer ("&i (e les(ezile s"lii #elei mari' :a!ri#e i
(!se m)na (e !m"r.
Capitolul LIII
DUELUL
n .rem!rile a#elea n! era del$# (l"#!t s" te sim-i atins (e !m"r.
%i6mer se nt$arse &i-l ecuno!cu pe Mauice-
? AD !n" zi!a' #et"-ene re(!li#an' zise %i6mer' ,"r" s"-&i arate
em$-ia de#)t (rintr-$ tres"rire a(r$a(e im(er#e(tiil"' (e #are &i-$
st"()ni (e l$#.
? >!n" zi!a' #et"-ene mi&el' i r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' m" a&te(tai'
n!-i a&aA
? %im($tri."' n! te a&te(tam' r"s(!nse %i6mer.
? Ii de #eA
? *entr! #" te-am a&te(tat mai de.reme.
? Ii a&a s$ses# (rea de.reme (entr! tine' asasin!leD ad"!+"
:a!ri#e' #! $ .$#e' sa! mai #!r)nd ntr-$ &$a(t" ns("im)nt"t$are'
#"#i n ea se sim-ea .!iet!l .i1eliei #e i se ad!nase n s!,let' #!m n
(ri.iri i se ad!naser" ,!l+ere.
? 3l"#"ri mi ar!n#i (rin $#/i' #et"-ene' s(!se %i6mer. V$m ,i
des#$(eri-i &i !rm"ri-i.
? %a' &i te temi s" n! ,ii arestat' n!-i a&aA Te temi s" n! ,ii d!s (e
e&a,$d!l (e #are trimi-i (e al-iiA 5" ne aresteze' #!-at)t mai ine' #"#i
mi se (are #" ast"zi li(se&te !n .in$.at n ,a-a 1!sti-iei na-i$nale.
? A&a #!m li(se&te &i !n n!me (e lista $amenil$r de $n$are' n!-i
a&aA' de #)nd n!mele d!mitale a ,$st &ters de (e ea.
? >ine' mai .$rim n$i des(re asta' n"d"1d!ies#. %ar ()n"
!na-alta& te-ai r"z!nat #a !n ti#"l$s' te-ai r"z!nat (e-$ ,emeie. %a#"
m-ai a&te(tat !nde0a& de ce nu m-ai a&te(tat la mine' n zi!a n #are
mi-ai fuat-o pe Gene0iB0e.
? 0red #" d!mneata e&ti (rim!l /$-.
? Baide' d$mn!le' ,"r" .$re de d!/' #"#i n! te &ti! (ri#e(!t n
ele. 3"r" .$r"rie. Te &ti! mai tare n ,a(te de#)t n #!.inte' d$.ad"
zi!a n #are ai .r!t s" m" asasinezi9 at!n#i -i-ai ar"tat ade."ratele
($rniri.
? Ii n! $ dat" mi-am re(r$&at #" n-am dat as#!ltare (rimei
($rniri' r"s(!nse %i6mer lini&tit.
* Ei )ine& !pu!e Mauice& lo0indu-&i saia #! m)na' -i $,er $
re.an&".
? :)ine' da#" .rei' n! ast"zi.
* /entu ce m$ine.
? 5a! disear".
* De ce nu numaidec$t.
? *entr! #" s!nt $#!(at ()n" la $rele #in#i.
? n#" .re!n (lan ti#"l$s' s(!se :a!ri#e' n#" .re$ #!rs".
? Ia as#!lt"' d$mn!le :a!ri#e' re(li#" %i6mer' la dre(t .$rind
e&ti #am nere#!n$s#"t$r. Vreme de &ase l!ni te-am l"sat s" ntre-ii
le+"t!ri de dra+$ste #! s$-ia mea< tim( de &ase l!ni .-am e!pectat
#nt$lniile& am #nc1i! oc1ii la !u$!uile domniilo-.$astre. Ni#i#)nd !n
"rat' tre!ie s" re#!n$&ti' n-a ,$st mai (!-in +el$s #a mine-
? *entr! #" erai n#redin-at #" -i-a& (!tea ,i de ,$l$s &i m"
mena1ai.
? 3"r" nd$ial"' r"s(!nse lini&tit %i6mer' #are se st"()nea (e
m"s!r" #e :a!ri#e se a-)-a. n tim( #e d!mneata -i tr"dai re(!li#a &i
mi-$ .indeai n s#/im!l !nei (ri.iri a s$-iei mele' n .reme #e
d!mneata te dez$n$rai (rin tr"dare' iar ea (rin ad!lter' e! eram
n-ele(t!l' er$!l.
? Cr$azni#D e6#lam" :a!ri#e.
* Da+ nu-i a&aA 0ali,i#i (!rtarea d!mitale' d$mn!le. %a' e
+r$azni#"' e in,am"D
? Te n&eli' d$mn!le' (!rtarea (e #are $ +"ses# +r$azni#" &i
in,am" e #ea a "rat!l!i #"r!ia i-a ,$st n#redin-at" #instea !nei
,emei' #are a 1!rat #"-i .a ("stra #instea (!r" &i inta#t" &i #are' n l$#
s"-&i -in" 1!r"m)nt!l' a ,"#!t din ,r!m!se-ea ei $ nad" r!&in$as" n
#are a (rins inima #el!i sla din ,ire. nainte de $ri#e' era dat$ria
d!mitale s,)nt" s-$ a(eri (e ,emeia asta' &i d!mneata' n l$# s-o apei&
ai 0$ndut-o-
? Am s"--i s(!n' d$mn!le' r"s(!nse %i6mer' #e eram dat$r s"
,a#< eram dat$r s"-mi sal.ez (rieten!l' #are m(re!n" #! mine l!(ta
(entr! $ #a!z" s,)nt". A&a #!m mi-am sa#ri,i#at a.erea (entr! a#ea
#a!z"' la ,el mi-am sa#ri,i#at &i $n$area. 0)t des(re mine' am !itat #!
des".)r&ire de (ers$ana mea' m-am retras #! t$t!l n !mr". La mine
n! m-am mai +)ndit de#)t n !ltim" instan-". Acuma nu mai am
pietenJ pietenul mi-a m!rit str"(!ns de-!n (!mnal< a#!ma n! mai am
re+in"< re+ina a m!rit (e e&a,$d< a#!ma' ei ine' a#!m n! m" mai
+)ndes# de#)t la r"z!narea mea.
* Spune mai cu$nd la a!a!inatul dumitale-
* N-a!a!ine%i o femeie adulter"' l$.ind-$' $ (ede(se&ti d$ar.
* Adulteul i l-ai impu!& deci ea le"itim-
? 0reziA ,"#! %i6mer #! !n s!r)s s!mr!. Analizeaz"-i
rem!&#"rile' #a s" .ezi da#" ea #rede #-a pocedat le"itim-
? 0el #are (ede(se&te' l$.e&te n ."z!l t!t!r$r. %!mneata n!
(ede(se&ti (entr! #"' (!n)nd!-i #a(!l s! +/il$tin"' te as#!nzi.
? A!zi .$r"D E! s" ,!+' e! s" m" as#!ndD %ar !nde .ezi !na #a
asta' n"t)n+!leA ntre" %i6mer. nseamn" #" m-am a!cun!& de 0eme
ce-am asistat la #$ndamnarea eiA nseamn" #" ,!+' de .reme #e-am s"
m" d!# ()n" n sala m$r-il$r #a s"-i !pun ultimul adio.
* Ai !-$ mai .eziA e6#lam" :a!ri#e' ai s"--i mai iei r"mas !n de
la eaA
? B$t"r)t l!#r!' r"s(!nse %i6mer ridi#)nd din !meri' n! te (ri#e(i
la r"z!n"ri' #et"-ene :a!ri#e. A&adar' n l$#!l me!' ai l"sa
e.enimentele s" se des,"&$are n .$ia l$r &i m(re1!r"rile s"-&i !rmeze
#!rs!l< a&adar' s(re e6em(l!' s$#$-i #" ,a-" de ,emeia ad!lter" #are
&i-a meitat moatea m-am ac1itat& de 0eme ce-am pedep!it-o cu
moatea& !au mai cu$nd ea !-a a#/itat ,a-" de mine. N!' #et"-ene
:a!ri#e' e! am +"sit #e.a mai !n de ,"#!t' am +"sit !n mi1l$# s"-i
nt$r# ,emeii "steia r"!l (e #are mi l-a ,"#!tD Te i!e&te &i are s" m$ar"
de(arte de d!mneata. *e mine m" !r"&te &i (e mine are s" m" .ad"
iar"&i. Uite' ad"!+" el s#$-)nd !n ($rt$,el din !z!nar' .ezi ($rt$,el!l
"staA n el am !n ilet semnat de +re,ier!l *alat!l!i. 0! ilet!l "sta ($t
("tr!nde ()n" la #$ndamna-i. Ei ine' am s" ("tr!nd ()n" la
Cene.iV.e' &i-am s"-i s(!n de la $raz #"-i $ ad!lter"' am s" m" !it
#!m i #ade ("r!l s! m)na #"l"!l!i &i' n .reme #e ("r!l are s"-i #ad"'
are s"-mi a!d" .$#ea' re(et)nd!-i4 K Adulteo+C Am !-$ ns$-es# ()n" la
#"r!-" &i' #)nd .a ("&i (e e&a,$d' !ltim!l #!.)nt #e-are s"-l a!d" .a ,i
#el de ad!lter".
* Ia !eama+ n-are s" ai" (!terea s" s!,ere at)tea m)r&".ii &i are
s" te den!n-eD
? N!D r"s(!nse %i6mer' (rea m" !r"&te #a s" ,a#" !na #a asta.
%a#-ar ,i a.!t de +)nd s" m" den!n-e' m-ar ,i den!n-at at!n#i #)nd
(rieten!l d!mitale $ s,"t!ia n &$a(t" s" m" den!n-e. %e .reme #e nu
m-a den!n-at #a s"-&i sal.eze .ia-a' n-are s" m" den!n-e a#!m #a s"
m$ar" #! mine' #"#i &tie (rea ine #" da#" m" den!n-"' i .$i am)na
s!(li#i!l #! $ zi< &i &tie (rea ine #" da#" m-ar den!n-a' am s-$
ns$-es# n! n!mai ()n" 1$s !nde se termin" s#"rile (alat!l!i' #i ()n" la
e&a,$d< #"#i &tie (rea ine #"' n l$# s-$ ("r"sese# l)n+" s#"!na&' .$i
!r#a #! d)nsa n #"r!-"< &i &tie la ,el de ine #" t$t tim(!l dr!m!l!i am
s"-i re(et #!.)nt!l teriil de ad!lter"< #" &i (e e&a,$d am s" i-l re(et &i
#" n #li(a n #are se .a (r"!&i n eternitate' n.in!irea asta $ .a
ns$-i.
%i6mer era n,i$r"t$r de (lin de m)nie &i !r". l a(!#ase de m)n"
(e :a!ri#e &i i-$ s#!t!ra #! $ (!tere ne"n!it" de t)n"r!l n$str!' #are
a.ea $ rea#-ie #$ntrar"9 (e m"s!r" #e %i6mer se n,ie)$nta& Mauice
!e calma-
? As#!lt"' s(!se el' la asemenea r"z!nare li(se&te !n l!#r!.
* Cae.
? 5"-i ($-i s(!ne< JIe&ind din tri!nal' -i-am nt)lnit i!it!l &i l-am
uci!-C
? %im($tri."' (re,er s"-i s(!n #" tr"ie&ti &i #" t$t rest!l .ie-ii
d!mitale ai s" s!,eri din (ri#ina m$r-ii ei.
? T$t!&i ai s" m" !#izi' s(!se :a!ri#e< sa!' ad"!+" el' !it)nd!-!e
3u-m(re1!r &i ."z)nd!-se a(r$a(e st"()n (e ($zi-ie' sa! am s" te
!#id e!.
Ii al la ,a-" de em$-ie' e6altat de m)nie' sim-ind!-&i (!terile
nd$ite din (ri#ina st"()nirii de sine (e #are &i-a impu!-$ #a s"-l a!d"
(e %i6mer #!m &i e6(!ne ()n" la #a("t +r$azni#!-i (r$ie#t' l n&,"#"
de +)t &i l trase d!(" el' mer+)nd #! s(atele' #"tre $ s#ar" #e d"dea
(e mal!l a(ei.
5im-ind!-i m$na& DiFme fu cupin!& la $ndu-i& de-$ !r" #e !r#a n
el #a $ la.".
* /ea )ine& %i!e el& nu-i ne.$ie s" m" tra+i #! sila' .in sin+!r.
? Vin$ at!n#i' e&ti narmat.
* ,e ume%-
? N!' mer+i naintea mea. -i (!n n .edere #" la #el mai mi#
semn' la #el mai mi# +est -i des(i# #a(!l #! $ l$.it!r" de saie.
? EiD &tii d$ar (rea ine #" n! mi-e team"' s(!se %i6mer #! !n
s!r)s (e #are !zele (alide l ,"#ea! n,i$r"t$r.
? Team" de saia mea' n!' &$(ti :a!ri#e' dar -i-e team" #" n! te
.ei mai (!tea r"z!na. T$t!&i' ad"!+" el' a#!m #)nd s!ntem ,a-"-n
,a-"' ($-i s"--i iei r"mas !n de la ea.
'nt-ade."r' a1!nseser" la mar+inea a(ei &i #/iar da#" (ri.irea
#!i.a i-ar ,i (!t!t !rm"ri a#$l$ !nde se a,la!' nimeni n-ar ,i (!t!t
a1!n+e la tim( s(re a m(iedi#a des,"&!rarea d!el!l!i.
Dealtfel& o m$nie identi#" i s,)&ia (e #ei d$i "ra-i.
%in .$r" n .$r"' #$$r)ser" (e s#"ri-a #are da n *ia-a *alat!l!i
&i a1!nseser" (e #/ei!l a(r$a(e (!sti!' #"#i' ,iind aia $ra d$!"'
dezaterile &i #$ndamn"rile #$ntin!a! &i m!l-imea se n+/es!ia n#" n
sala tri!nal!l!i' (e #$rid$are &i n #!r-i. %ealtminteri' %i6mer ("rea la
,el de nsetat de s)n+ele l!i :a!ri#e' #a &i :a!ri#e de s)n+ele l!i
%i6mer.
S-a! a,!ndat at!n#i s! !na dintre $l-ile #e d!# de la #el!lele
0$n#ier+eriei la a(a ,l!.i!l!i' #anale in,e#te ast"zi' dar #are'
ns)n+erate $dini$ar"' ,!seser" n! $ dat" l$#!l de tre#ere a #ada.rel$r
s#$ase din temni-ele s!terane.
:a!ri#e se a&ez" ntre a(" &i %i6mer.
? 0red #" e! am s" te $m$r' :a!ri#e' s(!se %i6mer< trem!ri (rea
tare.
* Ia eu& DiFme& !pu!e Mauri#e' a(!#)nd saia n m)n" &i
m(iedi#)nd!-i #! +ri1" $ri#e n#er#are de retra+ere' #red' dim($tri."'
#" e! am s" te !#id &i' d!(" #e te .$i ,i !#is' am s"--i ia! din ($rt$,el
ilet!l de lier" tre#ere de la +re,a *alat!l!i. EiD de+eaa -i-ai #nc1eiat
nast!rii la /ain"' saia mea are s" -i-$ des,a#"' m" (rind (e $ri#e' ,ie
ea de r$nz' #a (lat$&ele din anti#/itate.
? >ilet!l a#ela' !rl" %i6mer' ai s"-l iei.
? %a' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e' e! am s" m" sl!1es# de ilet!l a#ela. 0!
ilet!l a#ela e! am s" ("tr!nd ()n" la Cene.iB0eJ eu am !" m" a&ez
al"t!ri de ea n #"r!-"< am s"-i &$(tes# la !re#/e #)t tim( .a mai tr"i9
Te i!es#' iar #)nd i .a #"dea #a(!l' am s"-i !pun4 ,e-am iu)it-
%i6mer ,"#! $ mi&#are #! m)na st)n+" #a s" a(!#e /)rtia &i s" $
ar!n#e #! ($rt$,el #! t$t n ,l!.i!. %ar' i!te #a ,!l+er!l' as#!-it" #a $
#$as"' saia l!i :a!ri#e se a"t! as!(ra m)inii a#eleia &i $ des(rinse
a(r$a(e n ntre+ime de n#/eiet!r".
R"nit!l s#$ase !n stri+"t' s#!t!r)nd!-&i m)na m!tilat"' &i se (!se
n +ard".
A)ia atunci #nce(! s! $lta a#eea iz$lat" &i nt!ne#$as" $ l!(t"
teriil". 0ei d$i "ra-i n#er#!i-i ntr-!n s(a-i! at)t de n+!st' n#)t
l$.it!rile n! (!tea! de("&i' #a s" zi#em a&a' linia tr!(!l!i' al!ne#a! (e
les(ezile (line de m)z+" &i ane.$ie se (r$(tea! de (ere-ii #anal!l!i.
Ata#!rile se nte-ea! (e m"s!ra ner"d"rii l!(t"t$ril$r.
%i6mer sim-ea s#!r+)nd!-i-se s)n+ele &i-&i d"dea seama #" (!2
terile a.ea! s"-l ("r"seas#" $dat" #! s)n+ele (ierd!t' l ata#" (e
:a!ri#e #! at)ta .i$len-"' n#)t a#esta se ."z! silit s" se dea !n (as
nd"r"t. Tr"+)nd!-se na($i' i al!ne#" (i#i$r!l st)n+ &i .)r,!l s"iei
d!&man!l!i s"! i atinse (ie(t!l' r"nind!-l. %ar #! $ mi&#are i!te #a
+)nd!l' a&a n+en!n#/eat #!m se a,la' :a!ri#e nl"t!r" lama #! m)na
st)n+" &i ntinse .)r,!l s"iei !pe DiFme& cae& #n plin a0$nt al m$niei&
epe%indu-se n mi&#area l!i (e !n s$l n#linat' #"z! (este saia l!i
:a!ri#e &i se str"(!nse sin+!r n ea.
5e a!zi !n lestem ns("im)nt"t$r. A($i tr!(!rile #el$r d$i se
r$st$+$lir" ()n" a,ar" din $lt".
Unul !in+!r se ridi#"9 :a!ri#e' :a!ri#e s#"ldat n s)n+e' dar n
s)n+ele d!&man!l!i s"!.
Trase saia #"tre el' dar (e m"s!r" #e $ tr"+ea ("rea #" s#$ate &i
rest!l de .ia-" #are mai s#!t!ra n#" ntr-!n trem!r ner.$s m"d!larele
l!i %i6mer.
Apoi& c$nd !e #ncedin-a de-a inelea #" a#ela m!rise' se a(le#a
as!(ra #ada.r!l!i' des#/ise /aina m$rt!l!i' l!" ($rt$,el!l &i se de("rta
n mare +ra".
%ar se (ri.i #!m arat" &i-&i d"d! seama #" n-ar ,i (!t!t ,a#e ni#i
(atr! (a&i (e strad" ,"r" s" ,ie arestat9 era (lin de s)n+e-
5e a(r$(ie de mal!l a(ei' se a(le#" ns(re ,l!.i! &i-&i s("l" m)inile
&i /ainele.
*e !rm" !r#" re(ede s#ara' ar!n#)nd $ !ltim" (ri.ire s(re $lt".
Un ,ir r$&! &i a!rind ie&ea de s! $lt" &i nainta s#!r+)nd!-!e
!pe cu!ul apei-
A3un! apoape de /alat' des,"#! ($rt$,el!l &i +"si ilet!l de lier"
tre#ere semnat de +re,ier!l *alat!l!i.
? :!l-!mes#!--i -ie' %$amne' t! #el dre(tD &$(ti el.
Ii !r#" n +ra" tre(tele #are d!#ea! la sala m$r-il$r.
Orni#!l "tea $ra trei.
Capitolul LIV
5ALA :ORILOR
Ne amintim desi+!r #" +re,ier!l *alat!l!i de 8!sti-ie (!sese la
ndem)na l!i %i6mer t$ate re+istrele sale de ntemni-"ri &i elier"ri ale
aresta-il$r &i #" ntre-in!se #! el rela-ii (e #are (rezen-a d$amnei
+re,iere le ,"#ea nes(!s de (l"#!te.
Omul ace!ta& cum lesne ne (!tem n#/i(!i' a ,$st #$(le&it de $
s(aim" #!m(lit" #)nd ie&i la i.eal" #$m(l$t!l l!i %i6mer.
'nt-ade."r' era $li+at s" a(ar" n ($st!ra de #$m(li#e al ,$st!l!i
s"! #$le+ &i s" ,ie #$ndamnat la m$arte $dat" #! Cene.iB0e-
AouNuie-,in0ille #l c1ema!e la el-
E de la sine n-eles #)t s-a tr!dit iet!l $m s"-&i d$.edeas#"
ne.in$."-ia n $#/ii a#!zat$r!l!i (!li#. Ii a re!&it dat$rit" m"rt!2
risiril$r Cene.iB0ei& cae !ta)ileau c" el /aar n! a.!sese de (lan!rile
s$-!l!i ei. A re!&it &i dat$rit" dis(ari-iei l!i %i6mer' dar mai #! seam"
dat$rit" interes!l!i l!i 3$!H!ier-,in0ille de-a ("stra #! $ri#e (re-
re(!ta-ia ima#!lat" a $r+anel$r sale administrati.e.
? 0et"-ene' i s(!sese +re,ier!l' ar!n#)nd!-se n +en!n#/i la
(i#i$arele sale' iart"-m"' m-am l"sat n&elat.
? 0et"-ene' i r"s(!nse a#!zat$r!l (!li#' !n sl!1it$r al na-i!nii
#are se las" n&elat n ni&te .rem!ri #!m s!nt #ele (e #are le tr"im' se
#!.ine s" ,ie +/il$tinat.
? %ar $m!l ($ate +re&i din (r$stie' #et"-ene' !rm" +re,ier!l' #are
m!rea de pofta de a-l numi mon!enioe pe AouNuie-,in0ille-
? *r$stie sa! n!' re(li#" se.er!l a#!zat$r' nimeni n! tre!ie s" se
lase s" ad$arm" n el dra+$stea (entr! Re(!li#". Ii +)&tele
0a(it$li!l!i era! (r$aste &i t$t!&i s-a! trezit din s$mn #a s" sal.eze
R$ma-
La asemenea ar+!ment' +re,ier!l n! mai a.ea nimi# de re(li#at<
s#$ase !n +eam"t &i a&te(t".
? Te iert' s(!se 3$!H!ier. >a #/iar am s"--i ia! &i a("rarea' #"#i
n! .rea! #a !n!l dintre sl!1a&ii mei s" ,ie ni#i m"#ar "n!it. %ar' -ine
minte' la #el mai nensemnat #!.)nt a1!ns la !re#/ea mea' la #ea mai
(alid" amintire a ($.e&tii de ,a-"' te-ai #!r"-at.
Nu-i ne.$ie s" mai s(!nem #! #e +ra" &i s$li#it!dine ($rni
+re,ier!l s" +"seas#" ra($artele' +ata $ri#)nd s" s(!n" t$t #e &tia! &i
!ne$ri #e n! &tia!' #/ia de-ar ,i ,"#!t s" #ad" #a(etele a ze#i de
$ameni.
l #"!t" (ret!tindeni (e %i6mer #a s"-i #ear" s" ta#". %ar %i6mer
&i s#/imase ,ire&te d$mi#ili!l &i +re,ier!l n!-l (!t! +"si ni#"ieri.
Gene0iB0e fu adu!" (e an#a a#!za-il$r' dar ea de#larase dinainte'
n #!rs!l instr!#-iei' #" ni#i ea' ni#i s$-!l ei n-au a0ut nici un complice-
Ii .aiD #!m i-a mai m!l-!mit el din $#/i ietei ,emei #)nd $ ."z!
tre#)nd (rin ,a-a l!i n dr!m s(re 1!de#at"D
N!mai #"' d!(" #e ea tre#!se &i el se nt$rsese $ #li(" n +re," s"
ia !n d$sar (e #are-l #erea #et"-ean!l 3$!H!ier-Tin.ille' l ."z! de$dat"
(e %i6mer a("r)nd &i ndre(t)nd!-se s(re el #! (as d$m$l &i lini&tit.
A(ari-ia l m(ietri.
? VaiD ,"#! el' de (ar#-ar ,i z"rit !n s(e#tr!.
? 0e' n! m" mai #!n$&tiA ntre" n$!-0enitul-
? >a da. E&ti #et"-ean!l %!rand' sa! mai #!r)nd #et"-ean!l
%i6mer.
? 0/iar a&a.
? %ar n! e&ti m$rt' #et"-eneA
? N! n#"' (re#!m .ezi.
? Vrea! s" s(!n #" .ei ,i arestat.
? 0ine .rei s" m" arestezeA Nimeni n! m" #!n$a&te.
? %ar te #!n$s# e! &i n-am de s(!s de#)t !n #!.)nt #a s" te
trimit la +/il$tin".
* Ia eu n-am de s(!s de#)t d$!" #!.inte #a s" ,ii +/il$tinat
$dat" #! mine.
* E #n"o%ito ceea ce !pui-
* Nu& e doa lo"ic-
? %ar des(re #e e .$raA 5" .edem' .$re&teD Cr"e&te-te' #"#i'
#! #)t .$m .$ri mai (!-in' #! at)t ris#"m mai (!-in &i !n!l &i #el"lalt.
? Iat". 5$-ia mea .a ,i #$ndamnat"' n!-i a&aA
? Tare m" tem #" da' iata ,emeieD
* Ei )ine& doe!c !-$ mai ."d (entr! !ltima $ar" #a s"-i s(!n
r"mas !n.
* Unde.
? n sala m$r-il$r.
? Ii-ai s" ndr"zne&ti s" intri a#$l$A
* De ce nu.
? VaiD e6#lam" +re,ier!l' #are sim-i #" se n,i$ar" #/iar n!mai la
!n asemenea +)nd.
? Tre!ie s" e6iste !n mi1l$#D !rm" %i6mer.
? 0a s" ("tr!nzi n sala m$r-il$rA
? %a' ,"r" nd$ial".
* Cae-i acela.
? 5"--i (r$#!ri !n ilet de lier" tre#ere.
? Ii !nde se $-ine ilet!l de lier" tre#ereA Cre,ier!l se ,"#! al
#a .ar!l &i $l$r$si9
? >iletele de lier" tre#ere !nde se $-in' ntreiA
? ntre !nde se $-in' r"s(!nse %i6mer< ntrearea e lim(ede'
#red.
? 5e $-in... aici-
? Ei' z"!A Ii #ine le semneaz" de $i#eiA
* Gefieul-
? %ar +re,ier!l e&ti t!D
? 3"r" nd$ial" #" s!nt e!.
? NaD #e ($tri.eal"D !rm" %i6mer l!)nd l$#. Ai s"-mi semnezi !n
ilet de lier" tre#ere.
Cre,ier!l s"ri #a ars.
? mi #eri #a(!l' #et"-ene' s(!se el-
? >a n!' -i #er !n ilet de lier" tre#ere' at)ta t$tD
? A#!ma #/em s" te-aresteze' nen$r$#it!leD e6#lam" +re,ier!l'
,"#)nd a(el la t$at" ener+ia sa.
* N-ai de#)t' r"s(!nse %i6mer' dar n a#eea&i #li("' te den!n- #a
#$m(li#e' &i n l$# s" m" la&i s" m" d!# sin+!r n sala ,aim$as"' ai s"
m" ns$-e&ti' at)ta t$tD
Cre,ier!l se n+"leni.
? A/D Ti#"l$s!leD e6#lam" el.
* Nu-i ni#i !n ti#"l$s n a,a#erea asta' !rm" %i6mer. Tre!ie s"
.$res# #! s$-ia mea &i--i #er !n ilet de lier" tre#ere #a s-a3un" p$n"
la ea.
? E #/iar at)t de ne#esar s" .$re&ti #! eaA
? A&a se (are' de .reme #e-mi ris# #a(!l #a s" iz!tes#.
Ar+!ment!l i se ("r! (la!ziil +re,ier!l!i. %i6mer ."z! #" era
($rnit s-$ ,a#".
? Bai' !rm" el' ,ii (e (a#e' n-are s" se &tie nimi#. 0e dra#!D
Tre!ie s" mai ,ie #az!ri asem"n"t$are #el!i n #are m" +"ses#D
* Ra- Nu-i mare #$n#!ren-" la a&a #e.aD Itii #eA Bai s" aran1"m
treaa alt,el.
? %a#"-i #! (!tin-"' n-am nimi# m($tri.".
? E ,$arte #! (!tin-". Intri (rin !&a #$ndamna-il$r< (rin !&a a#eea
n-ai ne.$ie de ilet de lier" tre#ere. Ii d!(" #e .ei ,i .$rit #! s$-ia'
m" #/emi &i e! te s#$t.
* Nu-i rea ideea' s(!se %i6mer' dar din nen$r$#ire e ($.estea aia
#are #ir#!l" (rin t$t $ra&!l...
* Cae.
? *$.estea !n!i +/e$s #are a +re&it !&a &i' #rez)nd #" intr" n
ar/i.e' a m!rit n sala des(re #are .$rim. N!mai #" intr)nd (rin !&a
#$ndamna-il$r n l$# s" intre (e !&a #ea mare &i nea.)nd ilet de lier"
tre#ere #! #are s" se le+itimeze' $dat" intrat' n-a! mai .r!t s"-l lase s"
ias". I s-a s(!s #" de .reme ce-a intrat (e !&a #$ndamna-il$r' tre!ie
s" ,i ,$st &i el #$ndamnat #a &i #eilal-i' n zadar a (r$testat' s-a 3uat& a
c1emat& nimeni nu l-a ce%ut& nimeni nu i-a 0enit #n a3uto& nimeni nu
l-a s#$s. A&a n#)t #! t$ate (r$testele' 1!r"mintele' stri+"tele sale'
#"l"!l i-a t"iat mai nt)i ("r!l &i (e !rm" +)t!l. E ade."rat" ane#d$ta'
#et"-ene +re,ierA %!mneata tre!ie s-$ &tii mai ine #a t$at" l!mea.
* Da& e-ade."rat"D s(!se +re,ier!l trem!r)nd din t$t tr!(!l.
? Ei ine' .ezi de#i #"' -in)nd seama de asemenea ante#edente'
ar tre!i s" ,i! ne!n s" intr! ntr-!n aat$r #a "staD
? %ar de .reme #e -i s(!n #" e! .$i ,i ai#iD
? Ii da#" .ei ,i #/emat &i re-in!t n alt" (arte' sa! da#" !i-iA
%i6mer re(et" !ltimile #!.inte9
? %a#" !i-i #" s!nt a#$l$A
* Da de 0eme ce--i ,"+"d!ies#...
? N!. %ealtminteri' a&a #e.a te-ar #$m(r$mite. Ai ,i ."z!t
dis#!t)nd #! mine' &i (e !rm"' #e s" mai .$rim' n!-mi #$n.ine. A&a
#" (re,er ilet!l de lier" tre#ere.
? 0! ne(!tin-".
? At!n#i' dra+!l me!' .a tre!i s" des#/id +!ra' &i .$m ,a#e
m(re!n" (limarea n *ia-a Re.$l!-iei.
Cre,ier!l' n"!#it' z"("#it' (e 1!m"tate m$rt' semn" !n ilet de
lier" tre#ere (entr! !n #et"-ean.
%i6mer se re(ezi as!(ra l!i &i ie&i +r"it s" se d!#" s" ia l$# n
sala de &edin-e' a#$l$ !nde l-am ."z!t.
Rest!l se &tie.
%in #li(a a#eea' +re,ier!l' #a s" e.ite $ri#e n.in!ire de #$m2
(li#itate' se d!se s" ia l$# al"t!ri de 3$!H!ier-Tin.ille' l"s)nd dire#-ia
+re,ei (e m)inile (rim!l!i s"! a1!t$r.
La #eas!rile trei &i ze#e min!te' :a!ri#e' n ($sesia ilet!l!i de
lier" tre#ere' str""t! !n &ir de temni#eri &i de (azni#i' a1!n+)nd ,"r"
ni#i $ (iedi#" la !&a ,atal".
0)nd s(!nem ,atal"' e6a+er"m' de$are#e e6ista! d$!" !&i. Una
mare (rin #are intra! &i ie&ea! ($ses$rii iletel$r de lier" tre#ere' &i
!&a #$ndamna-il$r' (rin #are intra! n!mai #ei #e tre!ia! s" mear+" la
e&a,$d.
n#"(erea n #are ("tr!nsese :a!ri#e era des("r-it" n d$!"
#$m(artimente.
n !n!l dintre #$m(artimente &edea! ,!n#-i$narii ns"r#ina-i s"
nre+istreze n!mele #el$r #e s$sea!' iar n #el"lalt' m$ilat d$ar #!
#)te.a "n#i de lemn' era! de(!&i &i #ei #e ,!seser" n!mai aresta-i &i
#ei #e ,!seser" #$ndamna-i' #eea #e de ,a(t era a(r$a(e a#ela&i l!#r!.
n#"(erea era nt!ne#$as"' l!minat" d$ar de ni&te +eam!ri
dintr-!n (erete de s#)nd!r"' #$m!n cu "efa-
O ,emeie mr"#at" n al' (e 1!m"tate ,"r" #!n$&tin-"' z"#ea
ntr-!n #$l- rezemat" de zid.
Un "rat st"tea n (i#i$are n ,a-a ei' #! ra-ele n#r!#i&ate'
#l"tin)nd din #)nd n #)nd din #a( &i &$."ind s"-i .$reas#"' de ,ri#" s"
n!-i rede&te(te sim-irea' (e #are ("rea s" &i-o fi piedut-
n 1!r!l #el$r d$!" (ers$na1e se .edea! mi&#)nd!-se #$ndamna-ii'
#are /$/$tea! de (l)ns sa! #)nta! imn!ri (atri$ti#e.
Al-ii se (lima! #! (a&i +i+anti#i' de (ar#" ar ,i .r!t s" ,!+" de
+)nd!rile #are-i s,)&ia!-
Ea #nt-ade."r anti#amera m$r-ii &i m$ilier!l $ ,"#ea s"-&i
merite n!mele.
Se 0edeau #ntede!c1i%$ndu-se si#riele !m(l!te #! (aie' de (ar#"
i-ar ,i #/emat (e #ei .ii9 sl!1ea! dre(t (at!ri de $di/n"' era! m$rminte
(r$.iz$rii.
Un dulap mae !e afla pe peretele $(!s ,erestrel$r. %in #!ri$zitate'
!n arestat l des#/ise' dar se d"d! na($i (lin de +r$az".
n d!la( st"tea! n#/ise /ainele ns)n+erate ale +/il$tina-il$r din
a1!n &i #$zi l!n+i de ("r m(letit at)rna! i#i &i #$l$< ele re(rezenta!
a#&i&!rile #"l"!l!i' #are le .indea r!del$r' #)nd a!t$ritatea s!(rem"
n!-i ($r!n#ea s" ard" a#ele s#!m(e reli#.e.
:a!ri#e' #! r"s!,larea t"iat"' s#$s din ,ire' ni#i n! des#/isese ine
!&a &i ."z! dintr-o oc1ie #nte"ul ta)lou-
3"#! d$ar trei (a&i n n#"(ere &i se (r"!&i la (i#i$arele
Cene.iB0ei-
>iata ,emeie s#$ase !n stri+"t (e #are :a!ri#e i-l n"!&i #! !n
s"r!t.
L$rin' (l)n+)nd' &i str)n+ea (rieten!l n ra-e< era! #ele dint)i
la#rimi (e #are le ."rsa.
0e strani!D T$-i nen$r$#i-ii de a#$l$' #are a.ea! s" m$ar"
m(re!n"' aia de se !ita! la tal$!l nd!i$&"t$r (e #are li-l $,erea!
a#e&ti semeni ai l$r.
3ie#"r!ia dintre ei i era! (rea de-a1!ns em$-iile (ers$nale #a s"
mai ($at" l!a (arte la em$-iile #el$rlal-i.
0ei trei (rieteni r"maser" (entr! $ #li(" !ni-i nt-$ mr"-i&are
m!t"' ,ierinte' a(r$a(e (lin" de .$i$&ie.
Loin !e de!pin!e pimul din "upul #ndueat-
? Ii t! e&ti #$ndamnatA l ntre" (e :a!ri#e.
? %a' r"s(!nse el.
? VaiD #e ,eri#ireD &$(ti Cene.iV.e.
5ucuia oamenilo cae nu mai au dec$t un ceas de tr"it n! ($ate
d"in!i ni#i m"#ar #)t .ia-a l$r.
:a!ri#e' d!(" #e-$ #$ntem(l" (e Cene.iB0e& cu da"o!tea lui
#nfl"#"rat" &i ad)n#"' (e #are $ ("stra n inim"' d!(" #e-i m!l-!mi
(entr! #!.)nt!l-t$t$dat" e+$ist &i d!i$s #are i s#"(ase de (e !ze' se
nt$arse #"tre L$rin.
? A#!ma' s(!se el' #!(rinz)nd n m)na l!i am)nd$!" m)inile
Cene.iB0ei& !" st"m de .$r".
? AD da' s" st"m de .$r"' n#!.iin-" L$rin. E t$#mai #e tre!ie'
da#" ne r"m)ne tim(. 0e .rei s"-mi !pui.
* Ai fo!t ae!tat din picina mea& condamnat din (ri#ina ei' ,"r" s"
,i #$mis nimi# m($tri.a le+il$r. 0!m Cene.iV.e &i #! mine ne (l"tim
dat$riile' n-are ni#i !n r$st s" ,ii (!s t! s" (l"te&ti $dat" #! n$i.
? N! n-ele+.
? L$rin' t! e&ti lier.
? Lier e!A E&ti ne!nD iz!#ni L$rin.
* Nu& nu !!nt ne!n' -i re(et #" e&ti lier. Iat" ilet!l de lier"
tre#ere. Vei ,i ntreat #ine e&ti< ai s" s(!i #" e&ti ,!n#-i$nar la +re,a de
la 0armes &i #" ai .enit s" .$re&ti #! #et"-ean!l +re,ier al *alat!l!i<
din #!ri$zitate i-ai #er!t !n ilet de lier" tre#ere #a s" .ezi
#$ndamna-ii< i-ai ."z!t' e&ti satis,"#!t &i (le#i.
? Asta e $ +l!m"' n!-i a&aA
? N!' ni#i .$r"' dra+!l me!' iat" ilet!l' n! l"sa s"--i s#a(e
(rile1!l. T! n! e&ti ndr"+$stit' t! n-ai ne.$ie s" m$ri #a s" (etre#i
#)te.a min!te #! i!ita s!,let!l!i t"! &i s" n! (ierzi ni#i $ #li(" din
eternitatea ta.
? Ei ineD :a!ri#e' e6#lam" L$rin' da#" se ($ate ie&i de ai#i' #eea
#e n-a& ,i #rez!t ni#i n r!(t!l #a(!l!i' -i 1!r' de #e n! n#er#i s-o !al0e%i
#nt$i pe doamna. C$t de!pe tine& 0om 0edea ce-i de ,"#!t.
? 0! ne(!tin-"' r"s(!nse :a!ri#e #! $ teriil" str)n+ere de
inim". Uit"-te' (e ilet e .$ra de !n #et"-ean &i n! de $ #et"-ean". Ii'
dealt,el' Cene.iB0e n-ar .rea s" ias" &i s" m" lase (e mine ai#i' s"
tr"ias#"' &tiind #" e! am s" m$r.
* Ei ine' dar da#" ea n! .rea' de #e s" .rea! e!A 0rezi' a&adar'
#" am mai (!-in #!ra1 de#)t $ ,emeieA
? N!' dra+!l me!' dim($tri."' &ti! #" e&ti #el mai #!ra1$s dintre
"ra-i' dar nimi# (e l!me n-ar (!tea ndre(t"-i n#"("-)narea ta n
asemenea #az. Bai' L$rin' (r$,it" de m$ment!l (r$(i#e &i d"-ne n$!"
!#!ria s!(rem" de-a te &ti lier &i ,eri#it.
? 3eri#itD e6#lam" L$rin' se .ede #" +l!me&tiD 3eri#it ,"r" .$iA ...
EiD #e dra#! .rei s" ,a# e! n l!mea asta' ,"r" .$i' la *aris' ie&it din
$i#ei!rile meleA 5" n! ." mai ."d' s" n! ." mai s#$t din s"rite #!
.ers!rile mele (e rime dateA A/D n!' n r!(t!l #a(!l!iD
* Loin& pietene+---
? T$#mai ,iind#"--i s!nt (rieten' de-a#eea st"r!i. 0! s(eran-a
de-a ." re+"si' ,iind arestat a&a #!m s!nt' a& ,i n stare s" d"r)m
zid!ri. %ar s" s#a( de-aici !in"u-sin+!rel #a s" /$in"res# (e str"zi' #!
#a(!l (le#at' a("sat de-$ +re!tate #a $ rem!&#are' #e-are s"-mi stri+e
,"r" n#etare n !re#/e9 J:a!ri#e' Cene.iB0e+C& ca !" tre# (rin an!me
#artiere' (rin ,a-a !n$r #ase n #are .-am ."z!t (e .$i' #a s-a1!n+ s"-mi
,ie sil" &i s" n! mai ($t s!,eri *aris!l "sta s#!m(' (e #are l-am i!it
at)t de m!lt' n!D (e #instea mea n!' &i +"ses# #" a ,$st 1!st s" se
(r$s#rie re+ii' de n-a fi dec$t din picina e"elui Da"o)et-
? Ii #e le+"t!r" ae e"ele Da"o)et cu cele ce !e petec cu noi.
? 0e le+"t!r"A Tiran!l a#ela in,ernal i s(!nea marel!i El$i9 JN!
e6ist" ni#i $ t$."r"&ie' $ri#)t de !n"' de #are s" n! tre!ias#" s" te
des(ar-iDK Ei ine' e! s!nt re(!li#an &i s(!n9 Nimi# n! tre!ie s" ne
,a#" s" ne des("r-im de-$ t$."r"&ie' ni#i #/iar +/il$tina< m" simt ine
ai#i' a&a #" r"m)n.
? >iet!l me! (rietenD iet!l me! (rietenD e6#lam" :a!ri#e.
Gene0iB0e nu !punea nimic& da !e uita la el cu oc1ii !c"lda-i n
la#rimi.
? ie -i (are r"! d!(" .ia-"D s(!se L$rin.
* Da& din picina Gene0iB0ei+
* Da mie nu-mi (are r"! nea.)nd de #e' ni#i din #a!za zei-ei
Ra-i!nea' #are ? am !itat s"--i ad!# la #!n$&tin-" m(re1!rarea s-a
s!("rat n !ltima .reme +r$za. de tare (e mine' l!#r! #are n!-i 0a
picinui nici m"#ar ne#az!l de-a se #$ns$la #a #ealalt" Art/Emise' #ea
.e#/e. V$i mer+e' a&adar' ,$arte lini&tit &i ,$arte ine dis(!s. Am s"-i
,a# s" r)d" (e t$-i netreni#ii "&tia #are alear+" d!(" #"r!-a
#$ndamna-il$r< am s"-i ,a# !n #atren ,r!m$s d$mn!l!i 5ans$n' &i (e
!rm" +ata... adi#"... stai (!-in. L$rin se ntrer!(se.
* A+ !-a ,"#!tD s-a ,"#!tD iz!#ni el' s-a ,"#!t' .rea! s" ies. Itiam
(rea ine #" n! i!es# (e nimeni din#$l$< dar !itasem #" !r"s# (e
#ine.a. 0eas!l' :a!ri#e' #)t e #eas!lA
? Trei &i 1!m"tate.
* Am 0eme& am 0eme-
? 0! si+!ran-"D e6#lam" :a!ri#e. :ai s!nt n#" n$!" a#!za-i
ast"zi' &edin-a n! se termin" nainte de #in#i. :ai a.em' a&adar'
a(r$a(e d$!" #eas!ri naintea n$astr".
? E t$#mai #)t mi tre!ie. %"-mi ilet!l de lier" tre#ere &i
m(r!m!t"-mi d$!"ze#i de #entime.
? %$amneD #e ai de +)nd s" ,a#iA &$(ti Cene.iB0e-
:a!ri#e i str)nse m)na. Im($rtant (entr! el era s" (le#e L$rin.
* Am o idee+ !pu!e Loin-
:a!ri#e &i s#$ase (!n+a #! ani din !z!nar &i $ (!se n m)na
(rieten!l!i s"!.
? Ii a#!m ilet!l de lier" tre#ere' (entr! %!mneze!D s#!za-i' am
.r!t s" s(!n (entr! 3iin-a 5!(rem"D
:a!ri#e i nm)n" ilet!l de lier" tre#ere.
L$rin i s"r!t" m)na Cene.iV.ei &i' (r$,it)nd de #li(a n #are era!
ad!&i la +re," $ serie de #$ndamna-i' tre#! n#"le#)nd "n#ile de lemn
&i se n,"-i&" la !&a #ea mare.
? EiD e6#lam" !n (azni#' iat" !n!l #are ,!+e' d!(" #)te-mi pae-
L$rin se r"sti la el (rezent)nd!-i )iletul-
? 0ite&te ai#i' s(!se el' #et"-ene (azni#' &i n.a-" s" #!n$&ti mai
ine $amenii.
/a%nicul re#!n$s#! is#"lit!ra +re,ier!l!i' dar ,"#ea (arte din
#ate+$ria a#eea de ,!n#-i$nari #are n-a! n +eneral n#redere' &i #!m
t$#mai at!n#i +re,ier!l #$$ra tre(tele tri!nal!l!i' #! !n ,i$r #are n#"
n!-l ("r"sise de #)nd' #! at)ta im(r!den-"' se n#!metase s"-&i (!n"
is#"lit!ra' (azni#!l l ntre"9
? 0et"-ene +re,ier' iat" !n a#t #! a1!t$r!l #"r!ia !n $are#are .rea
s" ias" din sala m$r-il$r. E .alail a#t!lA
Cre,ier!l ("li de s(aim" &i' n#redin-at #"' da#" se !it"' are s"
z"reas#" #/i(!l teriil al l!i %i6mer' se +r"i s" r"s(!nd"' !it)nd!-se la
ilet!l de lier" tre#ere9
? %a' da' e semn"t!ra mea.
? At!n#i' s(!se L$rin' da#" e is#"lit!ra ta' d"-mi )iletul-
? N!' s(!se +re,ier!l' r!()nd n !#"-ele ilet!l' n!D 5$i!l "sta de
ilete n! ($t sl!1i de#)t $ dat".
O #li("' L$rin r"mase ne/$t"r)t.
* A+ nu-i nimi#' e6#lam" el' mai nainte de t$ate tre!ie s"-l
omo-
Ii se re(ezi a,ar" din +re,".
:a!ri#e l !rm"rise (e L$rin #! $ em$-ie lesne de n-eles. %!(" #e
L$rin dis("r!' i s(!se Cene.iB0ei #nt-o eFaltae care ("rea s" ,ie
!#!rie ade."rat"9
? A s#"(atD I-a r!(t ilet!l de lier" tre#ere' n-are s" mai ($at"
intra. %ealt,el' #/iar de-ar (!tea intra' &edin-a tri!nal!l!i se termin"
la #in#i' #)nd se .a nt$ar#e' n$i .$m ,i m$r-i.
Cene.iV.e s#$ase !n s!s(in &i se #nfioa-
* A1+ !t$n"e-m" n ra-e' &$(ti ea' &i s" n! ne mai des("r-im...
Oare de #e n!-i #! (!tin-" s" ,im l$.i-i $ sin+!r" dat"' #a s" ne d"m
!ltima s!,lare n a#eea&i #li("D
%!(" a#eea se retraser" n #el mai de("rtat !n+/er al n#"(erii
nt!ne#ate' Cene.iV.e se a&ez" str)ns li(it" de :a!ri#e &i-&i (etre#!
am)nd$!" ra-ele n 1!r!l +)t!l!i s"!. mr"-i&a-i' r"s!,l)nd am)nd$i
$dat"' ($t$lind nl"!ntr!l l$r t!m!lt!l $ri#"r!i +)nd' #ei d$i m(ietrir"
n nl"n-!irea dra+$stei &i n .e#in"tatea m$r-ii.
Ii a!tfel !-a s#!rs $ 1!m"tate de #eas.
Capitolul LV
DE CE /LECASE LORIN
Dint-$ dat" se a!zi !n z+$m$t (!terni#' (azni#ii d"d!r" !zna
(rin !&i-a s#!nd"' n !rma l$r .enea 5ans$n ns$-it de a1!t$arele l!i
#are d!#ea! #$la#i de ,r)n+/ie.
* Vai+ da"ul me!' e6#lam" Cene.iB0e& iat" #li(a ,atal" &i simt #"
m" ("r"ses# (!terile.
? V" n&ela-i' se a!zi .$#ea (!terni#" a l!i L$rin9
V" n&ela-i' n-a.e-i dre(tate'
Ca moatea-nseamn" liertateD
? L$rinD stri+" :a!ri#e n #!lmea dis(er"rii.
* Nu !unt )une deloc& nu-i a&aA 5!nt de a#eea&i ("rere #! tine.
n#e()nd de ieri n-am mai ,"#!t de#)t .ers!ri .redni#e de dis(re-.
* A+ de!pe a!ta e 0o)a- ,e-ai #nto!& nenoocitule+--- te-ai #nto!+---
* A!ta ne-a ,$st n-ele+erea' n!A As#!lt"' ,iind#" #ele #e am de
s(!s ." intereseaz" (e am)nd$i.
* Doamne+
? %ar las"-m" s" ." .$res#' alt,el n-am s" mai am .reme s" ."
($.estes# #$media. Am .r!t s" ies #a s" #!m("r !n #!-it din strada
>arillerie.
? %ar #e .$iai s" ,a#i #! #!-it!lA
? V$iam s"-l ucid pe milo!ti0ul de domn DiFme-
Gene0iB0e fu !cutuat" de-un fio-
? A/D e6#lam" :a!ri#e' a#!m n-ele+.
* L-am #!m("rat. Ii iat" #e-mi zi#eam e!' iar t! .ei n-ele+e #e
s(irit l$+i# are (rieten!l t"!. n#e( s" #red #-ar ,i tre!it s" m" ,a#
matemati#ian' n! ($et. %in nen$r$#ire' a#!m e (rea t)rzi!. Iat"'
a&adar' #e-mi zi#eam e!< !rm"re&te-mi ra-i$nament!l9 J%$mn!l
%i6mer &i-a #$m(r$mis s$-ia< d$mn!l %i6mer a .enit s-$ .ad" n tim(!l
(r$#es!l!i' d$mn!l %i6mer n! se .a li(si de (l"#erea de-a $ .edea
tre#)nd n #"r!-a #$ndamna-il$r &i mai ale! de-a ne ns$-i. Am s"-l
+"ses# n (rim!l r)nd al +l$atei' am s" m" stre#$r l)n+" el' am s"-i
s(!n9 Z>!n" zi!a' d$mn!le %i6mer[ &i am s"-i n,i+ #!-it!l n #$aste.K
? L$rinD e6#lam" Cene.iB0e-
? Lini&te&te-te' s#!m(" (rieten"' (r$.iden-a a ,"#!t sin+!r"
dre(tate' n#/i(!i-i-." #" +l$ata' n l$# s" stea n ,a-a *alat!l!i' #a de
$i#ei' ,"#!se $ nt$rs"t!r" s(re drea(ta &i se n+/es!ia de-a lun"ul
c1eiului- A1a+ mi-am zis e!' ,"r" nd$ial" #" tre!ie s" ,ie .re!n #)ine
#are se nea#". %e #e n-a fi a#$l$ &i %i6merA Un #)ine #are se nea#" e
!n (rile1 de-a #"s#a +!ra. :" a(r$(ii de (ara(et &i ."d de-a l!n+!l
mal!l!i $ +r"mad" de $ameni #are ridi#a! ra-ele n s!s' se a(le#a! s"
se !ite la #e.a #e sta ntins (e ("m)nt &i s#$tea! e6#lama-ii de
+)ndeai #-are s" se re.erse 5ena. :" a(r$(iai... A#el #e.a... +/i#e&te
#ine era...
? Era %i6mer' s(!se :a!ri#e #! $ .$#e s!mr".
* Da& el- Cum de-ai putut "1ici. Da& DiFme& !cumpe pieten&
DiFme cae-&i s(inte#ase sin+!r ()nte#!l. Nen$r$#it!l s-a sin!#is' ,"r"
nd$ial"' dre(t is("&ire.
? EiD ,"#! :a!ri#e #! !n z)met s!mr!' asta ai #rez!t t!A
Cene.iV.e &i l"s" #a(!l s"-i #ad" n m)ini. Era (rea sl"it" #a s"
mai ($at" nd!ra at)tea em$-ii !na d!(" alta.
? %a' asta am #rez!t' dat ,iind #" s-a +"sit l)n+" el saia-i (lin"
de s)n+e< a,ar" d$ar... da#" n! .a ,i nt)lnit (e #ine.a...
:a!ri#e' ,"r" s" s(!n" .re!n #!.)nt &i ,$l$sind!-se de #li(a n
#are Cene.iV.e' #$(le&it"' n! era #! $#/ii ndre(ta-i as!(ra l!i &i n!
(!tea s"-l .ad"' &i des,"#! /aina &i-i ar"t" l!i L$rin .esta &i #"ma&a
ns)n+erat".
* A+ a!ta-i altce0a& !pu!e Loin-
Ii-i #ntin!e m$na lui Mauice-
* Acum& !pu!e el& aplec$ndu-se la !re#/ea l!i :a!ri#e' dat ,iind
#" n-am ,$st (er#/ezi-i$nat' de$are#e am ("tr!ns s(!n)nd #" ,a# (ar2
te din s!ita d$mn!l!i 5ans$n' am la mine #!-it!l #!m("rat' da#"
+/il$tina -i ,a#e #!m.a sil".
:a!ri#e a(!#" arma #! $ mi&#are (lin" de !#!rie.
* Nu& !pu!e el& Gene0iB0e a !ufei pea tae-
Ii-i na($ie #!-it!l l!i L$rin.
? Ai dre(tate' zise L$rin. Tr"ias#" ma&ina d$mn!l!i C!ill$tin+ 'n
fond& ce-i ma&ina d$mn!l!i C!ill$tinA Un $)rna# (este +)t' #!m a
s(!s %ant$n. 0e-i un )o)$nac.
Ii az.)rli #!-it!l n mi1l$#!l +r!(!l!i de #$ndamna-i.
Un!l dintre ei l l!" &i &i-l n,i(se n (ie(t' #"z)nd m$rt n!maide#)t.
n a#eea&i #li("' Cene0iB0e f"#! $ mi&#are &i s#$ase !n -i(at.
5ans$n i (!sese m)na (e !m"r.
Capitolul LVI
TRRIA50R 5I:OND
La stri+"t!l s#$s de Cene.iB0e& Mauice #n-elese #" l!(ta e +ata s"
n#ea(".
%ra+$stea ($ate e6alta s!,let!l ()n" la er$ism' dra+$stea ($ate'
m($tri.a instin#tel$r ,ire&ti' s" m(in+" $ ,"(t!r" !man" s"-&i
d$reas#" m$artea' dar n! ($ate stin+e n $m teama de d!rere. Era
e.ident #" Cene.iB0e accepta moatea cu mai mult" lini&te &i (ietate de
#)nd &tia #" :a!ri#e .a m!ri #! ea' dar resemnarea n! e6#l!de
s!,erin-a &i a (le#a din l!mea a#easta n! nseamn" n!mai a #"dea
ntr-un a)i! pe cae-l n!mim ne#!n$s#!t' #i mai nseamn" a s!,eri
#"z)nd.
:a!ri#e #!(rinse #! (ri.irea t$at" s#ena (rezent" &i #! +)nd!l
t$at" s#ena #are a.ea s" !rmeze9
n mi1l$#!l n#"(erii ? !n #ada.r! din (ie(t!l #"r!ia !n (azni#'
re(ezind!-se' sm!lsese !n #!-it' de team" s" n! sl!1eas#" &i alt$ra.
n 1!r!l l!i ? "ra-i m!-i de dis(erare' aia l!)nd!-l n seam"'
s#riind (e #)te-!n #arnet #!.inte ,"r" &ir' sa! str)n+)nd!-&i m)inile
!nii alt$ra< !nii re(et)nd ,"r" n#etare' #!m ,a# demen-ii' !n n!me
ndr"+it' sa! s#"ld)nd n la#rimi !n ($rtret' !n inel' $ &!.i-" de ("r<
al-ii (r$,er)nd lesteme ,!ri$ase m($tri.a tiraniei' #!.)nt anal'
a,!risit r)nd (e r)nd de t$at" l!mea &i t$tdea!na' ia uneoi c1ia de
tiani-
n mi1l$#!l t!t!r$r nen$r$#iril$r a#el$ra' 5ans$n' m($."rat mai
(!-in de #ei #in#ize#i &i (atr! de ani ai l!i' de#)t de +ra.itatea ,!n#-iei
sale l!+!re' 5ans$n l)nd &i (re.enit$r' at)t #)t i n+"d!ia misi!nea
sa' d"dea !n!ia !n s,at' alt!ia $ n#!ra1are' +"sind #!.inte #re&tine&ti
#! #are s" r"s(!nd" at)t dezn"de1dii' #)t &i n,r!nt"rii.
? 0et"-ean"' i s(!se el Cene.iB0ei& 0a te)ui !" ." s#$ate-i ,i&i!l
&i s" ." ridi#a-i ("r!l sa! s"-l t"ia-i' da#" ine.$i-i.
Gene0iB0e #nce(! s" trem!re.
? Bai' s#!m(a mea (rieten"' zise #! l)nde-e L$rin' #!ra1D
? A& (!tea s"-i ridi# e! ("r!l d$amneiA ntre" :a!ri#e.
? A/D da' e6#lam" Cene.iB0e& el+ 0" im(l$r' d$mn!le 5ans$n.
? 3ie' zise "tr)n!l' nt$r#)nd #a(!l.
:a!ri#e &i dezle+" #ra.ata #e ("stra #"ld!ra +)t!l!i s"!'
Cene.iB0e o !"r!t" &i' a&ez)nd!-se n +en!n#/i n ,a-a t)n"r!l!i' i
ntinse #a(!l ,erme#"t$r' mai ,r!m$s a#!m' #$(le&it de d!rere' de#)t
.re$dat" n #li(e de !#!rieD
%!(" #e :a!ri#e is(r".i ,!nera $(era-ie' m)inile i trem!ra! at)t
de tare &i (e #/i(!l l!i se #itea at)ta d!rere' n#)t Cene.iV.e e6#lam"9
* Vai+ Mauice& acuma am cua3-
San!on !e #ntoa!e-
* Nu-i a&a' d$mn!le' #" am #!ra1A l ntre" ea.
? >inen-eles' #et"-ean"' r"s(!nse #"l"!l #! +las!l nd!i$&at.
'nte timp& a3utoul pincipal pacu!e!e )odeoul timi! de
AouNuie-,in0ille-
? *ais(reze#e' zise el. 5ans$n' n!m"r" #$ndamna-ii.
* Cinci!pe%ece& cu cel mot& !pu!e elJ cum !e face a!ta.
L$rin &i Cene.iV.e n!m"rar" &i ei d!(" el' ns!,le-i-i de a#ela&i
+)nd.
? 5(!ne-i #" n! s!nt de#)t (ais(reze#e #$ndamna-i' &i n$i
s!ntem #in#is(reze#eA ntre" ea.
? %a' se .ede #" #et"-ean!l 3$!H!ier-,in0ille !-a n&elat.
? VaiD t! ai min-it' i s(!se Cene.iB0e lui Mauice& tu nu ai fo!t
condamnat-
? %e #e s" a&te(t ()n" m)ine #)nd t! m$ri ast"ziA r"s(!nse
:a!ri#e.
? I!it!le' ,"#! ea s!r)z)nd' mi dai (!tere< ."d a#!ma #)t e de
!&$r s" m$ri.
? L$rin' zise :a!ri#e' L$rin' -i s(!n (entr! !ltima $ar"... nimeni
n! te ($ate re#!n$a&te ai#i... s(!ne #-ai .enit s"--i iei r"mas !n de la
mine--- !pune c-ai ,$st n#/is din +re&eal". 0/eam" (azni#!l #are te-a
."z!t ie&ind... E!' #el #e tre!ie s" m$r' .$i ,i ade."rat!l #$ndamnat.
%ar t!' te im(l$r"m' (rietene' ,"-ne )ucuia de-a tr"i' #a s" ne ("strezi
amintirea. :ai este tim(' L$rin' te im(l$r"m.
Cene.iV.e &i m(re!n" m)inile n semn de r!+". L$rin i l!"
am)nd$!" m)inile &i i le s"r!t".
? Am s(!s n! &i e n!' r"s(!nse L$rin #! .$#ea-i /$t"r)t". N! mai
st"r!i-i' sa!' (e !n" dre(tate' am s" #red #" ." stin+/eres#.
* /ai!pe%ece& epet" 5ans$n' &i ei s!nt #in#is(reze#eD
Apoi& idic$nd "la!ul& !pu!e4
? E #are.a (rintre d!mnea.$astr" #are are #e.a de re#lamatA E
#are.a #are ar (!tea d$.edi #" se a,l" ai#i dintr-o eoae.
*$ate #" s-au #ntede!c1i! c$te0a "ui la #nte)aea de mai !u!& da
!-a! n#/is ,"r" s" r$steas#" ni#i !n #!.)nt. 0el$r #are ar ,i min-it le
era r!&ine s" mint"< #el #are n-ar ,i min-it n-a .r!t s" .$reas#".
5e ,"#! $ t"#ere de #)te.a min!te' n .reme #e a1!t$arele &i
.edea! de tre!ri' s".)r&ind!-&i l!+!ra l$r sl!1".
? 0et"-eni' s!ntem +ata... s(!se at!n#i +las!l s!rd &i s$lemn al
l!i 5ans$n.
0)te.a s!s(ine &i #)te.a +emete r"s(!nser" +las!l!i a#el!ia.
* Ei )ine& %i!e Loin& fie+
5" m!rim (entr! (atrie'
E s$arta #ea mai ,r!m$as"D...
%a' mai #! seam" #)nd m$ri (entr! (atrie< dar' /$t"r)t l!#r!<
n#e( s" #red #" n$i n! m!rim de#)t (entr! (l"#erea #el$r #are se !it"
la n$i #!m m!rim. *e #instea mea' :a!ri#e' s!nt de ("rerea ta' n#e(
&i e! s" ,i! dez+!stat.
? A(el!lD stri+" !n #$misar la !&".
:ai m!l-i (azni#i intrar" n #amer" &i n#/iser" ie&irile'
a&ez)nd!-se ast,el ntre .ia-" &i #$ndamna-i' de (ar#" i-ar ,i m(iedi#at
s" re.in" la .ia-".
5e ,"#! a(el!l. :a!ri#e' #are ,!sese de ,a-" la 1!de#ata
#$ndamnat!l!i #are se sin!#isese #! #!-it!l l!i L$rin' r"s(!nse (rezent
c$nd i !-a r$stit n!mele. At!n#i se ."z! #" m$rt!l era n (l!s.
:$rt!l ,! s#$s a,ar" din sal". %a#" i s-ar ,i stailit identitatea'
da#" ar ,i ,$st re#!n$s#!t dre(t #$ndamnat' ar ,i ,$st +/il$tinat #!
#eilal-i' a&a m$rt #!m era.
5!(ra.ie-!it$rii ,!r" m(in&i s(re ie&ire.
*e m"s!r" #e tre#ea #)te !n!l (rin ,a-a ,erestr!i#ii de la intrare' i
se le+a! m)inile la s(ate.
Ni#i $ .$r" n! ,! r$stit" (re- de ze#e min!te de #"tre nen$r$#i-ii
a#eia.
N!mai #"l"ii .$rea! &i a#-i$na!.
:a!ri#e' Cene.iV.e &i L$rin' #are aia se mai (!tea! -ine (e
(i#i$are' se n+/es!ia! !n!l n alt!l #a s" n! ,ie des("r-i-i. A($i
#$ndamna-ii ,!r" m(in&i din l$#al!l 0$n#ier+eriei n #!rte.
A#$l$' s(e#ta#$l!l de.eni ns("im)nt"t$r.
:!l-i dintre #$ndamna-i sim-ir" #" li se taie (i#i$arele la .ederea
#"r!-el$r< temni#erii i a1!tar" s" !r#e.
5e a!zea! n d$s!l ($r-il$r' n#" n#/ise' .$#ile #$n,!ze ale +l$atei
&i se +/i#ea d!(" ,ream"t!l ei #" tre!ie s" ,ie mare.
Gene0iB0e uc" n #"r!-" #! dest!l" (!tere< dealt,el :a!ri#e $
s(ri1inea #! #$t!l. :a!ri#e s!i i!te d!(" d)nsa.
L$rin n! se +r"i' &i alese l$#!l &i se a&ez" n st)n+a l!i :a!ri#e.
*$r-ile se des#/iser"< n ,r!ntea (rimel$r r)nd!ri se a,la 5im$n.
0ei d$i (rieteni l re#!n$s#!r"< &i d)ns!l i ."z!.
5e #a-"r" (e $rna de la ($art"' (e l)n+" #are #"r!-ele a.ea! s"
trea#"< era! trei #"r!-e.
/ima !e uni din loc4 ea cea #n cae !e aflau cei tei pieteni-
? EiD !n" zi!a' ,r!m$s!le +renadirD i stri+" 5im$n l!i L$rin<
+)ndes# #-ai s" n#er#i t"i&!l #!-it!l!i me!' n!A
? %a' r"s(!nse L$rin' &i am s"-mi da! $steneala s" n!-l &tires#
(rea tare' #a s" ($at" t"ia &i (ielea ta' #)nd -i-o 0eni $ndul-
0elelalte #"r!-e se ($rnir" &i ele' !rm)nd-$ (e (rima. O ,!rt!n"
ns("im)nt"t$are de stri+"te' de +emete' de lesteme iz!#ni n 1!r!l
#$ndamna-il$r.
? 0!ra1' Cene.iV.e' #!ra1D i &$(ti :a!ri#e.
? VaiD r"s(!nse t)n"ra n$astr"' n!-mi (are r"! de .ia-"' de$are#e
m$r m(re!n" #! tine. mi (are r"! #" n-am m)inile liere #a m"#ar s"
te str)n+ n ra-e' nainte de-a mui-
* Loin& !pu!e Mauice' L$rin' s#$t$#e&te n !z!nar!l .estei
mele' &i ai s" +"se&ti !n #!-ita&.
:a!ri#e &i a(le#" !z!nar!l la n"l-imea m)inil$r (rieten!l!i s"!<
(e !rm"' tr!dind!-se am)nd$i' l des#/iser". At!n#i :a!ri#e l a(!#" #!
din-ii &i t"ie ,!niile #are le+a! m)inile lui Loin-
L$rin' s#"(at de ,!niile sale' i ,"#! a#ela&i ser.i#i! l!i :a!ri#e.
? Cr"e&te-te' s(!se t)n"r!l' !it"-te la Gene0iB0eJ e "ata !" le&ine.
'nt-ade."r' #a s" ($at" nde(lini $(era-ia a#eea' :a!ri#e se
nt$rsese $ #li(" de l)n+" iata ,emeie &i' #a &i #!m t$at" (!terea i-ar
,i .enit de la d)ns!l' ea n#/isese $#/i &i-&i l"sase #a(!l s"-i #ad" (e
(ie(t.
* Gene0iB0e& o !ti"" :a!ri#e' Cene.iB0e& de!c1ide oc1ii& da"a
mea+ Nu mai a0em dec$t c$te0a minute ca !" ne .edem (e l!mea asta.
* Auniile #mi r"nes# m)inile' &$(ti ea.
:a!ri#e $ dezle+".
N!maide#)t des#/ise $#/ii &i se ridi#" n (rada !nei e6alt"ri #are $
,"#! s#li(it$r de ,r!m$as".
0! !n ra- l #!(rinse (e :a!ri#e de +)t' #! #ealalt" m)n" (rinse
m)n" l!i L$rin &i t$-i trei' n (i#i$are n #"r!-"' a.)nd la (i#i$arele l$r
#elelalte d$!" .i#time n+r$(ate n st!($area !nei m$r-i anti#i(ate'
trimiser" #er!l!i' #are le n+"d!ise s" se s(ri1ine lieri !n!l de alt!l' !n
semn &i $ (ri.ire (line de re#!n$&tin-".
Gloata cae-i ins!lta' ."z)nd!-i &ez)nd' t"#! #)nd i ."z! st)nd n
(i#i$are.
5e z"ri e&a,$d!l.
:a!ri#e &i L$rin l ."z!r"< Cene.iB0e nu-l z"ri< ea n! se !ita de#)t
la i!it!l ei.
0"r!-a se $(ri.
? Te i!es#' i &$(ti :a!ri#e Cene.iV.ei' te i!es#.
? 3emeia mai nt)i' ,emeia (rimaD stri+ar" mii de 0oci-
? -i m!l-!mes#' ($($r!le' s(!se :a!ri#e. 0ine s(!nea $are #"
e&ti #r!dA
O cupin!e pe Gene0iB0e #n )a-e &i' #! !zele li(ite de !zele ei' $
d!se n ra-ele l!i 5ans$n.
? 0!ra1' stri+" L$rin' #!ra1D
? Am' r"s(!nse Cene.iB0e& am+
? Te i!es#D &$(ti Mauice- ,e iu)e!c+
N! mai era! ni&te .i#time s$rtite m"#el!l!i' #i ni&te (rieteni #are
s"r"t$rea! m$artea.
? R"mas !nD stri+" Cene.iB0e lui Loin-
? La re.edereD i r"s(!nse el.
Gene0iB0e di!p"r! s! ,atala as#!l".
? E r)nd!l t"!D s(!se L$rin.
* E )nd!l t"!D zise :a!ri#e.
? As#!lt"D Cene.iB0e te c1eam".
'nt-ade."r' Cene.iB0e !coa!e ultimul ei !ti""t.
? Vin$D #/em" ea.
O zar." mare se is#" n +l$at". 3r!m$s!l &i +in+a&!l #a( #"z!se.
Mauice !e epe%i-
? E #)t se ($ate de dre(t' s(!se L$rin' s" ne -inem de l$+i#".
:-au%i tu& Mauice.
* Da-
* Ea te-a i!it' e !#is" (rima' t! n! e&ti #$ndamnat' de#i t! m$ri
al d$ilea< e! n-am ,"#!t nimi#' dar ,iind #el mai #riminal dintre n$i trei'
.in !ltim!l la r)nd.
Ii iat"' t$t!l este #lar
0)nd ai de l$+i#" /aar-
*e #instea mea' #et"-ene 5ans$n' -i ,"+"d!isem !n #atren' dar ai
s" te m!l-!me&ti &i #! !n disti/.
* ,e-am i!itD &$(ti :a!ri#e' le+at de s#)nd!ra ,atal"' z)mind!-i
capului iu)itei lui& te-am iu---
3ier!l t"ie #!.)nt!l la 1!m"tate.
* E $ndul meu+ eFclam" L$rin' s"rind dintr-!n salt (e e&a,$d' &i
re(edeD #"#i' ntr-ade."r' mi (ierd #a(!l... 0et"-ene 5ans$n' te-am
("+!it de d$!" .ers!ri' n s#/im -i $,er !n #alam!r.
5ans$n l le+" &i (e el.
? Uite' !rm" L$rin' e m$da s" se stri+e tr"ias#"... #e.a' #)nd
m$ri. Alt"dat" se stri+a9 JTr"ias#" re+eleDK' dar re+e n! mai este. %!("
a#eea s-a stri+at9 JTr"ias#" liertateaDK' dar ni#i liertate n! mai am. *e
#instea mea9 JTr"ias#" 5im$nDK #are ne-a ad!nat (e t$-i trei la !n l$#.
Ii #a(!l +ener$s!l!i t)n"r #"z! l)n+" #ele ale l!i :a!ri#e &i
Cene.iB0e+
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