RECOLLECTIONS

GUY
BY

OF

DE

MAUPASSANT
FRAN"OIS
FROM ROUND
THE

HIS*

VALET

"B
FRENCH

TRANSLATED BY MINA

"

fiB

"^

LONDON

JOHN
YORK

LANE

THE

BODLEY

HEAD MCMXH

NEW

JOHN

LANE

COMPANY

h-i^X:

TwnMl

""

S^art, Printtrs, Edinita^A

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

NOVEMBER

1883-MAY

884
PAGK

My

service We
"

begins
return

on

November Paris
"

ist,
^Too and ^A
move

1883

^Ten
"

days
^The
"

at

"tretat
f oimda-

to

many

dinners ^A
"

tion
we

of
retnm

Clnb
"

^Work Paris
"

rowing
^We
"

fire
"

In

March in Paris the

to

to

are

established ^From
"

Rne Roaen

Montchanin
"

^The

month

of boatman

May

on

yawl

^A
"

first-rate

...

CHAPTER

II

JUNB^OCTOBER

884

"tretat
"

^A

model the saints

gardener
strawberries

"

Pistol-firing
"

^Hens
"

and

cock
"

Watering
wooden

^Playing
room

at ^The

bowls
"

^The American Seize

two

^The
"

spare fire

"

young Marie finished

lady
October

^The
"

Fox
"

^A

in

the

house" is

"

^Autumn
"

leaves
"

Bel-Ami

22

CHAPTER

III

NOVEMBER

1884-FEBRUARY

1885

Shower-baths
New Year's

The
"

conservatory
A wonderful

Purchases
" "

Piroli
"

A to rock-

Gift"
return
"

ceiling"A packed
^The
"

journey piece
of dinner
"

Italy

^The
"

Badly
social

sulphur
A old Dutch Roman

^Work
"

and

life
"

The

schoolboy's
in basin
"

sleigh
vases

"tretat
" "

Normandy
real China

blossom Bel-

^The
"

^The
"

Ami

is 35

published

vi

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

CHAPTER
MAY

IV

188 5 -JUNE
"

1886
"

"toetat
"

The Barbary ducka crowiog of a cock The heat Walks firing Paff" Excessive Salammb" shooting season b^ins Departore from "toetat Sojourn in Paris Arrival at Antibes The Villa Muterse The olive harvest January 1886 Madame de Manpassant^-The Louisette The Bel-Ami Successful
" " " " " " " " " " " " "

The

We the

retoni

to

Paris
sun
"

in the

Rue

Montchanin
Perla Monceau
"

"

We ks

regret
Sattrs

southern
"

MademoistUt in the Pare

and
The

Rondoli

walk

graceful

CHAPTER
ocTOBSR

t886-itAY

18S7
"

At

the

frame of a new novel The Picturesque and Maizeroy and AurdUen Scholl Princely fashionable visits An earthquake-~The house falls to to return A candid to Paris pieces PiroU is delighted marquise "9

Alp
"

chfllet
"

walks

Ren6

"

"

"

"

........

CHAPTER
KAV-JONB

VI

l%Bj
Mme.

Oiaton

"

Exotic

decoration at dinner
" "

"

's

Countesses fEminine

Some

truths painful

and

frogs The agreeable

" " "

ending
boatmen

to

philosophy Piroli's maternal instinct Pleasant a tragedy Unexpected camping out Ahoy 1 I An millionaire's pronnlucky illness The position
" " "

.........

80

CHAPTER
JOLY-AUGOST We return in his to

VII

1887

"betat
"

"

Guy

de

kitchen
"

Is reconciled

Maupassant studies astrtnomy to spinach The fugitive

"

tortoises

Harie Seize charms

tortoises

"

The

revenge

CONTENTS

vii
PAGE

let pass

Qs

always
Inflnence in the
.........

think of Ash-tree

of the

it 1
"

^The

Horla

"

Black
ei

shadows

"

Invisible" Avenne
"

Pi^rr^ ^Madame

Jean
"

posed com-

Pasca

Death

of

Piroli

95

CHAPTER

VIII

OCTOBER-NOVBMBBR

1887

Our

journey
me

to

Algerian-White
"

Algiers

"

We

take

[flat in by
"

the
an

Ledru-Rollin
to

Striking
Matifou Disenchanted in the

impression
with M. ""What mosques
"

produced Masqueray
is To
"

excursion

Cap
"

^When

following
Arabian

the
women

said

by

the

the ^The

HammamMahometan
" .

Righa priests

baths and

"

Unsuccessful
"

shooting
the road to

Voltaire

On

Kabylia

103

CHAPTER

IX

NOVEMBBR

l88

/-JANUARY

5TH,

888

In

Tunisia club
"

"

^The We

Moorish

baths to

"

Great
at
"

success
a

at

the pace

officers'
"

journey Tunis,
massage

Kairouan Avenue the

"

splendid

Our fire-

stay

at

Marine

^An On the

inspiriting
ruins ?
"

Excellent
"

by

negro" Italian

of

Carthage
^The stout ii8

The Tunisian

frolics
"

of

Tsdiya

macaroni

^Tahya

is sea-sick

CHAPTER

JAMUARY-FBBRUARY

1888

The

Zingata
"

transformed
"

into ^A

the

Bel-

Ami

^At
a

PorqueroUes
Second
the the

mysterious
Cassandra the of the the

perilous voyage ^The Exile apparition

"

^A

"

of about about

Empire society
of

"

Strange
"

revelations

Tuileries
"

Curious ""We

foresight
start

catastrophe
on

Year

of Teiror

lor

Cannes

board

Be/-ilinf"

Tahya's

significant
"

welcome

132

vii"

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

CHAPTER

XI

FEBRUARY

1888-FBBRUARY

889
PAOB

Tahya

and chanin the

"

Pussy
^"

are

introduced
at

to

each of

other

"

Rne

MontDtimas

dinner-party
"

the

house

Alexandre of an ancient
"

younger

^Mysterious disappearance by
Bel
"

ivory
return

carving,
to of
"

replaced
"

the Ami

portrait
on

of

lady
"

^We

Cannes
a

^The who

the

stocks

^Noble
as

confession to

writer

struggles
about de Chartres of
"

sometimes
"

so

not

think^"
feats de"

Recollections the Duke A very

"

Flaubert in

^M. the

de

Maupassant
of in flowers
"

battle

General
were

tells

his I
.

last go
not to

charge
M.
come

1870

^They

great
A In
"

ladies
. .

Waldeck off
"

Rousseau's ^To Aix-lesa

house Bains bachelor

duel the ^An

which

does

"

mountains,

Maupassant
wants to to

resolves know the

to remain site of
one

English
works,
wit"

lord and Old titles

of

Maupassant's
refined does
"

wishes

become old

acquainted
friends
"

with

French
not

furniture,
"

Fran"ois

imderstand is

^An and

aristocratic Madame
comme

dinner-party
de

Philology
her

mentioned
"

Maupassant
is
are

shows
"

great learning literary

"

Fort the

le Mort
"

published given
to

^Young
writer

men

mob

author moulded

DoUs his

the

^A Norman

doctor

brain
.

144

CHAPTER

XII

APRIL-

AUGUST

889
Madame
"

At

Poissy
the

"

^Fran"ois
"

has

known and

Flaubert

"

Bovary

in

pantry
unfair

Zola

Maupassant
manservant

The
"

Rougon-MacPot Bouille is

quarts
an

judged

by
and

truthful
"

accusation Zola

^A

parallel
"

drawn

by
dances

Maupassant
rue

between]
chanin"

Flaubert
at

Arabian meal
at

Mont"

-Sojourn
teUs
a

Triel of his

"

^A

the

Restaurant ferocious ^The before

Maupassant
"

struggle
in the ?
"

against night
"

dogs

Saving Why

woman's not have and H.

life
a

engineer's
M"dan house
"

wife"
"

medal Pessard

Passing
limch Dr
at

Messrs

Zola

our

Super-nourishment
on a

ordered
"

by

Grubby
on

"

^Merry
the
water
"

cursion ex-

steamer Decameron of

^A
"

dinner-party
We
return
"

"

page
"

of

the

to Fear

"tretat
of

Notre
.

C"ur

Symptoms

over-fatigue

spiders

17S

CONTENTS

ix

CHAPTER

XIII

AUGUST

8th,
^The

1889
PACB

The

anniversary brings
humane
the doctor dance

of smart
"

St

Helena
"

"

large

yacht
Nansicaas

BuU-dog
"

people
in the

The
-

Norman
"

^The

Sphinx
meadow the

Cottage
"

An Montmartre

old-fashioned murder

country
and

^llie
"

Manns and
"

Michel

painter
"

An

inextingnishable
of the cock A

fire^
murderer rabbit

headlong
^An

flight

Escape
"
"

supposed
"
"

amusing

raffle Amould himdred

It

is the
"

^A

for

Madame
"

Plessy

most round

lucid the
210

somnambulist Guillette

^Fifteen

sightseers

CHAPTER

XIV

BND

OF

AUGUST,

SEPTEMBER, Paradise the

AND

OCTOBER

889
^Tales of

An

excursion
on

by
"

sea

to

Italy
to

"

on

the

blue

sea

"

deck Main
"

^An

allusion
"

beautiful

AUouma,
across

heroine the
"

La
seas

Gauche]
the the

Raymond's
coast
"

travels ^A

high

On in

Japanese evening
"

flower-boat smells
"

^Dreamy
the
"

music
"

The

Genoese and

In

fog
the San

^We

put]in
of

at^Porto-Fino

Santa-Margherita
A mi
" "

Music In of

at

break

day

for for about

the

Bel-

^Florence church

"

museums"

Hunthig Thoughts
"

curiosities
war

^The
manner

Paolo"
"

after de

the

of

Tolstoi her .2x8

"

^Pisa

^At is

Cannes

Madame from

Maupassant
short illness

awaits

son,

who

recovering

CHAPTER

XV

NOVEMBER

1889-JULY
settle of ia
a

189O
Avenue
"

We

return
"

to

Paris

"

^We

the baker of

Victor-Hugo
^A lawsuit
"
"

Disagreeable
dinner death
"

vicinity
^The
"

The

expert's
about in M.

atmosphere
de

Influenza wishes of

tion Conversaend
to

^M. the

Maupassant religious
d'Oliviers

his his

be
"

accordance Taine and

with Le

notions
"

family
M.
"

Champ
his

Hating
about

Crispi, Italy

de ^The

Bdaupassant

destroys

manuscript

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT
PACK

mysterious
Cannes her
to
"

visits ^The
"

of

the end of

Russian

lady

"

letter unknown

from
to
moves

tragic
Persecuted

Pussy
the goes

remains

master

by
and

baker,
to

Maupassant
with C"ur Lord

the

rue

Boccador,
"

stay
Notre

R
"

in

England

^A

Flemish and my

pro"le"
master
"

is finished

Victor Return Russian

Koning
of

Super-nourishment
At Aix-les-Bains
"

"

Maupassant's
and of

illness her VAme

"

"

^The

Princess and scenario

bodyguard

The ^The

dramatis rope
.

persona

"trang"re

"

232

CHAPTER

XVI

END

OF

JULY-NOVBMBBR

189O
on

At

Cannes The

"

We

are

delighted
and the
two

to

get
"

board A

the

Bel-

Ami

"

Ironclads niece de
"

Richelieu lovers

favourable the book Sur

breeze VEau

"

Master's To
to
on

^The

in

"

M. tell
a

Maupassant's

great
of

joy, good Brittany

M. Yvetot
sea
"

Bernard

begins
goes

yams^"

Impressions
"

Fran"ois
de

pilgrimage
about
"

^Arthur's at

Grotto" the at

Maupassant
Saint-

tells

his ^The

school-days

C(^ege"
M. de

Tropes
and Ami his

strange
"

meeting
the

of of

Maupassant
tiie Belof Mireille's

father

^Bernard's
on

presence reefs
"

mind

saves

from

striking
"

"

^Departure Fr"jus;
"

compatriots
Gounod
;

At

St

Raphael
Karr,
etc.

the Nice
"

Crusaders;
^The of Herv" lesson de

Alphonse
the ants
"

^At

given

by

^At
"

Lyons
Here kno"rs

"

Anniversary
" . . .

Maupassant's
about his end

death
"

lies ?

Communications 251

^Who

CHAPTER

XVII

FROM

NOVEMBER

189O
the
"

TILL

THE

END

OF

AUGUST

89

The

lady
Italian

with Court classes

pearl-grey
Severe ^Plan of
"

silk

dress
on

"

Invited idleness the last

"

to of

the the

judgment
work ^The
"

the to

higher
"

"

^Flight Figaro's

C"te

d'Azur 7A"

^The

mysterious
"

viUa

article"

Angelus

Alarming
the No ^The

symptoms
"

increase of to convent Aries of

a

ment Disappointstar in
"

about Verdier Mireille

"

stage

^The
"

exactions

^M. search

Piotof

gew-gaws

Journey
in
a

"

counterpart

TiHan's

Lady

CONTENTS

x"

at

Florence
"

^WaDcs

in of

Avignon
the

'So
"

mnsic N"mes
"

1
"

^Details and the of ment Treat-

on

the

composition Magne
The
"

Ang"lus
on

Tour Roman

Bridge
One cannot

the

Gard
"

Eulogimn

hygiene attempted

"

sleep
de

at

Toulouse"

at

Bagn"res
my The master haunted

Lnchon
"

Sulphurous
than ^War

smells in mice and beautiful

do

not

agree Divonne"

with

any

more

they
on

did the

Sicily
I
"

At
"

house
"

Unexpected
accident
"

physical
^The X
romance

improvement
of

Sunstroke
"
.

bicycle
Madame

Andr"sy
.

and

the

Trout-fishing
. .

276

CHAPTER

XVIII

FROM

THE

END

OF

SEPTEMBER

89

TILL

JULY

3RD,

893

The

clear-sighted
visit
"

sympathy
serious Chalet de

of consultation

Professor

^The for

fatal Cannes The

^A the illness

very
"

"

^Departure Daremberg" by
a

"At fatal The

"

l'Is"re

""Doctor Haunted
"

progresses de of

slowly Fecamp
" "

sad in the

thoughts lung
"

Moine

^Part

of

sole clear

Sjrmptoms brain-fatigue
^Last
"

ataxy
^The

^Memory
"

very ^A fatal sad

Increase
"

of

"

mosquitoes
^The
"

New from is

Year's the of

Day
East his the

family
de

meeting

telegram
^He
"

^M.
"

Maupassant
^A
"

cuts

his

throat ^The idea the

aware

condition Germans
at

terrible the

watch
"

of house ^What
"

revenge of Dr Dr

on

haunts

patient hope
Mad Fate terror

^At
"

Blanche Blanche ^Flashes of of ends his

Passy

"

^Momentary place"
How

of

cure

feared

takes

of I
"

persecution
It is
on

"

good sojourn days

sense"

decides that M.

account

in in

Switzerland madhouse

de

Maupassant

300

LIST

OF

ILLUSTRATIONS

City

db

Maupassant

FronHspiecs
w"cvKQ wAiam

BisxsA.

Our

Guidb's

Wife

20

BisxBA.

Nattvb

Woman

carrying

Baby
. . .

66

Corner

in

Biskra

84

Biskra

106

Algtrbs,

Shady

Spot

in

the

Jardin

d'Essai
. .

128

Algiers.

On

the

Road

to

the

Jardin

d'Essai
.

152

AijGIBrs. Hotel

The d'Europe

Harbour

and

East

Pier

from

the

176

Tlem"en.

The

Bois

de

Boulogne
....

198

Tlbm"en.

The

Tower

of

Mansoura
....

224

Tlem"en

240

Jx

AN

Algerian

By-way

268

Oran.

Fort

of

Stb

Th"r"se

282

Cran

Harbour,

with

Santa

Cruz

Fort
. .

296

Oran

Harbour,

with

Santa

Cruz

Fort

in

the

Background

316

"""

XUl

PUBLISHER'S

NOTE

The this

Publisher will be

hopes

that

the

illustrations

to

book

considered

not

only
but

charming
of

additions interest of the in

to

an

important they
taken
were

work,

especial

that

all, with
the

the

exception
novelist

portrait, They
a

by
now

celebrated

himself. M.

are

lent of

by

courtesy party
had

of of

Pichot,
in

member Never

the

little

tourists

Algeria.

previously
photography,

Guy
his

de

Maupassant

studied

but

strangely
mastered

adaptable,
the

enthusiastic details. embellish The

nature

soon

technical

Publisher

has

spared
a

no

pains

to

book

designed
of
a

as

not

unworthy
man.

tribute

to

the

memory

truly

great

XV

RECOLLECTIONS
GUY DE

OF

MAUPASSANT

GUY

DE with clothes.

MAUPASSANT black

completely dressed,
The in

bald^ plain

beard;

he

was

well

master
me.

mentioned I

his my the

terms"

none

of
as

which
as

pleased could,
tailor. hour
me

expressed
into R his the

regrets
ante-room,
a

well await of

I the
an

and

withdrew Monsieur

to

appeared parcel
under

quarter
arm, and I did. and minutes. then my

later
to return

with
to

his

told

drawing-room,
asked him
me

which

My
ways The gave

future of

master

then I told

my
a

terms,
of

thinking.
man, of

in

couple
his

slender

turning

towards

friend,

signs
"'

great
can

approval.
you
come

When

to

me

"

asked

Mon^ur

de
"

Maupassant.
Whenever Then I
come

you

please,

sir."

"

to-morrow

morning
a

at

eight."
out

And my
"

was

taking
he
no

paper
to
see

(my

character)
:
"

of

pocket
That's

refused
use

it,saying
very
soon

of

; I shall

see

if you

suit

me.

He

smiled
M.

and
Le

nodded Poitevin. my friend refused shook

at

to

his

companion,

who

wns

his
I
to
me

cousin,
then for

joined

the
to
wear

tailor, and

apologized
He wished

him

having
and

livery.

good
The

luck

hands. I had cooked the lunch and

next at

day,
table.

noon,

waited
"

Will
?
"

you

come

and my

spend

few

days

at

my

country

house

asked

master.

Certainly, sir," I
44

answered. after

Then,

the

day

to-morrow,

we'll

take

the

TEN

DAYS train in the

AT

"TRETAT morning.
The there

eight
ivas

o'dock all last what in

cook,
;

who will

season

with
tastes

me, are."
on

is still

she

t"D At
we

you

my the

eleven

morning,
nearest

the

4th
house

of
;

November,
there
was

reached
a

the

station

his

still A
two
"

drive

of about

nine

miles.

two-horse poor In

brougham
which

awaited

us.

glanced

at

the

beasts,

really
said my of

excited

one's
"

pity.
horse hills !
"

this

country,"
on

master,
the be

every

is

broken-kneed,
I

account

atrocious
attributable

thought

the
want

fact

might

also

to

the

coachmen's We very bowled

of skill.

along

merrily
master

on

the

road,

which his I
was

was

good
the
to

one.

My
of
same

had

stretched and

feet

out
soon

against obliged mdeskin,

front do the
so

the
;

brougham,
for and the
so

bench,

covered that down it

with
was

was

slippery
on

rickety,
we

impossible My
master

to
swore

keep
at

to

it when

went

hill.
withstanding not-

the

livery

stable

keeper, who,
had

his
sent

constant

reproaches,
old vehicle

invariably
for the

him

this

ramshackle

last

fifteen
After

years.

passing
famous

several carr"s

hamlets normands

and
or

farms,
gardens,
could

surrounded
we

by
at

the the

arrived
in the the

top

of

the

hill, whence
its tiled On the very

one

see

hoDow tints down. of

"tretat,with
the The
sea.

roofs
a

mingling huge
sun

with

left

valley slopes
rather

sky
almost

v^as

dear,
moon, sad

the
one

pallid,
African
ocean

resembling
moons

waning
such

of those
on

which
after
a

throw
storm.

beams

the

of

sand

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT
my
ann.

My
"

master

touched
at
own

See

there^ quite
my

the

bottom

of the
I
am

valley^
so

that

is

'

La

Guillette/
he
rose.

house,

which

fond

of.'*

Then
et

How
a

beautiful

it

is ! !

"

cried Dark
gave
'

he^ dicing
violet
us

the

sea.

it

What !

splendid Only^
one

tint

It

is indeed those

lovely
tones,

if

painter
say

that false

colour,
!
' "

every

would it
at

How

I, too, thought
We the

splendid.
the the

stopped house,
us.

Post-Office, then
cook and the

we

reached
were

where

gardener

awaiting
The told
me

next to

day, bring

about
a

ten

in and

the

morning,

my

master

plate
the

pick

strawberries
me

with fertile

him.
his

While

picking
was, the
a

fruit, he
how
were

told

how

garden
when
on

but
sununers

said

difficult

everything
had

became
to

dry,

as

watering
he

go

twice

day.
;

I
was

saw

how

quickly

gathered
in which

the he

strawberries
was

it

species

of exercise

well cook

practised.
informed
me

The

M. but

de

Maupassant according
to

was

perhaps
he and called else
was

somewhat the in him

fanciful;
of very

her,

kindest
that

masters,

an

excellent
so

fellow,
everyone
"

bom

countryside,
name.

that

by
swim

his like

Christian him." his

Also,

Nobody

could

He,
swim

his
round

brother,
the and

and

cousin.

Le

Poitevin,
out at

could sea,

South-Westem
back

Needle
meant

which,
miles.
He

there

again,

swimming

four

never

meets

anyone

without

cordial

greeting

TEN lie
a

DAYS

AT

"TRETAT
Besides

knows veiy
:

everybody's
clever his upon man, and

name.

which,

he several

is

has
came came

already published
to
see

lx)oks

publisher it, if
he would he

him far it

this
was

year,

and,

depend
to

so

probably
what my

be

sure

have

the

disposal

of

master

writes. house is not made stands much of

a

The there
a

isolated
of
a

in

the In

great
the

valley,
there

and is

view.

garden

hut

boat
a

supported

by

brick
was me one

pillars,and
the room bath-

surrounded
;

by
and it

privet hedge;
also had
a

this To

was

my

room.

it seemed could
vras

very
an

strange.
old boat into

never

supposed
and

turn not

dwelling-house,

yet it

uncomfortable. In the carr" normand

;
a

pretty
the

little

pond
around grey these
rose

was us

inhabited
were

by

goldfish

in

fields fields of
one

all
were

cabbages;

beyond
the hut

the

and
a

melancholy
house and
a

cliffs, on
wooden

top
''

of is told in my up,

that

the
me.

hamlet

of

New-Caledonia/'
On I took the
a

D"sir"e, day,
and
a

the

cook,
seven

second lantern
;
soon

towards

the

evening,
to
a

accompanied
carriage
got
to out.

master

the

garden-gate
mufOted hand up and and

drove

and

lady,
her wards backas

to
we

the

eyes,

My house,

master

took

returned

the my

walking
as

trying

to

make

lantern

useful

possible.
In.the
off and
a

ante-room

my

master

helped
He how
was

the

lady

to

take kind

whole

series I

of shawls. observed
was,

extremely

attentive.
way

perfectly charming
he chose.

his

of

speaking

when

8 When the
we
"

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

dessert had been

put on the table I

was

went
so

to inas

where D"sir"e kitchen,

awaiting me,
not

mightdine.
She is

handsome, that lady,is

is

sits?

"

claimed ex-

D"sir"e.
"

she Certainly,

I, lau^ung, handsome," replied

"

herself the airs of an empress." gives said D"sir"e ; that You need not laugh," gravely friend ; everybody knows it here. ladywas Napoleon's
"

and she
"

N^Kd"on

w"is

mad simply
a

about

title. She and jewels,

en

has had

coronet

her ; he gave her a engraved on all her I took

on every articlein her house." o'clock the carnage was againthere.

item

accompanied my master and his with her and he stepped into the carriage
up, and
:
"

"

me

need not wait for me, I have my keys." "5ed the gates, returned to the kitchen, where
m

along the y lantern ; then in the dark I went and reached my room. A pungent sort hedge, of pitch and tar half choked me ; peoplesay
"a

eiy
me

bat wholesome, is not accustomed

it is

unpleasant certainly
a

to it.

ok stock of my room, it looked like done up for the longjourney. aewly

"k the
: an inventory

huge

iron bedstead, a and

oquboard, porth"de ;
traces of
was

nail benches
n

fixed larboard
a

a starboard, a

vdiich was

basin
a

was c^posite

tiehead
aX
was

of the bed all. The

; style

nail to

hang cne's watch

the

showed wainscoting

naissance

later on, I learnt that

TEN work of
an

DAYS

AT

"TRETAT
came

artisticwood

who sculptor^

from the

soath and established himself at I went

to

"tietat.

bed^ but I could not sleep. I heard a noise which seemed afar off, then it would come quite
of the waves roaring coming sides of the land,rocking the across my poor boat, hoisted upon its brick walls, it up by their and lifting it was the sea. as when on roll, just She had sailed for a good forty years, tossed about and now each time continued, groaning by the waves they hit her. After having carried turbots by of tons,mackerel by hundreds of thousands, hundred and sardines by the million, after having herrings g)idedpeacefully along on the beautiful sunny days, and also suffered under awful blasts, she was now stranded at La Guillette, of the servant a housing
near

me.

It

was

the

great writer.
Next my
"

day

my

master

asked if I

was

comfortable
to

in

old boat,telling how me

as

difficult it was

get one,

all the

owners

of villas required them, and turned

them

into spare rooms." After breakfast he opened the kitchen

"

We

have
was

the forgotten

bread

for

: door, saying the goldfish/'

"

the hour at which he used to pay visit. They knew it,and all awaited him surface of the water. the acquired flew an
were so

That

them
at

the

of small birds had Quantities

habit of my

about

numerous, he

about

him, that

beingpresent at the feast. They at his feet ; they master, alighted so tame, and crowded so thickly to take great care not was obliged

to tread upon

them.

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

when we arrived, weather, magnificent changes : worse the sea roars violently, ; the wind rises, Q days come to an end and we can't pndong for the from Paris grows ay, dailymail-bag
r

and heavier,

the gardener his instructions and gives notions about the spring plantations. Thai, start for Paris, of course in the celebrated we ted, better. possessing nothing lam, the stable keeper master Ifs station my
3u

master

said to

me

:
"

will

see

how

prettythis placeis in the

to groundbelonging
a

sr." built on s, the station, id park, is surrounded

by big trees

one

can

"ad avenues, and in the distance a white tointed gables.

s

diateau,
the

cold.
warm

My
"

master

stamps about

to

his feet ; he hates the in every

platwaiting-rooms,
on

I that

country they smell of

Paris I did my best to put the apartmoit into did not know how to set order. But I really
-

it.
re were

t the
lere.

books, pamphlets, newspapers, piled up the the on against furniture, ground, walls,
On the tables there
were

mountains

of
was

I cleaned and
-

polished every day ; it

lost ; my master walked about from his wash with towels all dripping wet. tand to his desk,
:

day as

the

came portress

I mentioned

to her my

of up with a packet distress at all this

12
"

GUY said Fran"ois," for two

DE my

MAUPASSANT

master,
we come more

"

prepare shall

all we week

want

months,
when 's in
we a

shall start next back

we

may for

Cannes,and
cousin Here L

comfortable breathe."

stay at my appartement.

it is too
master

I can't ccmfined, took the

My
A

Rapide,I fcdlowed by the express.

porterawaited me at the station with a countersign. Madame de Maupassant and her son, M. Herv",

occopied very prettyrocnns. master took an appartement with a fine view of the My well in the sun. It was immediately place, sea, a bright
settled that his mother

day

with

him. from

His nine

and brother should dine every life became much quieter. He till noon, then dressed and

worked hmched. Three

a

times

week
to

he went

in the afternoon

to

friend's

house,
an

practiseshooting with

other

amateurs.

One

morning

odd-looking gentleman with

came

heavy moustache
in the

to

"

see

Monsieur
was a never

de

passant." Mau-

I told him

morning.
when
"m

my Then he wrote

master

at home
on

few words

his

and card, aU

the hair
a

he gave it to me he began to laugh, his face bristling lfX)ked ; he really

like

brush.
master
was

My
him
"

at work

; I would

not

have disturbed At
noon

him for worlds.

the card.

I He

obeyed his orders.

read it "iloud.
"

I gave

Very -mSi,"said he,

next

I will go

to

him

Uiis

aftemocHi." The

morning

this

gentleman

came

to

lunch

THE with his wife

FOUNDATION
; we
saw

OF

CLUB

13 He

him
seemed

several
to

days running. heaps

so

talked
and

tremendously,
such that
to
numerous

know

of

things,

told

tales world
master

about

many

different
small. would and

countries,
He

the my

really
to

seemed
a

quite
which

proposed
very

found Nice

club the

became

important, put
He

in down he

shade,
statutes,
obtain

perhaps ezdted,

Monte-Carlo.

wrote

got
an

enthusiastic, declaring
for later
to

could
etc.

authorisation
A

the my

gambling
master

tables,
told
me

few
a

days

he

was

going

to

give
"

lunch
are

twelve
to
we

gentlemen.
fonn
intend club. the
;
a

We is

about
a

limited

company.
on

It the

only
founder

trick
of

playing
He will

Count be the

L
,

the O

acting
and

president. principal
about
K and and
a a

Comte shareholder

honorary
is to say,

president
he is to

that

invest
;

hundred is to be

and

twenty

thousand baron the R

pounds
P.
,

Mr

secretary,
shall island

I,

A
,

few

others up the

constitute of
came

Board

of

Directors^

buy
Twelve

Ste
to

Marguerite."
lunch
seemed of his
;

gentlemen meeting.
his

it

was

quite
often

serious

Count
over

O back is

gloomy,

passing being
if he
or

hand
of
a

the who
to

head, his attitude

that may

man

hesitating, asking himself

in
more an

venture

engage
not

affair

of
to

business,
abstain. thousand

whether

it would

be

prudent
and

Though pounds
Baron

wealthy,
are

hundred I
. . .

twenty

something
R.

discreetly
about but this M. P.

makes

remark of my

to

the

future

president

hesitation A and

the
master

principal
show,

shareholder,

14

GUY of is
a

DE and

MAUPASSANT

by
that

rows

figures^

unimpeachable
affair;
the

documents,
holder sharethe

it

first-class and

principal

is convinced other shareholders

gives

all his with

approbation,
most

imitate

him

edifying

unanimity.
The future

president
After
. .

is

purple
the the

with whole future

triumph
Board

and of

delight.
Directors,
walk The
to

lunch

accompanied
the
was

by

dignitaries,

towards Louisette

harbour.

awaiting

them,
of

so

as

to

take

them

the

island

of

the

Iron-Mask,
owners.

which

they already

called I
was

themselves
not
a

the witness he
not not
see

of learnt for him somewhat

the that

disappointment
the but Island

of the of
to

president Marguerite
State. and then I

when
was

Ste the

sale,

belonged
years and

did in

again

till two

later,

Paris,

altered,

already

quite My

white-haired.
master
was

finishing
the way

novel

which

was

to

be

published
I
was

in

April,
on

proofe
to

arrived

continuously,
The
smart master

always
were

the

the

Post-Office.
to

people
received much The de One sea,

coming
many

by shoals

Cannes. flowed

My
in

invitations, which

just

as

as

in

Paris. fleet
was

Mediterranean
; my master
were

at to
some

anchor and
see

in

the

Golfe

Juan day
and

wished
to

go

the

vessels.
out
at

there I
a

be him

man"uvres

accompanied
few the

to

his

boat,
He and

the
was

Louisette, going
wind
out

carrying
alone,
for

things
sea was

he very

wanted.

rough
I

the

blew

stiffly from

the

south-west.

watched

him,

going

A off with his

FIRE

15
who
at at

old
the

boatman age
to

Galice,
go
to
sea

first

sig^t

looked That back

beyond evening
the took

all. had
never

the

old articles
a

Jack-tar,
which of
was

who
were

brought
left When
on

different
as

board,
had he
as

usual

glass
and his

good
more

wine.

he

refreshed told
a me

himself,
that he

comfortable, (a long one)

of M. de

during
had
never

whole
seen

career

sailor,

the

equal

Maupassant.
"

He

is and

so

handy,"
he knows sometimes

said
the

he,
waves

"

his like

eyes
an

are

where, everysailor.
one

old make open

His

boldness

is

enough
our

to

shudder.
we

This
to
cross

afternoon,
enormous

with

light

boat,
towards but he

had open not

breakers,
a

going

the did

sea.

It

was

rough
went

business;
at

seem

tired,

and

it

with

all

his

heart!"
I

thought

the

good

fellow

well

deserved

second

He
''

went

away, I shall de

saying
never

"

Now,
M.

be

afraid

when

am

on

the

sea

with One
master
"

Maupassant."
towards
me.

night, calling

two

in

the

morning,

heard

Come,"
a

said

he,
and
are

"

I have

set

fire

to

my
on

room

struck

match
;

the

phosphorus

flew

to

the

bed

curtains
I

they

in flames."
wet

rushed

in,
about

my my

apron I
was

tied threw
on

round

me,

and
of

another
water
on

head.

bucketfuls fire ; the up.

the

bed, which
were

all

curtains
I asked

and

mosquito-net

already

burnt

i6

GUY
master to

DE

MAUPASSANT the
on

my the
"

pass

me

can

of sink

water,
he said

but

as

he

put

huge

porcelain jug
don't bum

the

broke he is
;

it. "I
not

Now,
my

yourself/'
the

have veiy

got

manuscripts,

remainder

important."
The of succeeded panes fan the The of did door the in of the
room was

burning
caught

the fire ;

jute hangings luckily

windowto
we

staircase

had them
so

also off
.

tearing

Fortunately
were no

the

not

crack,

there

draughts

flames.
water

I the

threw firemen

put
came

the and bed

fire

out.
. . .

Then,

course, of the

finished furniture.
two

the

tion destruc-

remains
went

of the off
came

and

My
Carlo.

master

and

spent
he

days
his

at

Monte in that for

When order he
some

he
;

back,
saw

found
some were

room

proper
articles instance

but

he

with about his

annoyance

rather old in

cared

spoiled,
a

books,

dictionaries, and
He He
set to

folio port-

bound but
not

antique
so

leather.

work later

again
than

with

much

spirit.

got

up

before. One

day

he

went

to

see

the

bay
time

of he

Agay
drove de

and with

the his

Esterel
mother

mountains.
to

Another the

Vallauris, taking village,where

brothers. talked In you the

Chemin the

Californie

through
of his He his

the

see

porcelain factory
my this had
master

Massier
mother
was

evening
about he talked such

and

during
with

dinner the china He

excursion.

delighted
villa who He La
were

bought
about

for

little

Guillette.
so

Messrs
men

Massier,
business.

civil, and
all the

good
of the

of

recalled

details

journey.

IN the view the and

GALE the afar

a

17

along
sea,
as

the the if M.

Corniche,
islands

immense
off. He

green seemed

slopes, charmed,
One the

describing
de

dream. told Galice take that the

morning
a

Maupassant
arose

first time
to to

good

breeze

they

would

LouiseUe
"

Antibes.

As
my shall

you,

Fran"ois,"
to

added the had

he,
house

"

you of of

are

not

to
;

take
we

pistols again
be go
to

M.

off
two

soon.

I've in the

enough

this

place

I my

can't hat

steps
to

street

without

taking
who
to

off
are

bow there.

all those

Serene
me

Highnesses
too
amuse

swanning
it tires book On wind take pass is
me

They
doesn't
out

invite

often
me.

dinner And my

and

always
be old
master

coming

; I must

in

Paris."
was

February
was

the

27th, My
to

Galice

there. with
;

The

all

right.
back

started

him
them

to

the

LouisetU

her

moorings
were soon

I in

saw

the

Crotsette,

and

they

the

open

asked

in

the

evening

if

the

journey

had

been

pleasant.
"

Yes,

at

first,"replied
the from Garousse the

my the
now

master;
wind from

"

but

after

we

had

passed
now

became the from LouiseUe did of

not

fitful,
with
of

blowing
a

east,

coast,
the Gulf

tremendous
Two

ground-swell
or

coming
the

Genoa.
a

three and him

times poor drink

shipped
fed
at

good

deal
;

of I

water,
made

Galice
a

all

happy

glass
the

rum,
was

and over,

encouraged
and when
an

him,
hour
not

telling him
afterwards

that
we

worst

got

into I

the Now

harbour,
he will

Galice

could

conceal

his

delight

GUY have the

"

DE

MAUPASSANT
of the LouiseUe

only
behind

to

take

care

safely anchored

jetty."
My
; master

Paris.

is

not

satisfied.
cold and

This

is flakes

the of

3rd
snow

of March
are

it

is

awfully
the

big quite
master

falling^ making
foot passengers. he

streets

ticable impracdoes
not

for
care

As goes

my

for

drivings

hardly
the

out,

so

he

writes
to

few

articles,and

gives

finishing

touches

hb

proofs.
About the

20th,

as

the
to

weather

gets better, he, with

flat. It the is

his
that
room

upholsterers,
the

sees

his
be

new

decided

dining-room

is to

dark bedroom

red,

drawingthe
are

Louis-Seize-blue,
olive green.

the

yellow, hangings

winter-garden purchased
On up

The
. . .

without
the

delay.
the

April
all the the

2nd,

day

before

the

move, the old

we

pack
Rouen

choice valuable the

things,
books.

the

plates,

dishes,
On workmen the
master

April

3rd the
at and the all

upholsterer
rue

Kakl"ter

and

two

appear

Montchanin. stuffs What his

are

They
unrolled. fun for I and up.
at

open

packages
is three his the M. rooms, of

the

My
to

perfectly happy.
men

him,
Kakl"ter

have and

working begin
and

under the

orders

customer

drawing-room,
curtains works
are

in three For three

days
weeks the

hangings
de

the

Maupassant
with

hard

furnishing
ofE.

only

an

occasional

afternoon

Many
before
were

the

articles found

occupied
final
in

temporary
destinations. with

habitats
There

they
two

their heads

angels'

wood,
of the

distended
which
went

cheeks,

intended

for the

gods

wind,

20

GUY

DE He he bear he
a

MAUPASSANT
could the
not

away/' painty nor

in the

said

he.

stand of

the

smell

of

could

presence
had

painters, who,
him of
a

rue

Dulong,
and

said,
pretty

robbed left

jewelled pin grandfather.

We
''

ring

him

by

his

were

in

the

beginning
M. the
not

of de

May. Maupassant.
you
"

feel
on

better," said
account
;

I in

am

warmer, the Go
as rooms

of I
am

fires
at
on

keep

up
to

all

but

all the

inclined

work.

to

the

bookseller's the Paris

as

shop

right,
me a

rue

du of the
; that

Bac,
the

you

leave from

Pont
to
as

Royal,

buy
I shall

map

Seine,
in take
a

Rouen.

go A you

down

river will

yawl,
four

far

Rouen,

with

M. time

days.
for

During "tretat.

that We

will
as

prepare
soon as

all
I

we

want

will

go

there

come

back."
master

My
from it and the master
sort

took

the

train, so
But
he

as

to

start

on

the

yawl
saw

Maisons-Laffite.
took it to

had

left his map

; I to

him.
M.

I A

arrived
was

just

in

time

see

embarkation. took of up the

coxswain;

my
some

oars, threw

rubbed
a

his

palms
over

with
his
come

composition,
to

last

glance
who motion
a

boat,
to

and
see

nodded him off.

the

thirty

persons the

had of

Then,
its his

imitating

large

bird he

taking plimged
could

flight,slowly,
oars

with
water.
a

measured A few
a

stroke,
minutes

into

the
at

later, I
on

only perceive
sheet of
sim
a

distance

black

spot
the

the of my

silvery
the

the of

Seine, illuminated spring. Every

rower.

by

rays
said

brilliant
was

connoisseur I
was

master to

first-class

very

pleased

hear

these

praises.

DE

MAUPASSANT

ROWS

21

When

he had

letumed^
been

M.

de

Maupassant
but that such
"

told M.

me

the
A

weather

splendid^
to

poor
a

was

not
"

strong

enough
added sometimes

take I I

long
to

journey.
the four
oars

Constantly/' hhn,
and

he^

had rowed

take for

from without

hours

stopping."

CHAPTER

II

JUNE-OCTOBER

1884

Etretat
"

model the saints

"

gardener
strawberries

"

Pistol-firing
"

Hens
"

and bowls
"

cock
"

Watering
wooden The
"

^Playing
The
"

at yonng ^Marie

^The

two

^The ^A fire Bel

"

spare in Ami the

room

American Seize
"

lady
October
"

Fox
"

house
"

Autumn

leaves

is

finished.

ETRETAT,
first who have
master rest

June

1884."
arrived

We
at

are

among

the

"tretat.
the
at
a

My
to

takes and for

advantage
also
to

of work

fact

have when

tale,

not

writing
He is much

articles

newspapers. with his

occupied Cramoyson

garden
where is

he the

spends
flower
to

hours beds

with
are

discussing placed.
grown it
to

going
of the

to trees

be have kind

It the be in

necessary
most

see

which
as

rapidly, according

so

to

choose of

the the he

would

best,

to

the

nature

soil,
won't

plant
take and

the

future. he

Up
it

at

eight,
his
the He

any

break"st
that

says and for

a

prevents
in

working,

protests
a

milk
fit

coffee
woman.

morning
walks
to

constitute several times

meal
round

only
his

garden,
his
he

pays very

visit he

his writes

goldfish,
till and

goes

in

to

bathe then

eyes
takes

often cold
he

eleven

o'clock,
After fires off
ten

his

tub,
takes

dresses,
his
He

lunches.
and

which,
from
at

every
to

day,

pistol, begins

forty
a

fifty

bullets.

by

firing

shots

marie

DE
at

MAUPASSANT
of

SHOOTS
paces
at
a

33
ten at
"

the

distance
;

twenty
ten at

then

at

word

of

command

then
ten

bullets
word of

mark^

forty

paces

distance,
Three
When
"

and
; the

command with he

;
a

One, Two,
load.
more as

last

twenty
with

always
his

double
fires ten
"

he

is satisfied but he

shooting
fires may of more,

bullets,
"

hardly

ever

For,"

he

says, Of Piaris asked how

to

it is
course

useless, and
the

you

spoil
bullets

good

shot/'

provision
to
an

brought Jeanne
was

from
then
me

soon

came

end

Fran"ois
my I
was

for

some

old
the
out

lead,

and

master

taught
at

make
to turn

missiles.
five
or

able, quite
of them

the
an

outset,
aflenioon.
"

sin

hundred

in

See,"
you spoon

said find does

he,

"

how

skilful I

you

are

already
be careful
as

and that the very

as

don't
the

it most
not

amusing
slip fly
into into

Only

the your
to

water,
eyes;
wear

then it's

boiling

lead I

would

dangerous.
I should With
cast
a a

should

like

you

spectacles,

be

less

anxious." of

pair

glasses
in

on an

my

nose

managed
and
to

to

thousand
an

bullets

afternoon,

find

it

quite
About

entertaining
two

occupation.
or

half-past
sometimes

three
to

o'clock,
a

M.
at

de the

passant Mausea

goes
at

have five.

look

more

fkequently
One

half-past

day,
told

as me

we

were

talking
butcher

about

the

cooking,

my

master

the

Vimont

had

excellent

"

Yon flesh

know isn't

him

? !

He's I think

uncommonly
he has I

strong
children" him

Hi$

flabby
drinks

twelve I've

And

how

he

champagne

known

24

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT
...

drink sometimes I have Fran"ois, so as to be hens, yoo

woman

fourteen bottles I
an sure me

Ah

I I say,
some

I idea,
to have
some

should

like to

keep

mi^t
to
can

boil

fresh eggs for breakfast ; eggs eveiy day. Tell the

a

bringsix
I

hens

and

fine

cock, the finest

to

she

sell me

I'llask iron

Cramoyson

ntake

me

next the shed trellis-work, for the fowls kept, largeenough to have sufficientgrass and things to peck at." Two the hens came with a splendid days after, cock, he had a most remarkable crest and a gold-

feace where

with directly the wood

is

coloured throat.

Hy
"

master

told

me

to take the

andgive the fowls mashes made said he, will give them seed," And I," sackful in the shed. Cramoyson put a times his goldwent master a day to see fish, My many but he liked particularly the hens ; to linger near tired of looking with he was at them, observing never
"

of them, care greatest of bread, and milk. bran,

much
were

amusement most

all their ways. and the cock beautiful, he

came.

I must
soon

say

they

grew

ruddier

than when
"

Isn't he
"

handsome, that fellow I

a a

"

my

master

used

to say. should make at the And

I should like to be
most

successful his head.

I painter ; certainly of him. Look picture How

of expression his

proud his eye

is

scarlet 1 Then so gorgeously superb crest, his shining, shaded throat, how brilliant ; and such a a majestic presence 1 Look at his tail. What the bird does not magnificent plume I But in general, his tail The their keep very Icmg. eggs are excellent,

"6

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT
so

the strawberries have

sufficiently damp,
any

that

we

may

the buit without

interruption."

installed close forcing pump, which occupied to the large the top of already pump, the well, looked like a small plaything, and I think my considered it as such, for he was master cmstantly it : making play, saying That is to prevent the liquid beingwasted."
"

The small sucking and

"

When
to stand

it was

time to

water, it was
When

alwayshis turn
replace him,
he rain. better than if it were

at the pomp.
me

I offered to

he sent how Thus

away, to distribute it was

sayingthat I knew the water gently, as

we

better that I should hold the nozzle.

On the 22Hd
on

ofJune
there
came

received the visit of

another

lady ;
gave
a

the

34th

lady,and

we

of dinner-party

eightpeople.

They began to play at bowls. My master was to hear him laughwhen a pleasure delisted ; it was he had played well,or when he could displacethe bowls the ladies had laid down," which made them
"

run

about,screaming like so many

One

children. all the

morning
so

he

told

us

to shake

apples

down,
become

that the sap

of his young

trees shouldnot

exhausted.

The
way. hinch

mornings of each day are spent in the My master walks about and works, but
he
never

same

after

largehedge on the side of "tretat. There is an the garden looking towards in that hedge,through which he can see the opening of the Pass, and ladies coming from the bottom
leaves the As soon avingJustin's riding-school.
as

he catches

GAMES

37
to

sight
else he

of

them
sets

he
the

hastens

get

the

bowls

out,

or

croquet
must

hoops. b^gin directly.

time
to

And
not
even

the

games

Often

he hats

did
and

give
off in the the

the

ladies

take

their
had
to

cloaks
oat
on

house.

Their

wraps

be

spread

small

thom*hedge
;

separating
game

the

meadow

from The
one

the

garden
threw

and

the

began
such of

immediately.
ardour A of that

player might
attention

himself
if

into the

it with author

question
to sweet

Life
the
:

paid

any the

the

amiable

speeches they
my

ladies,
''

high
dear

but

tones

in which
"

cried

Very
I
''

well,

fellow the echo

"

or

Now

mind,
coast

friend

all

of which but On
most

of the

Fecamp

repeated slowly,

accurately.
20th,

the
to

night
a

was

falling
woman

when

I
a

saw

on

the

path
barrow.

the

kitchen It
was

tall

pushing
of the the

well-laden

the

forewoman

old

curiosity
my

shop,
master

the had

Vieux

Rouen,
that wooden how and

bringing

articles

bought
me
"

day.
saints well I
am

Showing
master

two

among

the

lot,

my
;

said very

Look

they

are

sculptured
with

it

is

fine

work,
saints

pleased
to

them,
over

because the them!"

they

are

belonging
is

the

country

water,

and

yet

there

nothing

English

about

The

other

purchases
in

were

spread
spare married
care room

about
;

in he
was

every

direction, principally
it to
to

the
a

wanted
soon a

look

bright,
there. he
;

because

couple worthy
was

stay

Then took
a

with
note

of

good

housekeeper,
m

of all that for

still

wanting perfume

the

room

box

poudre

de

Hz,

28

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT mirror for

a three-leaved bottles, pincushion.

"

and hair-dressing,

This afternoon
a

I will

buy

all these," said he ; "is

there book

writingpad, with paper, pens and Yes ! That's all right !

"
. . .

blotting

A young American novels in France,was which

as

who lady,

had

published many
the This
room on

the firstto occupy

so

he had

lavished

mucb

care.

lady was

beautiful. One momii^ as as she was intelligent the girl who attended her was not there to give her her breakfast, she said to me : into my room Fran"ois, you can veiy well come
"

"

and
as

it does put the tray on the table,

am

not

disturb me,

quitecovered
on

Another

up with the bedclothes." time this same lady,in the midst of

to my master infinite take such trouble to
me :

a
"

cussion disAll

said literary subjects,

your
a new

who critics,

analyse

work, make
so

not

hterature is laugh, for really I have never learnt French, I complicated.

and to the analogies, words, trusting they accept my books I If yet, as you know well, they talked to me," she added, about the great two peoplewho thoroughlylove eadi other difficulty t in find in reaching a completeunderstanding absolute happinesswhen together ! feeling you if understand what I mean that well, happens write out aU the
"
...

they My
not next

are

immediately separated by
did not
nervous a

an

master

laugh,he looked
contraction for he

abyssI gloomy,and
to

"

observed hear

of his eyes.
me

I did

his answer,
...

be^;ed

bringthe

dish.

THE A few

YOUNG afterwards

AMERICAN he
sent

LADY
to

29 the hotel
to

years

me

Meyerbeer inqtiire
room.

(at the Rond-pomt

this

of the A the

Champs-Elys"es)
page led
me

after I had

lady's health.
reached

to

her the

hardly
:
"

threshold

when

lady
"

exclaimed Come the

as

in, bed,
she

come

in, Fran"ois
know me, and I'm she

!
not

come

and fool!" for

news

sit

down I of
sat

by
down

you told

asked

my

master.
"

Tell
never

me

all tire

about me." talked

him,"

said

she

"

that

subject

will

When she
"

I had with my
nature

for

long time,
:
"

as

she

Mrished,

said

some

emotion

Well,
the

good
of
;

Fran"ois,
a man

you does

have
not

almost make
one

trated penehimseU

who

known
near

to

others
as

to

understand

him,
You
are
.

must

live
that but
:

him

I have your

done.
. .

aware

I I
^

not

only
him his

love for

master
as

as

literary
in my

man,

love
'

himself,

they
his

say

country

for

good

heart, for
On that the

extreme

lo3ralty, and
paper
on

his

great kindness.'
I have transcribed before with away.
;
me

table whole

lies the of That

our

which of

conversation dear kind he be

was

the

day

yesterday.
the entire

friend
loth last I
am

remained
to

afternoon,
if that would
or

go

We

wondered in
;

our

interview
to

for, Fran"ois,
an

two
we

three
never

days
know

undergo
result if I for him.

operation
be. under ." But

and tell my

what

the that be

may die

friend my

Maupassant thought
will

chloroform,

last

In

English

in

the

text.

30 I gave touched For face ;

a

GUY my
master

DE

MAUPASSANT and he
was

this message,

deq"ly

by beaatiful long time I seemed to see this lady's which a lace she had magnificent golden hair,
her

it.

hardlyrestrain. It hannonized with beautiful complexion t was lovely ; she really

fichu could

Juiy. ^The games

"

of bowls

arc

most

satxesstul.
come, two

My
rooms

master
are

is in excellent health.

Friends

given them.

which o'clock,

allows master

Luckilythey sleeptilleleven to work all the morning.

to the
or else seashore,
"

After lunch he takes them

to the Saint-Jouin,
"

to

Belle Ernestine's

Inn.

He

and the evenings were dinner-parties, extremelymerry. They used to playthe handkerchief gave
a

few

game,

and about

the

newcomers

could not
to

imderstand
once

but theyhad it,

and play,

thing anystarted

than the they went into the fun and laughed more usual players.Certainly it was the game that most pleased my master. One morning, as I was coming home with my provisions, I saw my master in the meadow, surrounded all his hens. He called me Come and to him : by hole in fence this the of the enormous the see field,
"

trellis-work is all turned neath The match is deeply hoUowed

up, and the ground under" No doubt it's a fox ( out. But he'll meet
so to-day,

rascal has smelt the fowls I

!
...

his
as

I shall write ofi to Paris

all a trap. I know they may send me immediately about it, and Cramoyson also ; we'll quickly do for that fox I
"

My

master

walked

back with

me

to the

house, always

SETTING

TRAP
to

31

followed
was

by

his
to

hens

they

seemed He had

understand
trouble the

he
to

seeing
rid
of which

their

safety.
while
the

some

get

them

passing
meadow my
to

through
from
master

small

grating
When the

divided

the

garden.
him
and

Cramoyson
and the

arrived him

showed in

hole,

requested

put

all

order,
the

strengthen
of the wolf

trellis-work, whilst

awaiting

arrival

trap.

Ai^ust."
as soon as

Every
he
was

day
up, The

after
examined

this

event,
the
;

my

master,
of
sort

condition it
was a

the of It
;

carr" infernal
was

normand.

trap

came

machine,
behind the

rather the sheds

dangerous
where the

to

handle. roosted
come

placed
was

hens

it be

thought

mischievous

animal
scent

would of the

and

trapped,

attracted
'

by
I

the think

fowls. M.
now

September." Maupassant, again,

also
a
"

While should of pears C

of you

it,"
to

ordered

de and

wish
to

carry,

basket Madame the

the She

Post*Office is It the is not any She

. . .

ladies, and daughter

on

to

of

Offenbach,
of that the is

great
but her I very loss I

composer. know much. her

was

account

pears,

she

values

attention
was

paid by

deeply
was

affected

the

of

brother

her

sorrow

great
death him

and of
; he

lasting.
that
was a

also

extremely
I
was

sorry

for

the
to
was

poor kind !
"

fellow. and

much

attached and he

sincere

comrade,

only twenty-two
On be

September
;

the

12th

my

kitchen

oven

refused
a

to

lighted
of fat

to

persuade
a

it,I administered
of

few

fuls spoonwas

in

couple

mniutes
the

the

chimney
of

on

fire.

My

master,

hearing

crackling

the

32

GUY and

DE told

MAUPASSANT
me.

sparks, came
and
"

We

went

into

the

garden
"

saw

the

sparks caught up by the wind.

no

That
must

will do be

hann,"
burnt

said first

my

master
one

still

we

careful,for my
was

the villa, I

I had knew

before how and

this one, it had

down, and
it
was

never

caught fire. True,

was we no

lightlybuilt, playing in
flames, we
the

the

roof when

thatched.
saw

We

were

garden
As
we

the of dance

fire bursting out

everywhere.
all bcm-

had
to

means

quenching
round

the

began
fire!" One

sing and

this

impromptu

evening at
boat.
to

the end

of

September, as night was

and beheld master

I heard loud voices in the garden in the vicinity falling, of my I drew Marie I
ran

near,
a

my the

talking
"

Seize,
back

celebrity of
my

local
master

Bohemia."

to

and kitchen,

followed
"

immediately.
a woman

There's
she

for you Never

saw

"

he exclaimed. anycme
to

"

What her I

burr

is I

to

equal
her
a

Fancy, all these years the seashore, with on

children
; and

she used her

deep

in the boats six hut

husband

and

to

get rid of her the parishhired

for her up

there,at the top of the cliff. I have always

but

helped her,
I have
as me

really this year

ten
come now

she than

goes

too

far !
;

given her
dare
not

francs

more

twenty times
me telling a

she

here, she constantlywaits

she has been
not

for

when

I pass : and

she,
wear

her

husband,
them

her children I must

have

rag to

this winter
to see

; that

clothe I have her

them, unless I wish given twenty francs.

die of cold 1
comes

But if she

back, send

packing !

."
.

34

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

seen

some

pass

through

five

or

six

gradations
those of

of the

shade white

it

is

most

fascinating

to

watch

poplar."
October the cock ended round fed. Bd those for written will He

26^*."
and

Towards his last lives in

two

carried all

his the

pittance
others

to

companion^
the

having
walked cock finished

their
the

stewpan.
followed of
me

My
to
"

master

pond^
a

and branch

see

his have

held
said

fuchsia.
I

Ami^'
who there I interest

he,

"

and

hope
me

the for

book

will

satisfy lengthy; closely

which

are

always
are

asking
upon
one

something
and the As ladies
so

pages is I what Favoured

pages, for

There

part
believe. like

them,
take !
. . .

do

to

the I

journalists, waiting bright

two

they'll
them added

they

of

it

am

for

by

that

beautiful
those !
"

sun/' fowls,

he,
look
as

**

might they
did
were

photograph
deserted
not out

which his
not

if

He and I

tried do

best,
know

but

they
A

come

well,
and in

why.
my

lady

then she

appeared
succeeded

she

photographed
a

master;

obtaining

small

picture.

CHAPTER

III

NOVEMBER

l884~FEBRUARY

1885

Shower-baths
"

The

conservatory
wonderful

Purchases
" "

Piroli
"

New ^The
"

Year's
return
"

gift

A
"

ceiling
^The
"

^A
"

journey rock-sulphur
A Dutch

to

Italy
"

Badly
life
"

packed

piece
dinner

of

Work

and

social

The in Bel
"

schoolboy's
blossom
"

"

sleigh
vases
"

"tretat
"

"

^Normandy
basin

^The is

old

Roman

^The

real

China

Ami

published.

PARISy
I shall be

Novetnber

1884.

"
"

You

see, here

Fran"ois,
with that

very

comfortable It rather is

heating f heats
when the the air heat
costs
a

apparatus.

cleverly
too

put

up; but

well,
holes in
are

perhaps opened
will

much;
my you

upstairs
Then

in

cousin's tell in

flat,
it

mine franc

abate. that's woodfires.

me

only

day;
of look

nothing
...

parison com-

with

the with the

expense you
two to

I stove." the four

am

going
I

down

at

the

opened
of the

upper and my

doors,
master

showing
felt the

red

plates
heat.
"'

stove,

tremendous

How like

can

you infernal for

stand

near

it I
"

when

you

fill

it

up

It

is He
''

the

r^ons
minute.

thought
Since first I
am

down

here,"
I can't

said

he,
up

''

let

us

see

if

in

the
as

wine-cellar
dose
to to

put

shower-bath,
it would be

it

is

the
a

heatmg
shower-bath

apparatus
here."

delightful

take

36
The
to
"

GUY architect master's

a

DE
sent

MAUPASSANT

was

for, and

the

thing

was

done,

my

great

satisfaction. I've had ! the

town water
see

What
a more

good
than

idea

gives simple
day,

sufficient
I
can

pressure, my
;
a

and

how every

it is.

Now,

take house and

shower-bath
even

without
a

leaving
bath,
for
a

my

two

if I
are

like. the

Certainly
best

tub,

shower-bath

things
my !

man's

health." with

Then
"

master

added,
never

emphasis
would have massage died for he
no so

"

Fancy
do with

Flaubert
a

anything
! What But

to
a

water-cure,
he

not

even

pity
never

would
spare but full of

not
a

have

...

young.

he

would He and
was

thought
when

hygiene.
died doubt his
;
a

Only
he
was

think

sixty

strong

still

vitality;

shower-

bath,
A

like few

this, would days

to

have

prolonged
my
master

life ! for the

afterwards fix up
one

sends

upholsterer
in the

the
on

saints;
each up,

they
of the

are

placed
;

conservatory,
the

side

Buddha from the the

then

hangings
into

are

put

dividing they only

it

bedroom, light
from
on

which,
and

unluckily,
as

prevent
half
a

coming,
to
"

there

is my

window says
to

looking
Kakl"ter
"

the

courtyard,

master

You

have very air

arranged
pretty, but

my with !

conservatory
those

very

well I don't up, the

so

it is all

hangings
put
will them harm made but

get any

in my
at

room

If I don't my eyes,

light, striking
I shall and
at

night
of

on

them,
of

buy
;

pair
these
more

Japanese
soften in my

blinds,
the room."

rushes I shall

beads least have

will air

light,

THE

CONSERVATORY
and M. de

37

This

was

done^

Maupassant

was

quite

satisfied. He
a was

very winter

much

pleased always
there and

with filled he the

the with

conservatory,

sort

of

garden
; and

pahn
sat.

trees,
There

plants, and
he his
to
a

flowers

usually
necessary
some

found
work. embellish

the

restful

quiet,
he

light

for

Every
his

day

brought
One

article he gave

home
me

apartment.

evening

parcel.
"

Please contains

unpack

this

most

carefully,"
scent-bottles

said
;

he,

"

for
are

it

Venetian
and
most

glass
valuable.
two
one

they
what I
use

beautiful

They pints

are

just
As

I
a

want, great
another with

as

they
of

contain

each. for
see

deal for the

two

scent,

will

be I will

eau-de-Cologne,
what I shall do

lavender
others.
"

water.

..." has come, but my

master
never

December, misses
water

Cold his

taking
was

baths, etc., every cold;

and

day.
he
was

He

said

the

extremely
a

delighted,
to set

because One
master

afterwards the
water

glowing
even

reaction colder his

used than

in. my

day,

being

usual,
moustache

rushed

quickly

upstairs,

heavy

still
"

quite
It
;

wet.

is
soon

perfect
I

You take 1
"

give
you

splendid
a

shower-

bath the I

might
doucheur
so

for

pupil

of

Pascal,

celebrated
was

always

pleased

when
to

my rub him

master

was

satisfied, and eau-de-Cologne, glove.

"

quickly followed,
after

well
a

with hair horse-

which

he

freely

used

Look

here, Fran"ois,"

said

he

one

day,

"

think

38
that for

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT floor away

this

ground
send them

we

ought
rats

to

keq"

cat;
it is

its presence better rid A

master to

would

and than

mice^
to

and
to

prevent
!
"

coming

have

get

of

them few

days
called

afterwards Piroli. fond often of She

we

took

in

kitten very
was

my

soon

became She

tame,

and

was

very

being petted.
with the for in

always
;

playing
used extended
to

about^
last
on

Japanese
hours^
and

blinds my

this

sometimes his couch little

master,
loved

the

conservatory,
with much her

admiring supple
little
moment

the

pretty
He and the

creature,
very
was

graceful,
to

motions.

became

attached

Piroli,
he

liking
never

reciprocated.

The

came

in she said
a

left him.
master
on

To-morrow,"
I shall

my

Christmas
on

Eve,
Year's

give
dine

dinner

party.
as

But be
a

New

Day
One you will where

I shall of will visit you these

out,
you

you will

will take

very

busy.
in then

days
two

carriage,
;

which
you

place
those
can

large

clothes-baskets erected
on

little booths find

the of

boulevards, cheap
taste
;

inniunerable created the

or same

sets

and you

amusing
will
seems

articles several you of take

to

just
of comical those ofE with New

by

Parisian

buy
to

kind^ anything
interesting.
little the New Eve I had
out

which

Don't that

forget
start

to

buy
as

some

bearded lid of
on

devils

up you

you

the

box.
...

I'll tell

what The

do before

them

Year's I
came

Day."
in in with the

day

Year's what

my

two

baskets

filled with

bought
all the

little booths. made his

My

master

spread
next

contents,
several

choice,

and

the

day

he

filled up

A
cases, the those We the
"

NEW he the

YEAR'S

GIFT

39 about whole
me
so row

one

of

which

was

very he had the

careful

on

top, just inside

"bearded had
cover

cover, he

put

of

devils"
care

told

to

buy.
it
was

taken of the

to

undo which

hooks^
them Madame

that their

case

held
is for hour

in O

boxes. You
.

This carry the

one,"
it to butler be

said her
to

he,
at

"

will

the

of

lunch,

and Tell

you him

must

beg
cover

give

it her off I
on

directly.
the

the
;

must
on

taken what the

dining-room

table

insist On O
not
*'

his

doing

say."
at

the 's listen You

first of

3^ear,

noon, the

was

in who

Madame would

pantry,
to

arguing

with

butler,

anything

I said. said your

case

understand,"
I can't mind
more

he,

*'

there

are

people

lunching,
"

take the the

in."

Never the

people,"
merrier 1
"

replied

I ; "on

the

trary, con-

At how minutes

last he

convinced take had uproar. off

him,
the
cover

and

explained
with
a

to

him
Five

must

rush.
a

hardly

elapsed They
stamped
butler

when moved for

came

heard

most

extraordinary they going

rpom.
"

their
1 of I
was

chairs, just dining-

laughed,
away when

they
the

joy
out

the

They
our

are

laughing
meny

till

they cry,"
I my
"

said

he

"

here's

to

next

meeting dressing

When
told
to
"

was

master

that

evening
the butler

him
take I
am

the the
not

trouble
case

I had the
room.

had

in

getting

into
at

all astonished

at

that,"
are

said

he,

"

all

those

butlers

of

big

establishments

alike.

They

40
are
as

GUY tall

DE

MAUPASSANT and sham for But

. . .

as

an

organ-loft^
like better maids. trick cared

often

serve

very I where them

a

badly,
think
one

having
is much

manners

sacristans.
in you
was

houses heard

they keep only

all
success

two

laughing.
;

The

evidently

rather

that's his he and I

all I wanted." hat

" "

He

took said

up.

It

is in the

uncommonly
her air close basket holes them of

cold
next

night/' to-

put
leave

Piroli all in

the flat

hot-air open. proper. On had When

a

hole,
When
"

the

come

I will

if I

think

January
few friends
one

the
to
was

6th

(twelfth night)
and
was

my

master

dinner, painters
gone, the how it.
me

literary men. preparing

his

every he You took can't

and

bed,
"

me

into

conservatory.
I love this friend
a comer.

imagine
to

Well,
the

am

going
on

improve
is

My

Oudinot,
in

painter glass,
vanished. which is He

glass,
was

selling
for this
me

ceiling
American is
most

coloured who has

which It does

made

an

appears
not

ceiling
since has

beautiful,
work
an

surprise
; that
man

Oudinot's soul M.
are

always

splendid
the

the
at

of

artist.
ment monu-

painted
at

glass

windows and will go and

Thiers'

P"ie-Lachaise,
as

they
and the

marvellous. the

So,
the
must

as

soon

you the
to

can,

you

see

architect,
;

locksmith,
get them
so as

plumber,
come

electrician
at

you

here, all of them,

understand
to

the and

same

hour,
no

they
I

may

each

other

make them electric

delays.
I
start

want

settle There shall

everything
must

with
an

before machine

for the

Italy.
I

be them

for

light.

make

put

it up

42

GUY let
to
"

DE in in
must
"

MAUPASSANT
but she she would cried
so

first had

me

come

not

listen,

he

take

her you up

his

arms,

piteously.
since she's I must altered
!

Well,

pay this
cat

the

coachman,
How

give
She

myself
is
a

to

Piroli.
"

splendid

Then my

Piroli, having
was

jumped
the back

on

to

the

bureau

while of his
to

master
was

reading
her

most

important

letters, put
her

arching
on

and

purring, trying nuzzling

him. without
at

paws
as

her

master's
was

chest,
to

his did

moustache
not

if she his

going

kiss

He

get

through

correspondence

some

trouble. While he and

was

at

breakfast
me

my learn
to

master

admired
to

the the tric elecor

ceiling,

called

to

how

handle the
two
was

lighting apparatus,
machine three times

and which the

how

manipulate
He
went

by

it worked.

through

performance,

and

quite

satisfied.
"

Ever3rthing
go up well the tints
are

goes
once.

well,"
I
am

said
sure

he,
it

"

these will

twelve look
commonly un-

lights

at

in

the soft
more

evening.
and

The

ceiling is
to

ful, beautiThe

charming agreeable

the that

eye.

room

looks twelve and hide

much

with

ceiling;
;

the

lights
cold that

will be

warm

and

dry ever}rthing
by
the

the I that

damp
shall

will wall will

are

checked
some

glass

roof.
;

with

Genoese
as

stuffs
as

nasty

painting
which

disappear,

well

those Thus

green
formed trans-

hangings^
the When
room,

extremely
will be

ugly.
ttimed

conservatory
are can
a

into other in

boudoir.

there you

few

people
visitors

in
come

the

drawingThen,

make

here.

BAD
once

PACKING
this will fonn

43
a

my

room

is

closed,

separate

little We
master

apartment."
returned had
sent to

the

dining-room; Italy
were on

the the

cases

my

from all the

see

sideboard.

I had my

left almost

articles

in

their had

boxes,
been

so

as

master

might
been all torn.
two
rest.

how up

badly they
in
a

packed.
of paper

They
that

had
was

done

small

piece
was

Naturally
statuettes

eversrthing
somewhat this
was

broken,
solid
master

excepting
than turned himself. As the beasts between the the

small When

more

he but

saw

disaster able

my
to

very

red,

he

control

things

were

not
are

well in

packed/'
fault. It

said is

he,
those

railway
of

people

not

shopkeepers
themselves for I

But

they

evidently
must at

settle

that all

ever}rthing
these the

be

badly

packed, places.
way in
.

bought

curios
to
are

different in that
ordinary extra-

It is
. .

perhaps
. .

fashion

pack
such

their
creatures

country.
!

They

They spite

are

revolting, filthy, ever}rthing they

are

and
as

disgusting;
beautiful I must Their
most
as

and their in

in

of

country,
the fuU

which of

contains and

wonders,
museums.
are

confess,

shape
of

palaces

galleriesare
perfect. grovels striking
lose such Ah
a an

innumerable all these

riches, and
beautiful
:

Around unclean and

objects
contrast

there both

population
AU charm

the these

is

mournful. their

exquisite placed

objects
among
"

greatly

by

being

surroundings.
are

! you

unpacking

my which

trunk,
is at

Fran"ois
the

Give

me

piece

of

rock-sulphur

bottom."

44

GUY I gave it to

DE

MAUPASSANT and he it

him,

saw

was

beginning

to

crumble.
"

fetched

it

myself
or

from

the of
us,

bottom with the

on

of

mine.

We of

started,

fifteen
;

sixteen

intention the way.

going

down the
was

I left them

all scattered
on

I went tell you

with it

guide, alone,
very

to

the !

end. The

I can't way
not
a was

pleasant.

No but

difficult,the
had anyone
a

smell say I

abominable,
hadn't 1
"

I would
to

have

the

pluck

follow

guide

into

sulphur-mine
never

Piroli, who
master's in her
room

ceased
some

to

rub the

herself dust of

against
the

my

1^,
eyes. like
a

received She mad

of
mew,
was

sulphur
the her

began thing
;

to

and
not
was

raced easy
so

round
to

it

catch

and

wipe
he

her
was

eyes.

My
to

master

sorry
out

about of the

it that

ready

throw

the

stone

window.
"

Certainly,"
that caressed

said I
"

he,
and
:
"

''

all

is

unlucky
Piroli
on

that
to

comes

from he
"

country

taking

his

lap

her, saying
little
she

Poor

thing

my

pretty
down he

one

"

When
prepare

had

calmed for go

said

"

Fran"ois,
dine with

my X

dress-suit and
,

this

evening,
to to
me

I the M. I
me;

Madame this

afterwards
me

theatre;

lady

wishes

to
one

introduce

Raymond ought
and of if what of
to

Deslandes. write did has

so,

Every
but

keeps
not not

telling appeal

plays,
it

it does

to

would done

surely
hitherto.
no

be hate
never

in

the that

style tricky

been No

I shall

sort

thing. Every

!
to

I the

consent

to

that.

time

I go

theatre

come

out

THE Were
meets

SCHOOLBOY'S
for I the

DINNER

45
one

it

not

charming
never

society
foot this well

always
one.

there
I and

should

set

inside

I this
to

confess

should

prefer

my

bed

evening
from

to

party,

}ret I
9"

slept pretty

Cannes

My
articles dedicate

master

is the

working
so as

again
to

he able

writes afterwards

few
to

for

papers, time
to

be

all his
"

his

new

novel.
master

April.

One

Sunday

my

consulted

his

pocket-book.
"'

am

dining out/' Tuesday.

you On I wish
two

says On the

he,

"

every

day
few
;

this

week
are

excepting coining
fourteen.
;

that usual

day

friends
we

will

cook

dinner
we

shall

be be you

Friday,
the

however,
to

shall
:

only

four;

still

dinner kinds of

be

good
one

indeed,
with

might
the

prepare

dishes,
the

meat,

other

without,
and fish

for
;

I think
as

ladies who

will
will

only
be

eat

v^etables
fourth On
at

to

the his

boy,

the

table, he
at

will the

take

choice." there very

came

Friday,

dinner-hour,
ladies,
the the both
sweetest

two

extraordinarily
handsome,
the bell and

smart

stout,
scents.

very Then

wafting
I open I

rings again,
before He
me.

door,
him bowed

and into

schoolboy diningmaster

stands
room.

ushered

the
to

entered
to

gracefully,
ladies, rather

first

and
a

then

the

awkwardly,

just like

flurried
But
once

schoolboy.
at

table

he

soon

regained
of

his

session, self-posabout

and

told
a

quantities
fellow who He

amusing
all

stories about

schools,
barracks

like full

knows
was

those with
a

of

boys.

handsome,

46

GUY
a

DE

MAUPASSANT
on

pretty mouth,

aquiline nose,
his hair curled

upper Up, an delicate nostrils, largedark eyes ; and the

as

little down

as a young closely negro's. Champagne flowed during the whole meal. the time desert came all were merry ; tinyfeet

By
were

advanced
most

under

the The

table, and

the

scrae

became

comical.

ladies attacked

who

kept
would

bold

and though front, did not

to

the young fellow, showing occasicoi-

he a ^yight ally timidity, he

gladly prove
amiable.

them

hesitate to say that both that h" was

but the They laughedloudly, did not, and seemed to play his part with schoolboy in hb My master was twisting great earnestness. in its little paper hood ; he a marron glac" fingers no longerate, or drank, or laughed; he gnawed his moustache, sometimes pulledat his little imperial, and drew it between his teeth. Suddenlyhe glanced

[ducky and

at

his eyes were red and moist. "Fran"ois,"said he, please giveus the cofEee."
me
"

; I saw

nine I went half-past schoolboy,who was young At

master

to fetch

due

home

for the carriage by ten. My

accompanied him to the door, and squeezing his hand, said emphatically ; To our next merry meeting, my young friend." who this charming to know The ladies wished
"

"

be ;

they were
I

never

told.

morning broi^ht in my in order. He o put things

in

master's tea

b^ged

me

to

the position of some of the altering were iVhile we busy he was laughing

Suddenly he

said:

"

A
""

DUTCH what ?
"

SLEIGH

47

Well,
that I

.Fran"ois, schoolboy
him

did

you

think

yesterday

about
"

thought
my

quite
roared

channing
with

fellow, sir/'

Then
"

master

laughter. charming
the 1

Indeed,
a

you

thought
You year

him

Why,

man,

'twas who the She

girl !
last

remember
to

little school-teacher recommend

; that's wrote to

came

ask

me

to

her she thank

to

to

Secretary
got
the

for

Public she

Instruction

!
. . .

post
her

wanted, look,
in

and and

me.

I remembered and

boyish
part,
with you

asked she
was

her

come

play

this

small lives

which

perfectly
is
a

successful. honest

She But

her
see

mother^
how
was a

and ladies

very ?

girl.
went

did

the

looked boy. schoolI shall I pay that Dutch there

"

They

away can't

convinced tell the

"

it how trick

Condorcet I
was.

you
same

amused
on some

certainly play April

some

other

people
to out
a

the

gih,

My
me

master,
if I

having
intended

dressed
to

visits, asked
**

go

afternoon.

Because,"
and it/'
master

said should

he,

"

bought
you
to

sleigh yesterday,
when The
measure

like

be

they bring
next
a

day piece
of

asked

me

to

help him
He
to

to

Louis-XVI.-blue be

silk. of it

wanted
cover

to

see

if

there

would

enough

his

sleigh.
''

For

see,

Fran"ois,
it will be of

how very the

hideous

is done is

the up

yellow
in

covering.
blue Look the

But the

pretty

that

silk;
at

shape large
are

sleigh
that

quite original.
the

those
;
are

flowers very and

follow

shape
but

of

back

they
of the

not

delicately traced, quite

in the Dutch

the

colours

period,

style.

48
Said
to
come

GUY line and will

to

DE

MAUPASSANT

my

upholsterer
at

Kakl"ter,
I'll send

b^ging
him
loth.
a

him

work

it.
. . .

td^^ram
I
must to

that
not
some

hmry
that
on

him.
the
; at

This

is I

the
a

forget

14th
i8th

give
or

dinner we'll
to

party
go

journalists
a

the

19th
I
as

and
some

spend

few

days
for

"tretat.
summer,

want

make

arrangements
over

next

I have
to

good

ing shoot-

all the

ground

belonging

that the

large farm, surrounding

;

Martin-de-Bordeaux-Saint-CIair,
woods in the into
;

and

there

are

first-rate

rabbit-warrens
have I

you'll see^
rabbits
to

autumn,
your houses
as

you'll
saucepans.
at
see

plenty
must

of

put

also ask

examine you
at to

my

mother's
me,
so

"tretat.
are

I shall well

help
as

to

they
so

furnished,
year
we

least

far

as

is necessary, them." the

that

this

may

succeed

in

letting
On
start

April
to-morrow

i6th for have

me,

my

master

said
I have

to

"

me

We
to

"tretat.
the M. fires B he will

written
I
am

Cramoyson
a

to

kindled.
;
see

taking nothing
first time

friend

with

he

knows the

about under At

Normandy,
its
ten ;

and

it for

prettiest aspect."
o'clock the
on

the

17th

we

reached
was

the

Ifs
us.

station
When the heard

everlasting brougham
closed had the door the I climbed windows We
were

awaiting
on

I had

to

the

seat, and I

gentlemen
all their all

put

down,
reached in
a

conversation. the fruit

to

carr"

normand;
asked the

trees

blossom. he did
most

coachman
too

slow
to

down,

which M. de

civilly, only
Thus the

happy
were

please
to

Maupassant.
the beautiful

gentlemen

able

admire

so
"

GUY Have

DE food in

MAUPASSANT the kitchen for and

you ? yes,
"

you

Cramoyson
"

Yes,

sir, thank
of

you."

He Our his

thought
four

everj^hing.
were

days
houses

quite
and
etc.

filled

up for

by
the

examining shooting
said
one

mother's

preparing
At last my

party, bu3nng

dogs,

master

morning:
"

"

Pack

up them See if

the in that

two

large
two
are

old
cases

Rouen of
;

vases

you

will
water.

put

the

big
well

Ch"td-guyon
I should be
are

they

packed
to

miserable
very from

anything

happened
rare,

them. I
a

They

fine, and
my

extremely

and
was

inherited

them of

grandfather, things.
in his had of He old

who

great
most

lover

beautiful collection

possessed
Norman

interesting
He loved the

ch"teau.

hunting
cleverest

too,

splendid
hounds
"

horses,
all

and

certainly

pack

in

Normandy."
called
me.

Paris,
*'

April 24/*.
not

My

master

I do

know I

if it is the
am

journey,
to

but

I have back
not

an

awful neck I shall At with He dine A

"

headache. with

going
if at

rub

the I
am

of

my

vaseline,
a

and

eleven

better

inhale twelve

little he took

ether." his

shower-bath,

foot-bath o'clock. able

to

mustard
felt
out.

in

it, and
in

lunched the

lightly

at

one

much

better

evening,

and

was

few I
am

days

later
to

he
see

said
my dine

to

me

after
on

lunch the

"

going
;

publisher
out

other
so

side you

of need

the

water not

I for

shall me."

in

my

jacket,

wait

BEL

AMI

IS

PUBLISHED

51

The
"

next

day

they

brought
said my

an

old

basm
"

of that's I did

porcelain.
what
not

See,

Fran"ois," yesterday;

master,

found
too

'tis

real

China,

and

pay

much He

for

it." it the

placed

on

washstand,

two-thirds

of

which

it

covered.
"

The for head

basin's it

rather
must

big,"
be that I

added size
to

he,
allow

"

but

not

too

big
my

me

me

to

wash
at

in

it.
...

bought they only

will

other

articles

MademoiseUe

Guillan's,

which

bring
to

directly.
pay the like the

Everything's porter."
and and talked walk Then
to

paid
he her

for,
took
"

you

have Piroli

his

little

on

to

sofa,
to

Yes,
here

yes, you will be

you

would

go lose
at

about, Patience,
How

but

can't,
able about
to

you
to
run

would about the the

yourself. "tretat.
How many the

you will

you
new

skip
for you he shall week

on

grass the

things
!
"

see

"

trees,

birds,
"

fishes

and

stroked be

her,
ofE said is is !
"

repeating

Patience,

patience,
22nd.
"

we

soon

May
"

"

It

is

now,"
;

my

master, demand
Did under his

since the

Bd

Ami

was

published
and the ?
"

there

large

from I
not

provinces,
you
so,

press and he

favourable.

tell

hey

laughed

heavy

moustache.

CHAPTER

IV

MAY

1885-JUNE

1886

"tretat
"

^The

Barbary
Paff
"

ducks
"

^The heat
"

crowing
Walks
"

of The

cock
"

Successful
season

firing begins
Paris

^Excessive

"

shooting
"

Salammb"
"

"

Departure
^The
"

from

"tretat
Muterse"

Sojourn January
^The 1886

in

Arrival
"

ai
harvest

Antibes ^Madame
"

Villa de

^The
"

olive Bel

Maupassant
in the Rue

Louisette

"

The
"

Ami
"

We

return

to
sun

Paris

Montchanin
"

We

regret
Rondoli

the A
"

Southern walk in

Mademoiselle
"

Perle ^The
"

and

les

Saurs reader.

the

Pare

Monceau

graceful

ETRETAT,
arrived
at

end

of

May

1885,"
was

When

we

"tretat

evers^thing
; the

already
covered

very with

much

advanced the

trees

were

leaves^

rosebuds
were

were

just
their

coming
little

out,
white
for ducks

the

strawberry flowers,
their One

plants
roots

showing

being

excessively
two

damp Barbary
house.

the
were

nonce.

morning
from Madame
out

blue Valois'

brought

My

master

immediately
the three

came

to

put

them
to

self him-

into

pond,
or

and four

they
times

readily
and seemed

began

swim,

plunged flapping
as

shook

themselves, happy,
devised

their

wings.
that

They
small
master

perfectly
had the ducks would After been

if

they

thought
for them.
went

pond
gave the
soon

especially
money and
to

My in,
and

porter
were

some

convinced that
new

not

trying
accustomed

escape,
to

they

be

quite
I

their

quarters.

lunch

THE

BARBARY

DUCKS of

53 my
master
came

brought
to
"

them
at

quantity

food,

and

look

the
are

feast. handsome
must

They
!

"

cried

he,
them the

"

such
more

pretty
than I

plumage

You

always they
would

give
eat

they want,
the fish/' Piroli ducks
never

otherwise

bread

give

left hid

her

master,
among her

but the tail

at

the

sight

of

the
rounding sur-

she

herself

spindle-trees
about,

the

pond,

waving

rolling her
came

large eyes,
these

and

doubtless animals
soon

asking
she had

herself
never

whence
seen

strange
she
to

before

however,
wanted
at

became with she the became

to

accustomed little

to
as

them,

and fled and gave Then

play

ducks;

they

her

approach,
a

exceedingly
reach her

plucky,
but she

made up my
"

few
as

attempts
she
to

them,
paws
were

as

soon

found
her
:
"

wet.

master

spoke
Miss

hope.

Piroli," tiny
ducks

said for for his

he,

"

you

are

not

going fight
"

to

take !

those Mind he took

large
be and

birds angry in
a

and
!

them Then she of

you

don't,
her those As into

I shall arms, blue

few

days
part
a

imderstood the household.

small
we were

balls in
we

formed
saw

going

tall

woman

coming
Now,
that the

up

the

avenue.

is Marie shutters Never

Seize," exclaimed
were

my she with

master

she
no

saw

open, I
"

and he

has
a

lost

time.
. . .

mind

added she last

deep

sigh.
The is not up for

And hens
so

Marie
are as

Seize

got what
as

wanted. year but

;

handsome
as

the he

cock makes

imposing by crowing

his

predecessor,

it

lustily.

54
"

GUY That cock

"

DE is

MAUPASSANT

simply
and
sure

terrifying/'
is you he

said
a

my
most

master

one

day

he

crows, I
am

gifted
do wakes

with

ful poweroften

voice,
a

but

not

know

how

good

cock

crows

when

up."

I confessed

my said of

ignorance.
he,
from "when he first
to
crows

"Well,"
forth the forth
a

he

gives
calls
so

series

thirty-four
;

thirty-five
time

second

time

seventeen

the

third

and

it becomes when
our

irregular." recalling
gave it
was a

Often,
noticed had

my

master's the series

remarks^
of
crows

I be

cock
;
"

exactly
good
told he

indicated 2nd.

cock.
me

June
to

My

master

to

carry before I

his
me

pistols
and fifteen I said
:

the

shooting

gallery,
at two

got

there

shot

twenty
and five

times
bullets

targets.
bull's

counted When

hits, "Now, good,

"

in

the

eye.

that's if you
we

brilliant And

shooting!" laughing
be he

"Yes,
added !
:

pretty

like."
can't M. E.

But

always
he
,

brilliant

You of

know age,
at

my he all shot bowls A when

friend
is
as

is but

forty

years
was

strong

as

hunter, well, lately, he

Madame X.
;
soon

not

brilliant

with

1 go here."

But and

have

long enough ready,

few he the

for ladies

to-day
will

I must be
master

get the

days
called
he is

afterwards,
me.

my

was

shooting, bullets,

I hurried them. what I rod will

up

with

some

thinking
"That
"

wanted
not

called
out

you of
one

for,"

says

he.

See,
hard

can't 1 Each

get this
of
a us

the

pistol,
of
the

it sticks

so

take !
"

two

ends"

and

we'll have

tug-of-war

SUCCESSFUL
And each efforts seemed As he
even

FIRING
master
as
our

55
me

several of
we us

times
as

my hard
;

sent

flying,
After heated dance."

for

tried succeeded if

he

could.
were

many and

but
a

hands of St
:

as

they

had

sort

Vitus's
'*

he
"

was

re-loading
shew you

his

pistol
my

Wait^
does

Fran"ois/'
not

said,

I will aU held
can

that of
at

hand

shake,

after And
"

these his
see

trials

strength."
arm's

he

pistol
the of

length.
of ? I
on a

You
on

first that

leaf
tree

smaU
am

isolated
to cut

branch it off One in the

the
at

right

going
the
a

just

the and fell

point
the down

where

it

joins

to

branch."

shot^

tiny
on

leaf

turning
grass
and

somersault
took up its

air,
as
a

the

position
We and
"

dead

leaf.
the

measured my
master

distance;
:

twenty-eight

paoes^

said
on

I could

go
we

shooting
heard the and

ten

leaves

off like that

" .

/'

Suddenly
"'Those

voices.

are

ladies,"

said
some

he;

''now

pick
over

everything
that

up,

please

pass

sandpaper

ramrod."

"treiai,end
retriever,
The who It it is

of
well

June.

"

My in,

master

has has

bought
arrived.
master

broken

and

just
to

pretty
in the

creature

immediately
went at to

took

its the
master

morning
him his

fetch time.

it at

kennel.
was

only

left

meal

My

delighted spaniel, Speech

that he

with
a

dog,
mask

superb
most
was

Pont-Audemer

with alone

pretty
was

and He

intelligent eyes.
so

wanting.
even

well

trained
master

did

not

run

after

the

hens.

My

loved

him

dearly.

56
"

GUY I
a

DE he
me

MAUPASSANT
to
"

think,"

said
to

me,

that

pretty

Paff

wiD

be

jolly help
the

when the
to

I shoot."

During
and

sunmier

keeper
Martin's

came

to

fetch

Paff him

brought

him the

M.

farm,

making

reconnoitre

shooting-ground. Maupassant
;
even

July.
with

"

M.

de

has year

been the
on

amusing
heat the had
coast

himself
dried
;

fireworks up, had

but the

this

everything
green hue

sea-bents into
a

their

turned and
to

tarnished heads up, who

was

mahogany
bowed

colour;

half-dead

their
blaze

down,
is

they
what about
or

were

quite ready Many

the I took

and
were

that

exactly
ran

happened.
to

people
that

present

stamp

fire out,
a

neither

prudent

practical.
I
soon

strong
the

mat

thoroughly

wetted,
them As I
to

and

extinguished
this the
:

bents,

pressing

down
returned my

with
to

very

simple
I heard

contrivance. Dr Pouchet

garden

saying

master

Well, Yes,"
He's but
never

your

Fran"ois
my

has

got his wits

"

about of

Um."

replied
at
a

master,
what else." is
; to

he's
not

full

resources.

loss

do,

only

about

fire,

about

anything
"

August.
The bed if
we

\jsl Guillette is

entirely

filled the

with

guests.

heat that wish

increasing
constant

it is not

only
but So

strawberry shrubs,

wants to

watering,
alive. his it

all the every and

keep

them

morning,
even

very
master water

early,
(who
the

the

gardener,
considers

wife, I, quite
an

my

amtisement),
sun

garden

properly
and the my

before

the

rises, and

thus In

all is green, the afternoon

flowers
master

keep fresh.
is

always

58 ground.
with

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

My master stood at the head of the list M. Arraux with twenty-three. thirty-seven birds,
pleased,attributes his
Pafi who behaved
success

Master, much
gun, to the
to

to

Us

to young

also beautifully, intends

of his cartridges, which he composition continue making himself. One day the driver forgot It was to fetch us.

hotter about

than
to

before. When
decided

my
on

master

saw

the
to

sim

set, he
gave
me

walking back
We
we

"tretat I
a

He

his gun to carry. in

started at had

good

pace, and
a
"

minutes five-and-twenty of four miles !

master
to

plished accom-

march

See, Fran"ois,"said my could get his men general

often be the way

would

to

delightedly, if like that, it march win an unexpected

had
come

"

I *' victory

Yes,but
a

we

were

as

damp

as

if we

out of

bath, and
a

hardly think the poor sddiers could

came

stand such When

strain ! on, my master which are beagles, and

went

the autumn

after

rabbits with bis small remarkable

for their endurance

quite really good hunting

legs
;

I pitiedthem, their short comical qualities. did not One M. de

seem

made

for such
was

exercise. fatiguing
a

eveningthere

rain and

raging storm

Maupassant remained
he went the book
"

alone the whole

Going up to bed caught sightof

"

throu^
SaiammM

the

evening. and kitchen,

the table.

on

You Yes

have

finidied it?

asked he.
to understand

it k a beautiful wjork ; but sir, it thOTonghly I ought to read it over

"

several times."

SALAMMBO I

59 should it work deverest

am

pleased
master
"

that for

you I know

speak
can't for

so

frankly/' otherwise,
years of
our

my that of the

be

volume

represents
doubtless

the the

fifteen

finest^

brain

century."

My
said
I my

left

hand
"

was

on

another have and you let

book. there him

see

''

Hullo

"

master,
my

What ofi Greats in any

"

took

hand the dabble think be

the

title

Pope
'*

Honorius I don't I don't could

Grimoire. occult of the still the

science, sir," replied I,

tricks I

"

and

described
to

in
at

this
it my

book

executed,
'tis read."

like

look
which

occasionally,
fother
"

because
me

volume

in

taught
a

to

It's

beautiful

edition, Fran"ois
that
were

I I

have know

never some

occupied
men

myself did,
and

with who

science,
not

but

who

fools."

Andbes,
the

1885-1886."
and allow
on

We

left
ten to

"tretat
weeks settle
we

on

November

2Sth,
to

after my

staying
master

in

Paris,

time with

enough
his

his business
came

publisher,
of the

Christmas
Muterse has the
at

Eve

into

sion possesOn
one

villa house break

Cap

d'Antibes. of
or
on

side there

this old
is
no

appearance of windows opens

long
doors

wall
;

either

the

front

looks

southwards,
with

and

to

large yard
trees.
are

hedged
see

round

beautiful

clumps

of which

You olive
at

the

fields, the
and further the
was

vineyards stiU,
a

beyond
tall white

groves, the

lighthouse

point of
The winter
master

Cape.
mild.
out

Every
and
sat

day
with

after his

breakfast
00
a

my

came

mother

6o bench well before sheltered

came

GUY the from down

DE

MAUPASSANT full in the and

times somesnow

drawing-room
the cold the north

sim,

wind

which with

from far

Alps

all covered it is

they
close hold

are

apparently
the clouds
was rare

away when

when their

fine, and
seem

quite
to

on

days
up.
so

siunmits

the

My
his
new

master

happy
discuss is

alone

on

that scheme

bench of
are

with
some

mother tale
same

!
;

They plot

freely
at

the last

the

altered,

they

both

of the
"

opinion. perfect,"
my tale
now

That's
"

exclaims falls
on

my its feet

master

with the

laugh,
cat." This bench seemed had missed It
was now

like

porter's

cat

was

alwa}^
master

playing
;
we

endless the little

soon

games

on

the

with
so

my sad

and

thing,
understood Now it

which it
never

when
a

arrived,
and
a

found

comrade
to

friend. the

coming
a

this

spot
with
and

at

appointed
grey and

time.

pretty
a

creature

its thick

white

fur,

it had eyes
on

small ! It

head,
gave my

really intelligent shining

the idea of

yellow
his essay

master

writing

cats.

Every
on

morning

he the

enjoyed house,

walking
bordered

along by
and

an

avenue

the

right

of

enormous

laurels
trees.

of various At the of and

species, pepper
end stood the

plants

fine

palm
a

conservatory,
of
;

then

plantation
years well very wanted old

olive-trees, many
with forked took their
start stems

them

himdred

both the

parts
same

growing
trunk if
;

though long
to

they
branches

sap

from
the

from
up

tops

as

they

spring

still

higher

towards

the

sky.

THE

OLIVE liked

HARVEST beneath these

6i

My
he

master

walking

trees;

spent

several

mornings
Women

there,
in

interested men's with and the clothes

by

the
were

olive-harvest.

dressed

perched
struck

on

the

branches. about green baskets

Armed

sticks fruit it

they
fell up,

vigorously
on

them,
turf. and

noiselessly putting
master,
of
not

the in
a

Others then

picked
in sacks. the

it who

first
was

My
detaib he
was

great observer,
most

followed

these

operations
with would
as

attentively.
the
to

Often,
there in game the

satisfied but
soon

spending
return

morning
the
scene

as

looker-on,
As

noon. afterthe

he

had

finished under his the grey his very pass In

his

with

cat,
the
over

he
women

took
were

the

path
at

olive-trees hat
stout

where down

work,

pulled

his he

eyes, made

and
as

holding
if

alpenstock.
but
to

Then short
women

walking
to

quickly, quite
the

with
the

steps, and

managed
up his the mother

close

picking
he told all
to

olives. how of later

"'

evening, during
he
was

dinner,
examined
intended
"

pleased
this
on.

to

have he

the

details
use

harvest,

which

make

of

For

really,"
a

added deal

he,
of

besides

its comical about told it all." her

son

aspect,

there

is also

good

poetry
then of work

Madame of her

de

Maupassant
in the kind these. said but
one

of she

one

journeys
this
same

Molds of

Corsica,

where

had

beheld
even
"

performed

by

beings

stranger

than

They

wore,"

she, which,
but
more

"

costumes
assure

that you, would

really
have the would

cannot

describe,
any would

I
me

frightened sight,
you

! than

If

you

beheld
you

find

poetry,

62 feel
some

GUY the of
most

DE

MAUPASSANT
sensations.
are

startling
olive-trees down and
so as

In
monstrous

that

country

the

of touch

size, ground,
like

their

trunks it for trees." At did with

bend

to

the

follow young

yards,

then

start

upwards

again

this
not

place

I must

tell that She had

Madame

de

Maupassant
on

know

fear.

journeyed Italy

alone,
in every

foot,
tion, direcShe

her

alpenstock,

throughout
the the

penetrating explored
which which she also liked

into of

remotest

comers.

part

Two-Sicilies,
there

then

Corsica

particularly,finding
her
turn

impressions
of the ing form-

suited

of
"

mind,
rocks
"

wild

landscapes
with
"

primitive
sea

beauty,
unusual

then

the

mingling
would say,

in

most
an

manner,

she
' '

quite
would her

unforgettable
of bandits

sight.
and

Every

day

Madame with the her had

talk

vendettas,
for

always
her
son

peculiar
she had

enthusiasm,
seen, she

describing

things

using literary language,

gave
me an

and

expressions, witnessed, style.

Often she would when

when reminded

account

of of

all she

very

much

Flaubert's

in

the
to

evening
me

my
to

master

was

away, maid the

describe
scenes

and beheld

Marie

her her
us

fantastic

she

had

during
she told
so

two

years'
ordinary extra-

stay

in

Corsica.

Sometimes

these

adventures,
such down tasted

frequently
that cold confessed
as

mysterious,
used she had and for the
to

with
run

impetuosity
my back.
so

shudders
to
us

She

never

anything
which in

delicious banditti

the gave
cavern

small her in

delicate

field-fares

the

breakfast,
thickets.

particularly

Bellacoscia's

THE And treated

LOUISETTE Madame
me

AND add every

''

THE All

BEL those

AMI

63

would with

men

alwa]^ perfect

attention

and

politeness."
Now LouiseUe and which the then my
master

takes the harbour

trip
of

in

his

is moored This

in

Aubemon of
so use

(bay
short be boat suits the Bd often aUe

of

Salice).
he

boat

being
the Bd

only
Ami,

for
as

excursions,
to

bought

to

take

lengthy
in and Now
soon as

trips along
out

the

coasts.

This which

goes my bench Ami

at

easily
master.
;
as

of does is
over

the
not

harbours,
remain he goes
to

he lunch M.

long
see

on

his

Antibes.

Muterse,
on

an

ex-naval boat each found

;

captain,
they
in wards after-

accompanied
became fast
was

him

his

new

friends, holding
Muterse who

other

great
for

esteem.

It

M.

Bernard

my

master,

capital sailor, prudent,

just the
out

handy,

supple,

well-mannered,
After

fellow

for times

pleasure-trips.
my for
master
soon

going
the used

several

acquired
boat.
to to

necessary
to

knowledge
at

handling people
was

his

He

entertain the

lunch

ing belongup
as

Cannes
on

society;
the Bd-Ami.

afternoon Once he

given
went

sailing
as

even

far

Nice.

One stood
a on

day
the

had

taken

the

plaids
the the

on

boards

and

jetty contemplating
out
was

yacht
breeze she of

carrying
blew
cut out

whole sails.

party
It the

to

sea,
a

when

her

rather but

pretty
black

sight, paint
that

wdl hull

through
though
a

water,
out
was

the

the

picked

by

ydlow
of
a

circle

looked

like
Her

golden shape

girdle,
was never

not

pleasant
master.

aspect.

flat

liked

by

my

64
Our
were

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

stay
over,

at

the

Cape
beautiful

was

coming evenings
like with under threw effect
so

to

an

end.

They

those roads

when

I wandered white ribbons

about

the

running
covered

many

through forming large

across

meadows
a

sweet-smelling
the

thyme,
The

brilliant of the

carpet
ohve-trees double the

moonlight.
fantastic

trunks the and called

shadows of
at to

road,
those
"

the of la

of

the

rays

the the take

moon

lighthouse,
caused

standing
them

point
curious One He

Garousse,"

distorted

shapes.
my told
master
me came

evening

in hired

late
a

for chalet the

dinner.
posed com-

immediately
of
two

he
one

had

pavilions^

facing south,

other

north.
"

Thus,"
time go
;

said Madame

he,

"

the

house live I

can

be

inhabited and

at
we

any
can

will

there It

entirely,
is the
a

there there

whenever is road la
a a

like.

very house
on

pretty
stands
a

abode,
close hiU We Gervex
to

splendid
from Antibes

view,
to

the
"

Cannes,

little

caUed

Badine." few finish

stayed
should
to

days
my

longer
master's

at

Antibes,

so

as

M.
we

portrait,

then

returned

Paris. the is and seated

Paris,
the weather

March

Sth, rue
the

Montchanin. is

"

It the

is

cold,

dull,
warm.

stove

lighted,
takes

ment apartbath,
little

is nice and

My
the with

master

his
on a

Piroh,

next

Jewish
her him eyes

lamp,
all my she

Gothic

stand,

follows
at

master's can't

motions,
at

provoked
for her usual

seeing
game is of

where

get

him M. de

play.
the first

Maupassant

correcting

proofs

of

66 all he pay M. the de had

GUY obtained

DE from

MAUPASSANT the
court

was

an

order

to

costs.

Maupassant
into
his

has
;

at

last

turned

the from

servatory con-

study

the tires
to

light coming
his eyes much of.

the

illuminated there
are no

ceiling above
street

less, and
The Louis is laden
can see

noises with

speak

Seize
with the S"urs

table

(decorated
and tales On be

brass

ornaments)
one

manuscripts
titles of
two

writing-paper;
:

Mademoiselle first page of of

a

Perle novel

and
not

Les

Rondoli.
can

the
a

yet

baptized spelt,
at

read in
same

series Gothic

names,

differently
He
two

and

written
at

large

letters.
the

worked

all these for

the

time,

besides

weekly

articles One work

"

newspapers. I ventured
on

day
carried

to
once

tell my
must

master

that

so

much

at

tire
am

his

brain.

No I

indeed,"
am

said of

he,
one

''

in such I take
to

good
another

training
up
as

When
a

tired

thing
henceforth is my

rest.

Still, I intend
bore
me.

suppress

politics,
will be

which kind I'll go

Here
to

last the

article, you
this

enough
there
must
to

take

it to

Figaro
so

afternoon. may know I

one

of these

days^
any

that of

they
those

they
used

not

expect

more

articles

give

them." said
:
"

My day
"'

master

to

me

the

morning

after

splendid

in

May

Yesterday
in the is not it is but
a

I Pare in real

called Monceau the

museum.

on

Count is
a

Cemuschi

his The

house interior

beautiful
an

place.

least

like

ordinary
is
some

dwelling-

house, china,

There ciuious

interesting

what

is most

is his

drawing-room.

A about

WALK feet

IN

THE and of mounted then

a

PARC of

MONCEAU

67
It
tains con-

35
a

high,

course

very

large.

collection Buddha feet

most
a

superb

Japanese
a

bronzes,
the whole Kioto
;

Mejouro
about
22

under

dais,

high,

perfume-biuner representing Japanese

a

from

another,
has
most

artistic, and
and
a

dragon
both

he

also

Chinese

war-god,

with

comical odd faces articles

accoutrements

(without beards).
value. take He

mentioning
certainly
I left

their

with of I

pointed
the

possesses M. de

greatest
to

When the

Cemuschi
;
or

intended chosen

Friedland

Avenue

I else

might
that way,

have of the but the

the

central
on

alley

in the
was

park,
my the de there

nursemaids
not

the

left, it
I went

shortest

I do

know

why,
the

to

right, choosing
Courcelles.
are

path by

following
the
swans.

Boulevard
where wards aftera

passed

duck-pond Shortly
alone her

two

miserable
a

white

I book
went

observed seemed few the but

lady
to

seated

reading

which
on a

absorb
sat

completely.
for
an

steps
grace of

and the

down who
went

instant
to

admiring nothing
sun.

lady
I

attended
to

her
on a

book. bench wife face and the

me was

Then
near

sit
a

in

the

There,
;

mine,

saw

couple,
husband

middle-aged
was

the

was

crocheting,
red
;

the
a

asleep,
to

his

evidently
digestion.

case

of
so

blood

the

head

bad
sun

felt

comfortable branches fresh

there;

stealing
the eyes
;

through
the

the

just
gre^a into

struck soothed leaf of

on

legs,
I

beautiful the
a

my above my

heard

tree

btirsting
similar
on

head,

making
when

clatter fall

to

that

large

rain-drops

they

green

leaves.

68
"

GUY That

DE

MAUPASSANT

I park is a delicious spot at this seasoD. time there, I was dreaming spent a most agreeable those oriental if influ^iced sweet as just t^ away from the Gods and send you perfumes which come I was taken fantasies. into most extraordinary from my dreams by the noise made by three gardeners who were shrub, a musaceum. a superb comingto plant the operation I enjoyed bdng present at ; the careful m handlingthe plant, most were gardeners they touched it most gently; when it was in its men speciplaceI got up to admire it. It was a lovely with the quiet ! I left the park,still charmed
...

rest I had

foimd

there,and with
beautiful

the

satisfaction I

felt while It is
master his

admiringthat
that
1 It
a

exactlywhere this
was,

plant." plant which so pleased my

has

monument

been
to

erected to Musset's

memory

is the

companion

willow I

CHAPTER

OCTOBER

1886-MAY

1887

At

the

Alp
^Ren"

chalet
"

^The and

frame

of

new

novel

"

Picturesqne
and

walks able fashionPiroli

"

"

Maizeroy
^An
"

Anr"lien The Paris

"

SchoU
"

Princely
falls
to

visits is

earthquake"
return to

house A candid

pieces

delighted

to

marquise.

ANTIBES,
master

the

Alp

Chdkt,
to

October and fro

to

znd."Vy
in his he for

is

walking
floor,
window

study
goes this

on

the

second

ought

say

from circular is
to

one

to

another,

room

pierced
look
out

by

five

openings.
space On the stretches the hills

Whichever
before side

you you you

choose fiuther first and

from,
can see.

than behold

you the of All

northern covered

tops

of

with

pines
to

groups

houses^
these effect

while

farm
are

villages painted

ding pink
and

their

slopes.
;

dwellings
is both

and

white

the

picturesque

charming.
Then the chain of the the

Alps

spreads

out

to

the

frontier;
the
a

Italy,
of the

Nice,

Promenade des

des

Anglais,
visible
;

whole

splendid
the the Gulf

Golfe

Anges railway.

are

black is

line
a

edges
in

it is the of
star

Nearer,
from and the the

there

fort

shape
its
two

starting
towers the

sea;

Antibes of

with Vauban
near

square

ramparts

the which

slopes,
a

man"uvringof dark green

ground

so

grey,

square

70

GUY
out.

DE is and

MAUPASSANT the Antibes in

spreads by
small that been lulled tall

This

cemetery
the A
waters

shaded of the in

cypresses,

mirrored
the which that

cove

surroimding
dose
to

harbour. is
so

gravejrard
seems

bay,

the in

sea

blue,

to

have be

placed by
the

there
waves.

order

the

departed

may

Through
the The eye that he that charm

the with

windows its
enormous

towards
mass

the of of this of
a

north

there verdure.

is

Cape
Golfe towards my
sets

silvery
Lerins

Juan
the

and

the

Islands It the is in

strike

the
scene

right.
is

matchless novel
on

master
a

la3nng

plan
those

which

great

value.

May
those the
to

marvellous
beauties

sites,
that

splendid
the in the I

panorama, and he when touch is about with that

natural

sight
work

heart,
conceive I had

help
!

and Such

inspire
is the
at

him
wish

formed

him

gazed
us,

the

magnificent
us

country

surroimded

and

placed
for

in

marvellous who heat

surroundings,
a

siirely designed
! the crowded the I

those The the

stars

required
is
are

restful very

retreat

still

great
;

during sky
that
us,

day,

but

evenings
is

delicious dear. be
to
so

the

with

splendidly
should

I far behold every

regret
from this

"tretat
think he

astronomer

for

would vault

be which is

delighted
we

diamond-studded

admire

evening.
crickets the and

Piroli

here,
to
a

hunting
dead

after

coming

occasionally
which
When the
are so

point
that

before

glow-worms,
her.
to

numerous

they frighten
comes,
we are

the

time which make

to

sleep
is
so

loth

leave
are so

garden, they

enjoyable
think of

the

nights

mild

you

the

earthly

paradise

72 my master
came

GUY

DE home
to

MAUPASSANT

comes

delighted
a

with
at

his the

sail.

M. also

Ifaizeroy
M. Aur"lien November.

spend
for
a

few

da]^

house,

Scholl,
"

longer time.
leaves the
us once a

^My hours,
the

master

week

for
at

twenty-four
noon.

from

Thursday
of this

till

Friday
he

With time of in the Thus be

exception
or on

outing,
The
seen

spends

his
mast

his

study
Bel-Ami

his

yacht.
be

top of the
from
the

can

easily
that when the

study.
it the will the wiU

it is settled is
to

Bernard
at

thinks nine
master
a

fine, he
so

haul

flag up
eleven
can

in

morning,
know afternoon.

that
or

before
not

my for

whether

he

go

sail

in

My
for
an

master

has
on

often his

invited

his

mother
now

to

come

excursion but Madame

boat,

which with

behaves

very she

well,

declines which says is

so
"

thanks,
for pay
;
are

saying
health.

prefers walking,
"

good
I will Pin"de If you

her
a

Presently,"
at

she,
of La

visit

to

Mme.

King,
on

the end

ch"teau of the

then

I shall

push
about of the

to

the

Cape.
see

anywhere
accoimt

in

that of

direction the

I shall

you

on

shape
a

sails, I

could

pick

your

boat

out

amid

hundred."

My
the view

master

has
now

given
stajnng
from any

several
at

luncheon
and is

parties
all say

to

Princes of the

Cannes, place

the
more

Alps
from him

this

infinitely
of the

beautiful which
them

than

other He

point

coast,
thanks
to

pleases profusely,
ladies
is not
;
so

greatly.
many
so

therefore

with much
a

polite speeches
I ask far.

the

great
if he

that
too

myself
Those

sometimes who know

going

little

FASHIONABLE
him
as

LADIES do detect beneath

73

well

as

can

occasionally
his

slight irony scarcely

concealed

ments. compli-

The unlike

day

after

these when

luncheons,
with Here ladies but
cream.

M.

de
to

Maupassant,
become
ceedingly ex-

himself

us,
are

used
some

talkative.
"

of

his
me

remarks
;
a

These
some

fashionable

don't it is wit

please
set

they

have like their

a

wit, true,
with
the

in

mould,
from
same

rice-pudding
education
at

Their

wit

comes

Sacr" of the

C"ur,
same

always
words.

the

sentences,
the rice. them

composed
Then all

That's has And You nished fur-

the

small-talk the dish I

society
cream

with.

That's
same

I you.

they
know
to eat

continually
how fond I

put
am

the of

before

rice, still

absolutely decline

it every
"

day."
compare
women

I cannot

of

the
set.

world These

to

artistic

women

Uving
because does
to

in
all
not

an

intellectual

delight
Their
can

you, chatter talk

they

say

is

unexpected.
short;

suddenly

stop

they

you

about

picture-galleries, theatres, music,

it such One
a

mountains,
bewitches all
on

towns; you
to

is

all

said that

in
one

way

that loses

degree

often

idea
the

of

time.

would the

willingly

remain of

resting being

cushions
off my
to

of

divan,
."
. .

dreaming

carried When he

""ryland.
master had the

done

descanting
on

on

the table

ladies,
were

praised

the

way

flowers

the

arranged.
"

Where

do

you

find

them

all ?

don't

see

any

about."

74 I
a

GUY

DE if

MAUPASSANT
after

replied
to
were

that found.

sought

carefully^

there

were

few We

be

nearing

the in

anniversary feunily.
had

of The

Sainte winter vanished the

Colette, hardly
before

always
exists the This
on

celebrated this of

the it which said

coast,

already
had

advent sunny

spring, r^on,

beautified the

garden.
in the

to to

be

loveliest its the

world,
This house

desired

apparently
at

maintain

reputation.
bells in the

morning,
rang

half-past five, all

the
to

furiously,all
chalet

wood-work twist

of the
a

northern

part

of the
as

began
was

itself with down. the

frightful

noise,
I

if the
out

house of

coming
and

sprang

bed,

reached
was

staircase Then

without I heard of

understanding
my master
"

what

happening.
the
out

shouting Hurry
!

with

whole ! it's
an

strength
quake earth-

his

lungs
!
"

hurry
was

But
us

the

first shock haste

to

already
said the We my

over.

"

Let go
to

make into in

dress,"
for

master,

"

and
sure

down
come

the
a

garden,

counter-stroke reached the

on

is

few

minutes."

garden,
the had and
"

M.

de

Maupassant
neither Then

stamped
Madame
came

impatiently
nor

ground,
run

because

her

maid

downstairs. last Madame my dear

the

second

stroke,

at

appeared. boy,"
think I can't
me

Now, thing

said of

she,

"

when but you

not

this of

kind me, any

of I

happens,
you, for leaves
went

yourself,
and

pray

hurry,

know

earthquake
We then consists

perfectly
the

indiff"rent."

into

gardener's My

dwelling,
master

which

only
it
more

of the

ground-floor. expecting
other

thought
I kindled

prudent,

shocks.

AN the

EARTHQUAKE
breakfast. still When
to
our

75 maid milkand

fire,

and

prepared
she
was

appeared,
sobbed
*'

frightened

death,

out

Yes,
I

was

climbing
my balance

the

Badine and
was

hill, when
about
to

denly sudfall

lost
;

backwards But been my

instinctively
which

threw
on

myself
my off/* I
"

forward.

milk-pans,
down,
tears

I carried
a

head,
Here

had she you of

thrown the milk

quite
her

long
eyes.

way
"

wiped
any
that

from

can't
on

give
account

this

morning,"

added

she,

horrid

earthquake."
the
tea
we

After
to

drinking

returned
were

courageously
visible
the doors
we

the

chalet, though
We decided

large
on

cracks

where. everyopen, felt the

leaving
out
our

all

so

as

to

be

ready

to

go

the feet.
was

instant

slightest
About shower-bath.
we were

movement

imder my There
master
was

eight

ready
violent

to

take

his but

another

shock,
accustomed
we

not sort

disturbed,
of few in

being
On the

already whole,
in the villa
;

to

that

surprise. things
the and
was
were

had house.

not

suffered, and
was

broken

It

not

so

neighbouring
caused hurt. in about the afternoon the been awful
a

the of

ceilings damage.

had

fallen
no

down,
one

good

deal

Happily, My

master

went

to

the

telegraph
at

office, and
A

heard of the

disaster
at
one

Nice. ticularly parhad

good

deal
in

harm old few

us

had

done

Antibes,
person

streets, but
were

only

been

killed, and
master

wounded.
the

My
to

told

in

evening, that, according

the Nice

the

indications

given

by

observatory^

76
one
ones.

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

might
This

expect
was

more

shocks,
great
she

but

not

such
to

violent
to

not

inducement
was on no

go

bed
to

! be

Madame

declared
as

that

account
come

disturbed,
for A the week

she

certainly
!

would

not

stairs down-

any
went

earthquakes by, during

that
master

which

we

heard in he had of
more.

about

all
one

misfortunes when my

had
was

happened
at

Italy;
called
at

day,

Nice, they

the

Meteorological
seventeen

office,
since told home
at

where the there he

sent

registered
the quake, earth-

shocks and

first would for This the

day
be M.
man

I^e
came

was

When
a

he

Mary,

who

was

master-builder
and said

Antibes. be the

examined of

the

house,
to
were

it would in

height

imprudence
as

continue

living
cracks floors

two-storied from the

part,
ceUars from
on

there
to

long

extending
were now

the

garrets, the
and felt like

separated
as

the

walls,

spring-boards
was

you

walked
to

them. his

My
he

master

thus in where mattress about

obliged
a

leave covered
to
on

study; glass,
I of

established above weeks which open up eyes. is the

on

himself
hall
a

gallery
he used

with

just
for

fence. the floor

;

slept
this door

six

placed
fifteen

lobby,
remained

was

yards long
all

the I

night
a

and
so

day
as

this

time,
should

had
not

only hung
strike my

blind

the

night air

Custom who
as

everything
bolted open

;
even

we

had

no

fear

; my
now

master,

generally
it
were

his

room

door,
the
to

slept
of the

in

the

air, none
all gave

of
on

outlets the

house

were

closed, they night

and

high road,
sent out

pervaded

day

by

all

the

rascals

AN of and
was

EARTHQUAKE
coast, and
confess
it is true four know without my times him

77

Italy

towards

the

inarching
that that in
not

on
one

to

Toulon of them
same

Marseilles.
even

I must
to
us

rude
came

when the
same

the

tramp
made another

begging
did
on

day,
bestowed remark. I would could
see

as

if I mite

not

again, making
master

and any and

one

him,
the of
row

Sometimes walk Nice des the make

to

in end

evening
the

the
the

garden,
of gas

whence
on

and

long
;

lamps

the

Promenade returned it
so as

Anglais

the
;

conversation my and
master

always
described
me

to to

earthquake
me

shudder,

frightened

to

death

for

the

whole
One

ni^t. evening
the
;
we

remarked
were

that much

on

the
more

Antibes
numerous

fortifications
than
out
were

watch-fires about had down

two to

before

hundred

families

camped
which

there, having

quit

their

dwellings
shocks.
;

tumbling
went
one

after
to

all
see

these them

My
most

master

evening
those and

he

was

generous It
was a

towards

who

were

really sight;
on

in

want. here
straw
a

melancholy
her four

miserable

mother
mattresses

and

children
Next
to

slept
them the

two

joined together.
from the

lay
;

whole
and
on

family
there,
wooden the I
on

grandmother night
It
was

babies

here

stoves, posts.
was

lights, Jewish
a

lamps sight,

hung
but

lugubrious

luckily

weather
am

not

cold.
master

surprised
this

my

did
pen

not

write have had the

an

article

aU
so

wretchedness,
He he

his would

would have

described
to tran-

it

graphically.
the account

only
his mother

gave

next

day.

78
The but above To in and do Each the the End

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT Our house and is still

of March.

"

standing;

cracks the door

our

get broader
and windows.

broader^

particulaiiy

forget
field

trials^I
the fun

sometimes

go We

and
are

pick
often

violets fifteen

with

neighbours.
cracks
as

it is great
not

; everyone

his is
two
no

jokes
time rows,

; but to

we

linger by
of
us

the his the

way, basket first to

there his

lose. his

has

and finish
as

and

pride
often imitate

is in

being

the if

job.
he would

My

master

passes
us.
.

by,
. .

and

looks

like

to

Everything
arbutus any At stood orders When warmed. is

is

blossoming
covered

in with

the its

garden,

small
as

already

ripe fruit, red

strawberry.
the end of

April

we

left the

chalet,
master
us.

where has

we

had his

seventy-two
;

shocks. will the

My
succeed

given

the
we

masons

reached Piroli

flat,we
her

found

it

comfortably
She and is the

recognizes
to

dwelling. blind,
She the
at

particularly happy
bearskin with
to

find

her

beaded
scent.

its

peculiar
she
to

is the

always
wrong
a

trjdng
way,

examine her

it ;
nose

scratches it and

fur

applies

sniffs

it for what She habits. appears

long
kind
seems

time, probably
of beast this

with
enormous

the

hope

of

finding
can

out

animal up all

be. old he

satisfied,and
not

has with does above leave

one

taken my
not

her

It

is

the

same

master;
conceal it
;

tired
many

already people, They

He

and and
not

he many

sees

too

all, receives
him alone.

too

invitations.

will
was

out

afternoon

when

small

yellow

CHAPTER

VI

MAY-JUNE

1887

Chaton
"

Exotic
at

decoration
"

^Mme.

O truths instinct

's and

frogs

^The
"

Countesses feminine

dinner
"

Some PiroH's
"

painful
maternal

agreeable
Pleasant
"

philosophy
a

ending
I boatmen I
"

to

tragedy unlucky

"

Unexpected
illness
"

camping
^The millionaire's

out
"

^Ahoy

An

proposition.

MY
said be shaU We
turret

master

told flat of the will for

at

me

he

had between

heard the

of
two

pretty
arms
"

Chatou
close

Seine, spend

to

the weeks I

bridge.
there,"
I shall also out."
sort

We

six

he,
less be

"

before

starting by

"tretat.
than I
am

hope
here
;

persecuted
able
to
move

people
about and

stretch later.

my In

arms

reached behind

the

flat the

three

days

of

drawing-room
as
a

there

is

tiny

place
' '

that I shall
out

can

do

duty
says my

study.
"

work,"
on

master,
water.

in

that

room, I
to

which shall

looks
to

the and which

running bring
are

To-morrow is wanted and ." make

go those

Paris

back
too

what bare !.. with of

decorate
the

walls,
and

place

gay

bright morning
to

you'll
he

see

Next nail

returned walls with hands

cases, little

and

began
Chinese

to

on

the

angular figures
other's

the

room

and

Japanese
each

parasols,
and

Hottentot

women

holding

making

grimaces.

EXOTIC There and them their also of the fish

DECORATION with

8i

were

strange
thread.

heads,
He

silver
to

eyes,

moustaches
on

golden

tried

glue
with

to

wall, occasionally
up, way.
or

upside
so

down,
as

tails
was

sticking
the best

horizontally,
Then he
as

to
a

judge

which
up,
one

blocked
as

window

the

shutters

were

closed

well

the

curtains,
Even
so

window of this the

as

being
second

sufficient window and

sun

to
was

give light. pulled

the
as

blind
to

down

soften

light May
rather

the

brilliant shone I asked

reflection

of

the It if

water,
was

the

already
when

powerfully.
my
master

getting
prepare this

late,

I could AU

lunch. took my
;
us

decoration
was

several
sat

days.
down
came

When before from

everything
his the the table and

finished tried
to

master

write
not

but

the it ;
we

light
had

side, and writing

One

he

could

stand
to

to

bring

all

materials
as

back I
came

the

drawing-room
foimd

table.
at

morning,

in, I

him

the

window.
"

Now,"
how mud
;

he

said,

"

look

at

the when of
a

bank the

on

the

other is low !

side,
That rushes It Look is

melancholy gives
and those
are

it looks

water

it the

aspect
white

frog-pond
are

without

dirty
but like
me a

houses

really ugly.
. . .

true

they
I

fishermen's
to

dwellings.
with and
one

here,
to

should

settle

of

those

fishermen I'll pay It

was

procure
ten

hundred

fifty live frogs.

him
soon

francs." done
;

next

morning
were

the

fisherman
a

brought
and
master ten.

the As

frogs,
soon

but
as

there the
man

only
had

hundred my

departed,

called

me.

MADAME

me

tins

31

own

hadi^

pn

cootealsl*
"Ak! "kr Ait kr
wns

kmdl^
she

I txsdtD

boid

.1

Ji

mastef^s
tbe
seast

oyco

of tfae

Batlcadd

T
b.

sbe

"i

a.

soit

?QKe.

thoeinsiia

-WdL'
poor ficde
qdbe

"*

"Tes,
die

ladanL

legs

tf

"g

ii:

i"r

^id.

84
you
to

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT tell of
to
;

go have poor be

downstairs,
the horses

Fran"ois,

one

the I

footmen vnjl carry

immediately
to

put
de

the
must

little

frogs

the

Bois

Boulogne,

they

awfully
I

thirsty."
home
to

When defeat
;

got
wanted

informed
all the

my

master

of

my

he

hear

details, and

laughed

heartily.
"

I knew but
one

how

it would

all how

end
to
save

I knew their
me

she lives he !

would
"

have One

thought
my
on

evening
a

master

informed
the and. said will

would

give
"

dinner-party
shall ladies be fail

June
at

We the

twelve
me;

table,"
there

he,

"

if be

none

of

and

only

three

men." He
"

paused.
Yes,
I have invited is that them Z nine

ladies,"
are

added

he

"

what

is most and he

amusing
coimted Madame
a

they
on

nearly

all countesses,"
"

his and

fingers
little All

Quite
each ladies

so

excepting
them bears
amuse

Nina,
these

of will

countess's my titles friend with

coronet.

much
them make

L
,

who,

while

giving
will go

their fun the

at

tremendous

emphasis,
he won't

their

expense. of

Still, I hope
taste."
sat

beyond
As asked
soon

limits
as

good
had what
as

people
ladies

down had

to

table, M.
done with the spouse the

L their

these and
to

they
was

husbands,
he how he said
was

just
tell

if he of

repeating
where and her about haimts.

Litany,
was,

began

each

them

occupied, enjoying by
this

his in

thoughts,
his M.

delight

favorite L

Everj^hing
so

terrible

seemed

true

that

86
"

GUY So
"

DE

MAUPASSANT
are
so

that

is my
was

why
master.

you

miserable,

my

little

pet !

said
he and basket

While away, in the

"

comforting

her

I took returned of her

"

the
to

little
her

body

Piroli with said

immediatdy
the my

place

remainder master,

offspring.
is the

Really/'
she I

speech

only

thing
Then
three the

lacks." told how of the him

to

that go

had

taught

her and

in

two

or

days
banks and
to

down

morning
she

evening

to

Seine,

where

found

refreshing
which she

herbs loved
One
to
"

sometimes
eat.
. . .

the

grasshoppers,

day,
:

after

breakfast,

M.

de

Maupassant

said

me

am

going
to
see

to
me,

take say

ttun

in gone

the
to

island
Paris."

should

people
M.
"

ask

am

L Is your

came

towards
at

three.
? waUc
"

master

home
a

"

No,

sir; he
I with is in

is

taking
just

in

the

island."
and
not

"Well,
travelled
me.

have

come

from
who

Paris,
does state;

have
know several and is the
no

Madame
a

She she
of

frightfully excited
revolver is M. de
out

times

drew
her

of

her

pocket,
There
to

object
doubt
master

anger her
warn

Maupassant.
; I
am

about and do your less

intentions him.
to
a

going
wait
to

find
the
to

3^ur

Do

you

for

lady,
Paris."
person

and In

best than

persuade
quarter

her
of
an

return

hour

this

appeared. "Fran"ois," Maupassant

at

says home

she,
?
"

very

calmly,

"is

M.

de

A
"

PLEASANT

ENDING
;

TO
master

TRAGEDY

87

No,

Madame

my

is in

Paris."
"I

"No,
to
. .

no,"
."

she

exclaimed

loudly.

intend

She backward have

on

stopped
when

suddenly,
I seized

turned her

pale,
in
my
a

and
anns

was

swaying
(she might

hurt
to
was

herself
cane
on

considerably by
sofa her in back cold I up
not

fall)
.

I carried As
soon

her
as

the

the

dining-room.
her

she her of them

come

flat

I rubbed
water

hands,
;

bathed
was

temples
no

with
Then

and the

vinegSLt

it

all

use.

took her
seem

salts

bottles,

thrusting
did
was

occasionally
to ;

nostrils.
to

Still, she
;

not
so

she
to

did ask

breathe
was

she

pale
I
so

began

myself
;

if she I I

not

dead. window
to

got
to

really frightened
get
some

threw
was

the about

open
out
cases

as

air, and
I

cry

for it I
to

assistance, when
is
came

remembered
a

that

in these

advisable back head she

to

to

loosen

fainting
her smell

woman's then

dress.

her, and
and make
to

imdid
her

bodice,
the
at

tried

lift her At then

salts. very if
to

last
more

began

breathe,

first
as

slightly,
she
were

deeply;

her

Ups
as

moved if about
to

thirsty,

her

eyelids quivered
the

open,

and,

slowly inhaling
When she
was

salts, she
better she

came

herself.
two

took

my

hands

and

wept
"

profusely.
Fran"ois,"
M. de
see

said

she,

between
me
see

her
him
see

sobs,
or

"

let

me

see

Maupassant
him
him
no

; let

I shall 1
...

die.
I

I must

; I

tell you

I must
me,

him I

shall
but I

do let
me

harm,
. .

believe
." she

promise

see

him her
as

cried

again. promising
to

quieted

well

as

I could,

go

88

GUY

DE search
no one

MAUPASSANT
for my had
seen

and immediately but downstaiis,

master.

...

I went
was

him.

return-

ing to
my
"

I heard the door open ; it was when lady, master coming home. I know," he said directly, I am coming to the
"

settle all that." He

matter.
was as

calm

as

if this

was

an quite

everyday
the

In

the

evening my
he

master,

accompanied by

came lady,
"

to the kitchen door.

as if nothing of quitecoolly, all is settled now." liappened ; the very good friends,"added
"

said Fran"ois," had importance

any
"

Yes,

we

are

now

lady.
On he had him He
"

Hay
on

the

15th M. de Maupassant infonned

some

me

invited
the

friends of his

youth to
a

dine with

following Tuesday. I was to cook cm me impressed

will

good dimier.

You

put

the wine
be
even

on

the

it out. married
tfie

There

will

young

table,I will pomand old, bachdois,

friends will

and people,

unmarried
all these

guests.
so as a

Of

course,

couples, among bring

their better halves ;

we

they
have

will be here in the afternoon,

a

may cakes

Mind boating-party.

you

have

few

to offer them

before

we

start

for the river."

Then hand
"

my

master

threw

back

his

his head, passing

throughhis
I wonder
"

hair. trick I
can

what

find to

play on them,"
than
miss

id he.

Oh,

know,

I will make
. .

the

that miU it train,

be fun !

."

UNEXPECTED
On the
was

CAMPING
everyone merry;
so

OUT The all

89
party dinnerremained

Tuesday

came.

exceedingly
;

they
many
came

long
to

at

table about

there after took

;

were

old

recollections
the

talk

cofiee up
some

there

liqueurs,
It
was a

the

cigars

which

time.
...

beautiful
"

evening

my

master
"

sought
am

me

out.

Fran"ois,"
the late

said

he,

taking
so as

all
to

my
come

guests
home
must

into
too

island.
to

I shall the
at
a

manage train
;

catch clocks

last

anyhow,

you

stop

all the

quarter

past eleven."
came

Towards But for

on

midnight
were
was

they
when

all

home
saw

singing.
last train
went

they
Paris

stupefied
gone but !
some

they

the

Some of So
as

laughed
the
to

heartily, and began

to

singing,

ladies

scold pagne cham-

most

ruefully.
was

...

quiet everybody, they

be reckoned

served,
of
on

and

then would

up

the

number
are

beds the

that

wanted. each and

Mattresses

laid

ground,
up very

they
their

help

other,

even

the

grumblers
It
was

make all fun.

minds,

jollityreigns
with much

again.
amusement

quickly

done,

and noise the made

The
out

Piroli

quite study,
see

anxious;
which she

she

came

of

little

Japanese
so as

inhabited
row

vdth
mean.

her

kittens,

to

what in his

all this
arms

could comfort satisfied

My
everyone

master

took

her

to

her;
she

began delight
of she the
was

coaxing
;

her;
in

quite

purred Just
then

with
one

all vied
came

flattering her.
to

ladies alone. the

not
same

say

she told and

could her that Then

only sleep
that for he
once
was

when

My

master

exactly they
would

in

condition, try
to

even

sleep.

90
more

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

champagne
draw

was

served,

and

master

proposed

to

lots idea

for

the

sleeping accommodation. general laughter.

my

This
"

excited

If you will

like/' said
have all the

master,
open,

to
so

pacify
as

his guests,
air may

*'

we

doors

the

circulate From

fredy/'
the in

dining-room
thousands

window of

one

coidd
were

see

the

Seine,
one

which have of the

stars
were

reflected;
fish the
to
on

might
surface all the

thought
water.

they
At

silvered
I turned
went

the
on

last and

key

bivouacking
and Those coffee whom back do but

sleepers,
were

bed.

Chocolate before
to

ready
their

the

next

morning
recalled
ones

six.

occupations
; the

Paris, hurried

to to

town

lucky

who

had
for

nothing
lunch
at

to

enjoy

existence,

remained

eleven.
as

In back his
"

the

afternoon,
its
and
see,

was

putting
came

spring-mattress
to me,

into

place,

my

master

rubbing

hands,
You and

caressing
Fran"ois,
great
was

Piroli. well
;

all went I
"

I had

told

you

so,

it

was

fun

Then
"

there

another announced

series M. and in of for will she

of de

guests.

Next have
; I

week,"
a

Maupassant,
my
. . .

"

I
to

shall

boating-party
let you
know
two

keep
time.

friends Woidd away, See

dinner
not

will

it
three how of her

be

better
must

tb
be

take

the

kittens

really
thin three mother

too

much
we

Piroli.
.

she

is 1

Here,

keep
will

that be
as

little

thing
as

colours.
;
we

I think will

pretty

caU
to

her

Pussy."

Then

returning

the

drawing-room,

he

began

to

AHOY

I BOATMEN! with

91

whistle,
I of

rare

occurreDce

him,
times.
the

for

in It

ten

years

only
the
"

heard

him

whistle
and

three
I take my

is the

day

boating
am
*'

party,

orders.

very

fit/' says
is

master,
it is but in for

showing
natural,

me

his

arms,

there
much
sort

strength there,
and gone

I have

done

so

rowing
! And

physical
not

exercises
;

of every

yet my small,
and when

hands but I

have that hold

devdoped
not

they
my

have

remained

does
a

prevent
I hold it

being strong,

thing

firmly.
''

And and with them

; but

with
bear all what

this up those I

chest

of

mine,

I
;

can

both

breathe is not the

to

f redy
case

against fatigue fancy-boatmen.

can

which I
am

ready
up

show
me

do, if they will stand

it.
. . .

against
the very
me a

I rather my

doubt

You
at
seven

will
;

bring
it be

water

for for

shower-bath I shall it be

let

cold,

certainly
but let

be

very

hot.
;

Give
two

light lunch,
eggs, and
a

strengthening
beans,

boiled

grilled steak,
hot tea."

French

Gruy"re

cheese,

very

Just

before

limch,

my

master

went

to

see

Alphonse Everything

Fournaise,
was

great
the four

Admiral boats
;
on

of
one

Chatou

1 Le

ready,
;

line

Ban

Cosaque

Monsieur Towards
wore
was

Madame

and

Be^Ami.
went

two,
new:

my

master

off,
and

everything

he

white white his

jersey

knickerbockers,
cap. As he
was

and

magnificent
out

yachting
hands. tallow

going
"

he

rubbed
some

have

first-rate

just now,"

said

he

gaily.
It
was

more

than

six

when

he

came

in ;

his

face

92
was

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT with violet

distorted,
me.

pale,

patches

the

sight

terrified
"

Quick,

Fran"ois,"

said

he,

"

my

shower-bath

immediately."
I

helped
had

him
a

to

take hue.

off

jersey

and

breeches he with took

a

his his

body

livid and I

Nevertheless,
to

shower-bath,

began

rub A

him

hair horse-

glove
asked
so me

and if the
at

eau-de-Cologne.
dinner

minute

after, he
I that
was

might
him
:

not

be such

burning.
a

wretched
not

seeing

in

state

could
"

help exclaiming
in !
"

Once

way,

let

the

dinner

be

burnt,

what

does

it matter He could
to

continued
not
me

the the

friction usual the

for

long
Then

time,
he

but

he

obtain about
;

reaction.

wanted
voice able
to

tell

boating-party,
his

but

his

failed

him

he

chopped

words,

not

being

pronounce

them.
not

Though
he dull
"

silent

at

dinner,
on

he

was

not

cheerful
seemed

did
;

not

feel

well,
told
me

and

the the left

a

following day boating

me

he still,

about

party.
most
man

My
I

guests,"
showed in M. in
...

said them

he,
what

"

the

to

do,
can

but

weU-trained finished up with

two

accomplish
from M. M the

that X

line.

We
on

by returning
a

Marly,

...

}rawl
with
up

lady,
;

and

the

small
;

boat I went three !

ladies

they
water

chose in the
to

dead-water

the
on

running board,
fat Grand

Bon^Cosaque
shore
me

with

ladies All of

and fellows Turk's

got
make harem.

before
of the

them

those the

think ."
. .

keepers

94

GUY

DE His

MAUPASSANT toilet
was

provoked him.
and he usual,
"

finished

sooner

than

sat down

to his lunch.
"

What

do

you

think,Fran"ois?
has offered he
me

he

exclaimed.

"

rich American

steam

yacht I
me,

beauty they say, but

he must have I known
was

is mistaken

about

and

that he was, for I

way straightwhen
or

refused I but what

made
me

towards polite

his messenger,
he
was

could the millionaire think of me,

this proposal?
?
"

Was

he

dreaming
gets
"

he drunk End

of Jtme. My
"

master

feels he

no

better, place

and resolves to start for

"

"tretat.
said he, here," of the Seine is this
never

It is too
the

damp for
two
arms

me

between

dry 1
I
can

But

I love

boating,I
the
a

love

the

water, wherever
not

find it 1
we

it does Unfortunately,

suit my
I

health ; think
has

will start
must
so

day after
second basket

to-morrow.. for

you

buy
much

Pussy ;

she

grown Then don't

that

I fear she will disturb her mother. all my

you

will take

belongingsoff
:

the little bureau forget

make

waits, case special

the to

for all those

things;
of
use

we

shall take them

me

"tretat,

they
take

will be

to

there. out

Now
my

I will tell

Alphonse Fournaise
care

to

make

account, and

of my

boats."

CHAPTER

VII

JULY-AUGUST

1887

We

return in his

to

"tretat
"

Guy

de

Maupassant
to

studies ^The
"

astronomy

kitchen
"

Is Seize of

reconciled charms it I
"

spinach
"

fugitive
...

toises tor-

^Marie
"

tortoises ^The Harla

"

^The ^Black
et

revenge shadows

let

us

always

think of Avenue the

pass
in

"

Influence Ash-tree

Invisible ^Madame
"

"

Pierre Pasca
"

Jean
of

composed
Piroti.

the

Death

JULY
One

1887.

^Here
"

we

are

back

at

"tretat.
in the

morning
a

my celestial

master

hangs

up and

kitchen
it

planisphere^
me a

moving
of the

about^
names

he the

gives

description
and

heavens^
the
"

principal
satellites.

stars^

distinguishes

planets
You

from

the said
went

see,"
I

he,
once

"

can

find
Camille

my

way

about,

and
to

yet
his

only

with

Flammarion and how

observatory.
! His

What scientific 1
"

delightful

man, is

cultivated and I

knowledge

very

deep

so

interesting
told

then

him

"tretat

also

possessed
M.

most

tinguished dis-

astronomer,
"

naming replied
a

Louis.

That him L
. .

is

quite
since I Will

true,"
was

my I used

master,
to meet

"

have
at

known M.

child,
ask him

him

.'s. here refuse." Louis

came

you fine

if he

will I

oblige
sure

me

by
wiU M.

coming
not

one

evening?

am

he

and

spent

many

evenings

with

96
my
master.

GUY Once

DE he

MAUPASSANT took him This had the

to

difl
was

of the

Havre

yond be-

the
astronomer

Lady's

Chamber.
;

spot
of

this
the For difl with

preferred
from

he

best their

view
secrets.

heavens the last

it, and
years

penetrated
he had watched
to

thirty
went
on

from those

that

all that which

above,

writing
about told
me
"

papers he Louis

he

corresponded My
master

any

novelty
that M.

had terested inhave

discovered.
him

deeply,
was

and

added,

never

should
a man

supposed
with such

I
a

in

the

neighbourhood

of

gifted

mind."
came

My
of the learnt the

master

occasionally
I asked

to

move

his
had Later do with him
to

map

heavens.
to

ms^self why
astronomy something
home several
as

he

chosen
on,

kitchen my One

study
had

in.
to

I the

presence

fancy.
some

evening
I had

coming
named

with
stars

from him knew

was a

excursion,
result my of very

the those little

Uttle had this

knowledge,
me

I when

only
I

father but

taught
had

about
to

fellow,
that

sufficed

direct

master

towards One about

room.
"

study.
my
some

morning,
;

master

was

turning
there
was

his
not

map much

this

lasted

time looked

and
at
me.

Suddenly, Why,"
For this
to

he

said

he,

"

you

are

making
I.

chocolate

"

"

evening," explain
simmer
a

replied
him
on

I had

to

that the

if chocolate for twelve

is to hours

be in

good,
company
"

it must with ! I've that

fire

vanilla

pod.
to

Oh

nothing
your

say,"

he

exclaimed,

"

only

know

recipe

is excellent."

SPLENDID

SPINACH

97

Dormg length
shade in of the
"Hi
,

July
the the well the her

the
avenue

heat

was

very

great.
the wild

Faff

lies full in the that and ball

opposite
and the tall

kitchen^

hedge
cool.

apple-tree
the
; she
on

keeps
Paff and

Piroli of the

is between border paws

on

hedge
is in her
to
a

edge
four
master
"

ivy

puts
ear.

white

velvet

friend's his tub.

seen

long
"

My

passes

by

his
"

way have

Fran"ois picture
the them heat in

(he is calling me),

How has my the has

you

this But

graceful
so

these

creatures

are

I
to

become

great, it is impossible yet it is very

towards
new

keep
in

study,
door made of
one

and

pleasant

there, with

open the

the

north."

Cramoyson
enough
for

kitchen-garden
;

large
some

plenty

vegetables day,
he
never

observe had All he had herbs

came

splendid spinach, yet,

it among I tried
to

my

master ate.

classed
same

the offer

vegetables
him
me a

the

dish
what

of it ; when those

finished
were.

eating,
I told

he

asked it
so was

green

him

an

improved gardener
had of it is

plant which
told the
me.

from

Tetragonia,
"

the

Never
"

mind thus

the

name

plant,"

said

my

master,
Then
same

prepared,

simply always

exquisite."
to

he

begged
I

Cramo5rson
told the and

grow
master

that had

vegetable.
the

gardener
it
was

found
us

spinach dehcious, plant

had been

settled

between

that
was

the

discovered of what is
now

by Cramoyson,
he had done.

who Our

exceedingly proud zoological

of in the he
no

garden

enriched

by

the

presence
at

eight fine
carr"

tortoises.

They
was

wander

about with he

will

normand.
saw

Master

pleased
sometimes

them,
G

longer

slugs about;

98
amused
on
tt

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

himself
backs.

by standing

(his

feet

joined together)

their

There's the

solidity for
wheel
on

you

"

he

would
cart
so

say would

to

me.

Even
no

of that

heavily-laden
armour

make

impression
One

that

is

resistant."
we

day,

to

our

great
had

astonishment,
We

discovered

all them than We

the

tortoises

disappeared.
and

sought
a

after

in every the rabbits

comer,

finally found
under which there.

hole,
wire

smaller fence.
so

generally make,
those
creatures

the

supposed
had the

get
Part

along
of of

slowly
hill and
and A down whose

begun
almost
were

their

journey

the

impenetrable explored, without sight

coast.
on

underwood any
a

bents

broom week the

success.
woman

later, I caught
path
from
was

of

tall It
was

coming
Marie called

the

Seize,
New

habitat
A
at

always
minutes
kitchen

the

hill I
was

Caledonia.
to
was
our see

few the

afterwards,
door with my

surprised
She
were

her

master.

holding eight
to

her

apron

up.

She it ;

undid

it ; there

tortoises the meadow

inside and
master

they

immediately
Seize ceased
was

went

back her

Marie
never

paid

for the

trouble. of this of

My
poor

praising
he

honesty
made Of Now But

woman,

who

might,

said, have

soup
course

the the
at

poor wire
ease

creatures.

fence
on

was

carefully
of when
never

examined. tortoises.

we

were

the gone
our

subject by,
we

the

hardly
In

month

had of all

again
were

they
able

escaped.
to
same

^ite

care,

keep

them.

Several 'twas
was

times Marie

they

played
who

us

the

trick, and
back. It

always
a

Seize

brought
!

them

most

mysterious

occurrence

HATRED What conclusion ?

OF could

THE

PRUSSIANS draw? my Was she

99
a

one

tortoise-charmer
was

Or^

as

said

master^
the

laughing
first time

the
was
so

reward

rather

too

generous

It

tempting.

A
was

few

days later^ Cramoyson

a

at

work
master

near

the
went

boat up
to

repairing
and
some

border^
him
He how

when he he

my felt.
was

him^
for

asked

(He

had

been

ill

days.)
to
a

said those in

better^ but
fevers he had

always
caught
then his

liable
when

suffer

from

nasty

prisoner
his the horror

Germany.
of war^ and

My

master

expressed
hatred
"

particularly

of

Prussians.

Still,"
can

said

he,
thus way

"

cannot
our

understand

how We

we

French
never

brag

about
;
we

revenge.
to

shall

get it in that

ought

prepare
at
a

ourselves suitable

without
moment

showing
!
*'

it, and

fall upon

them

I
master

do

not

exactly
me

recollect follows. well

the I did

date
not

at

which it

my

told I remember

what

write into the

down,

but
to

quite
his

I had
was

gone

garden
him
in

inform

him

dinner
a

ready.

I found

admiration
"

before

hydrangea-bed.
said

See, Fran"ois,"
;
;

he,

"

how
a

splendid
of
a

these

are

this year
size

each

stem
are
on a

supports
better their

bouquet
than

ful wonder-

they

colour

usual, which

probably
The

depends

vital behind
across

strength."
the
our

sun,

disappearing obliquely
master

hill of the eyes. To the

Valois avoid

woods,
the rays,

struck my
as

turned in
a

back

towards
:
"

house,

speaking
"

if he I

were

hurry
to

To-day

forwarded

Paris

the

manuscript

of

loo

GUY
Horla
;

DE
a

MAUPASSANT

Le

before
I

week
am

dapses ail
mad.

the papers

w"U

the publish but please,

fact that I
am

It is

just as they

what
work

perfectly sane, and knew veiy well It is a when that tale. was doing, writing of imagination and that will startle the reader,
I

send tale.

few shudders
I must

down

his
we

back, foi

it is

strange
many

tellyou that of the thingsaround us.

do not understand later on,

we

When,

discover

them,
them

we

are

quite astonished Then,

our

not

to have makes

sooner.

apathy

perceived us fancy

improbable. For instance, eveiythingis impossible, Vie book Une when appeared, the critics, my w ho often those chatterboxes, piece try to crush a mastercould because they don't understand not it, coin terms harsh enough in which to state that my
novel
was

untrue, and that the facts

same

were

impossible.

Well, just
account

those

facts described
at

taken

place
now

in my book have Fontainebleau ; the printed bureau.

too

of them

lies in my
my book

can

cmly

regret having
is much reality than
my

written
better That

soon,
more

for the

defined and
would have

complete
me

novel.

enabled
"

to

defeat the most

"

ferocious of my
master goes

criticsI

September.My
fonner years, but
lias finished the

with

less

he did in as shooting I ^irit, fancy. Still he

greaterpart of his novel Pierre et [e began it when we came here,two months Jf ago, and made good progress. My master the shade already given on the path by the
h
trees has been
most

useful.

It

was

as

he
;

that Pierre et ing there,

Jean

was

composed

102

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

M.

Amoux's I told where if she details had

place.
him I suffered the

Next sad had

morning,
news.

when He

he into

came

home^
bathroom asked

went

the and all

kept
much last
;

the he

little wished I

body^
to

hear

the

about

the the

moments.

said

they
about

were

harrowing;
and

poor
to

little if

thing asking

rolled

groaning^
her.

dung

me^

as

me

to

help

Little
of who

Pussy
Piroli
to

remained
she

with
left the in

us

as

living
of the

brance remem-

was

the

care

woman

was

look

after

flat

during

our

journey

to

Africa.

CHAPTER

VIII

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER

1887

Our

journey
rue

to

Algeria"
"

White

Algiers

^We
"

take

flat

in

the
an

Ledru-RoUin
to
"

Striking
with ""What ^To
"

impression
M.

produced
When
"

by
ing followArabian baths

excursion the
women

Cap

Matifou

Masqueray
is said

Disenchanted the mosques

"

by

the

in

the

Hamman-Righa priests
and

"

Unsuccessful On the road

shooting
to

The

Mahometan

Voltaire"

Kabylia.

MARSEILLES,
is

October his

yd.

"

My

master at to

occupying
de

usual

room

the the

Hotel

Noailles,

it looks

out

on

Cannebi"re.
Towards
"

eleven have I here taken will

at

he

told

me

was

free board

for

the for and

day.
twelve shall

our

berths
at

on

to-morrow,
be back Next harbour told

lunch for

the

'R"serve/

six

dinner."
master

morning
to

my
at
a

took It He
was

me

to

the

old had the

look it the

yacht.
sale.

paid
was

off

they
with

him
and had

was

for size

pleased
he the

shape^
We

was

exactly
passage;

what

required.
sea was

an

excellent

like

glass

magnificent
snow-white,
was

weather. and built

We

reached

Algiers,
fashion it
;

looking l^TiHing

amphitheatre
indeed
was

not

an

easy the and

matter,
Arabs

agreeable dis-

experience, against
your

seizing
it off

your
to

luggage
the
108

will,

carrj"ng

hotel

I04 that
no

GUY strikes their

;
we

DE

MAUPASSANT

fancy.
went to

Luckily,
the Grand

our

porters
de

made
TOasis

mistakes
the quay.
master

Hotd

on

My
at

was

ready

to

sally

forth

next

morning

nine.

"Fran"ois,
cannot

this
at

is

what

have take about

can

settled.
a

As
so as

I
to

work
at

the

hotel, I shall

flat you

be

quite

home.
and

Pray
see

look if you

in

this

neighbourhood,
suitable
;

find
a

anything
I know of the and kind

will
can

explore
find ask me."
a

Mustapha,
small mother villa
to

suburb flat
come

well, and
I

if I

or

require,
winter At

I shall with
we

my

spend

the

last,

took

flat

in

the and and

rue

Ledru-RoUin,
seen niunerous

after

having

examined

many,

Algerine,
with

Arabian,

Moorish eyes. the windows

Jewish

landladies,

large vdvety
two

Though
apartment

of

looked about the

South,
it ; its We

the

had
was

nothing being
floor the
;
a

bright
to

only
were

advantage
on

dose

post.
was

the

third the
one

water-carrier
sent
me

necessary.
was a

I hired

portress

he

regular
he had and

Biskri,
lost

small,

thin, with
eye
;

bare left
to

legs
one

and
was

feet
so

his
I

right
was

the

quick

shifty,
him
so

never
a

able

detect

its colour.

I offered travdler's he beat hdd

much
To show

week,
he thin
was

good

average I

terms,
suppose, brass

price.
a

pleased, fingers
on

tattoo

with
his
arm.

his

the

jug

he

under On my

October

the alone

nth,
as

at

one

o'clock,
seated

was

finishing
my little

lunch,

usual,

before

WITH wooden taMe

was

M.

MASQUERAY against by
the
went not

105

placed
attracted
;

the

wall,
of tell my

when
the

my coffee

attention
in my

dance
to

glass
him
was an

immediatdy

master,
doubt

giving
there In
"

details, leaving earthquake.

the

slightest

the You
an

evening, during dinnner

were

quite right,"
At

said

my

master,
to

"

it

really
at

was

earthquake.
club,

three

minutes

one,

the of

officers' several

they
from
have

registered
East
met
to

three
I

oscillations
am

seconds,
he,
''

West.

delighted,"
here,
their

added

to

all those
are

officers all of
we

society

is very

agreeable, they
;

charming
them
are

fellows,

well-bred,
understand

cultivated

and

some

thoroughly
on

literature.
still
own

Though
the

French
us

ground,
and
our

there

is

Mediterranean that is

between
to

fatherland,

enough

give

us

the

sensation when hear you their

to

of
see

being
all

in those We

foreign country,
Arabs about the and

particularly
streets,
and

lingo.
some

feel real

stranded, Frenchmen,
Paris. the

it is comforting

meet
as

speaking

our

language,

if

we

were

in hear and

If I listened

tively, atten-

I think when the of.

to

I could

beating
Maison of M. those

of their Dor"e

hearts
are

Boulevards

the

spoken
come

Thursday,
as

several
as

officers

will M.

lunch,

wdl

Masqueray

and

Bureau."

October
my
to master

the
to

14th.
"

"To-morrow,
"

Fran"ois,"
make
"

said

me,

shall

an

excursion with will You

. .

the

point

of

that Will
an

headland you
come

Cap
?

Matifou,
you
"

M.
never

Masqueray.
have such

P^haps again.

opportunity

io6 will of few We

as we

GUY take different birds."

were

DE and I

MAUPASSANT few be

my

gun sizes.

cartridges, pleased

and

also
can

shot

shall

if I

get

off

by

the
we

5.48 morning
saw

train.

As

soon

left
sea

Algiers
;
a

the

splendid
sun,
as

escent phosphorif

few

minutes

later, the
afar

making
the

tremendous and the

set

effort,
water,
the
sea

showed,
a

off of The

between

horizon

tiny part
a

its disc, which train

immediately
at

in

blaze.

stopped
The and
two
we

the

halting place,
went most
an on

called the

Hussein-Dey.
quay sunrise

gentlemen
beheld
we were

to

immediately,
one

the in the

beautiful

could

imagine
I
cannot

ecstasy,
I
. . .

lost

in

admiration,

describe

sight

My

master,
arm^

leaning
is

with his he

his

left

hand
to
an

on

M.

Masqueray's
the voice.
a

waving

right
is

hand in

size emphaexcited
is bending

descriptive picture
M.

giving
of the

Masqueray,
the
a

the

taller of

two,
master's

little under

pressure
most

my

hand,
listens

and
to

lending
his

him
with
on

attentive
of

ear;

he

friend
visible eyes,

an

expression
countenance

intense and in

deUght,
his

plainly

his

large

sparkling
and his

which

vividly

betray

his

enthusiasm

delight.
the

I remembered
"

following part
is
more can
more

of the

conversation.
it's
an

Dear

friend, this
;
no

than describe than

fairy-land,
so

apotheosis sight,
it is

words

beautiful utely absol-

unsurpassable,
;
so

splendid,
I and That
cannot

extraordinary
into
me

magnificent
that absorbs

put

words
;

the

impression
land of

enraptures
sea
. . .

it is the

wonders.
. . .

io8

GUY of buried these

*"

DE

MAUPASSANT
As
soon as

masses

humanity.

they

come

out

of
turn

melancholy
women.

Elysian

fields, most
so as

of make from

them
sure

again into
the

To-day,
twice
over

to

of

facts, I went
to

the

road

Lower of

Mustapha
those and
women,

Hussein-Dey's
when
sure

garden.
were

Well,
two

several of would

there of
saw

only

them,
lift

they
veils

were

not
me

being observed, approach.

of

their

as

they by

Their
are

faces,

always
white,

untouched and
one

the

light

day,

of

chalky
are

might by
mauve

say

their

velvety

cheeks

slightly
their And

tinted black
a

coloured of my them
are

powder.
very

With

large
I
saw

eyes, smile my behind

most

pretty."

behind
master

master's

moustache.
out
near

Another small

time,

pointed
Casbah,
to

to
a

me

mosque,

the the road for it in

to
a

public
It is

garden
a

overhanging
pretty
has

St

Eugene.
saint. I

very

dwelling

Mahometan his take Travels. my the shoes

My

master to

described
see

resolved before I could I drew

go

and

it.

I had

off

entering
hear
nearer

the

sanctuary.

From

threshold,

soft,
and

yet
saw

far-reaching
women

lamentations. with

moaning
some

strange

tions, gesticulasaint. about. In

doubtless

invoking
make I met
out

particular they
of
saw were

fact, I could
As
''

not

what

I went Did you

out,

the

keeper
you

the ?

square.
"

understand
I answered. can't

what

asked

he.

"

WeU,

no,"
you Arabian you

"

Why,
the
"

understand said you

are

since

you
a

don't

know
tone

language,"
Frenchmen,
what

he, in
are

humorous
same

clever you know

all the

Do
...

they

up

to,

all

those

ARABIAN with their

are

WOMEN and
most samt

109

women

droll

laughable
all their
not

attitudes

?
;

Why,
for the

they

telling the
women

misfortunes

Arabian
to

have

the

right
honour that

to

pray is
served re-

directly
to not

their
men.

God;
And

that
I must go their
most

supreme tell you

to

the

they

do

say

any

prayers,
to

only

there

tell their and

troubles,
to
fide con-

particularly
to

slander their often

husbands,

the

saint
are

private
since besides

sorrows.

I must Arabs

confess

they
two
or

right,

the

always legitimate

keep
wives." On

three

concubines

their

November
to

the

fourth,
;

M.

de tires

Maupassant
him,
and he

resolves hates
"

leave
on

Algiers
account
we

the the

town

his This
to

fiat

of

mosquitoes.
says he
"

is what
the
to

shall
at

do."

first

we

shall I
a

go

hot follow fellow

baths
a

Hammam-Righa,
treatment
;

where M. I

intend

certain

Lef"vre,
have

charming
will many hunt

whose
us.

acquaintance
When think M. he
care

made,
as

accompany baths
as

shall

have
we

taken will go

I shall with where

to to

necessary, Lef"vre alone of that be the ?

"

and of

panthers

in

the

forests
a

Theni"t-el-Haad,
You you will will I told November hours his
at

possesses

house.

have be my able

take manage
not

horse;

I suppose

master

to

uneasy is alone
a

on

that

score.
. .

6th.

"

My
;

master start

detained
with M. for

for

few in

Algiers
from hill M.

Lef"vre Hammamoften is

carriage
The pace;

the is

Bou-Medf
a

station the

Righa.
a

stiff

one,

horse He

goes

foot

Lef"vre but

is

driving.
most

perhaps

rather

inquisitive,

certamly

intelligent;

no

GUY
me

DE
as we

MAUPASSANT follow the road which

I tdl him
are

he makes about of my

talk

winds tales

and alwaysuphill,

about

some

most of which master's,

me praises

for beingso weU

written. He already with the works acquainted

of the

greatwriter.
"

Hammam-Righa, November "^. My master gives forests. M. shooting in the Theni"t-el-Haad up Lef"vre starts by himself, and my in master persists
too temperature is much ^ certainly they do high, from 42 to 44 degrees; him harm ; his nights are very restless. M. Dufour, is a well-bred and landlord of the hotel, manager

taking baths,

but

their

man

with

manners perfect

possess a most remarkable guide, aged nineteen ; he knows the woods as well as He is called Bou-Hj^ahia, the cleverest of hounds. We and is covered with that hideous and
to which most

guest,and that can pleasehim.

bis

is very attentive to him with everythii^ seeks to provide

; he

of the inhabitants

disgusting scurvy of this unhappy

de

country are victims.

"

The
me one

weather

is
"

fine,"said M.
see

Maupassant
we

to

day ;

after lunch, directly

will go

towards

the

great ravine and

if there's

anything

to kill there.

you awful
man

Mind us. Bou-Hyahia wUl accompany don't allow him to touch my gim, because of that
skin
one

disease of his.
wants ; he

Bar the

that, he is just the country

was

knows

and

every

nook

in the forests
started at
one

well." perfectly o'clock ; the heat intense ;

We

BOU-HYAHIA
the felt
more
we

went

down We

into

the

hollow,
a

the

more

we

the

sun.

walked
;
on

along

small
on

torrent,
the it
a

bright
hrew
so

and

clear shade
to

oleanders the and

growing
mirror-like from
which

slope
was
freshing re-

their

water
arose

pleasant

follow,
I
was

coolness. and
"

stopping
master
us

before called
me.

this

bum

adnuring
Come,
;

it, when

my let find in
to

Fran"ois,
I may approves, know round how the in

go

towards game

that ."
. .

little

wood

perhaps

some

Bou-Hyahia
terms

those

extremely

flattering

Arabs
went

find. and found

we

We

trees,
the

ourselves groups

in

splendid meadow;
Arabs about

shade

beheld
were

of

magnificently
on

dressed. green turf.

They
When
as

rolling
saw

the

fresh

they
if that and
was

us

they
nook for

were

extremely

displeased,
to

delightful
meant

belonged
their

exclusively

them,

amusement.

Bou-Hyahia
Arabs who the

informed
in

us

these
on

people
the
came

were

wealthy
and here of
women.

lived

villages
heat the

heights,
down coolness

that in the

during
the

excessive
to

they

afternoon
near

enjoy

refreshing accompanied
he,
a
"

river,
"

the

shady

trees,
added for

by

If

you in

like,
the

sir,"

we

will and

remain watch

hidden them."

bushes

short

time

Bou-Hyahia
a

said

these
us

words

as

if he how But

were

making
he

request
be

and if it had
me

letting
was

understand

pleased
my up

would
as

granted.
even

master,
the

if he

not

heard
at

him,
same

went

river,

making

observe

the

time

the

multitude

112

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

of roots and and of

course

laurels fed

by

that

beautiful clear water,

fever genns in its bed. depositing After having walked a few hundred yards to the found we a right, lovdiy, winding, Arabian path, told took our leading, guide us, to the forest. We a nd it and halted half-way it stiff (for was a climb), we few birds of the country sat down oai the slope. A thai passed before us. My master shouldered his gun and shot, but broughtnothingdown ; he shot a

second time with

"

no

success.

That
as

gim

must

be defective I
he took

"

he exclaimed.
an

So
we

to make

sure,
a

aim at

aloe.

Well,

only

found

few shot scattered about

the leaves

master percussion-gun plant. It was a new the with ; he gave me had bought to shoot panthers and cursed defective weapon, frowned, roundly the who had sold it him. gun-smith unscrupulous

of the

I then gave him his old gun, which was much but with which he broughtdown a bird every shot. When the
sun we was

heavier,
time he

reached

behind summit

the of
a

great forest on the heights, sinkingbelow the horizon,far away Arabian which, built on the villages,
the series of small mountains, looked much
was as

if
as

they belonged as
*o

to

heaven master

and
who

to space made

the

earth.

It

my

that

nervation.
"

How

it must delightful
"

be," added

he,

"

to live
one

kere

in that

almost isolation,

alone ; when

is

xustomed
"

to it 1

sa"i Bou-Hyahia, puttingaside the Yes, sir,"

"

VOLTAIRE intense
is
so

AND those ." hills

THE

PEASANTS

113 the

heat

are

very

wholesome,

air

pure.
are

We

now

walking
trees

on

narrow

path, shaded
of

by
the
on

great
coolness

leafy
is
;

forming
.

an

avenue

foliage;
goes of the

delightful.
wishes
note* to

Our
. .

guide
mausoleum

quickly
Arab and of

he
some

show He
was

us

the in

an

past

times

saint

governor

of

the

country.
when
we

Night
the the saint

has

fallen

reach

the

mausoleum
he

of

described

by

Bou-Hyahia; by
my this

relates Mahometan:

all

miracles do
not

performed
much
a

holy

they
stories
our

interest

master.

True^ by

these what

have

family likeness, and, judging

the saint poor

guide
the

tells us,

principal miracles
exemplified his peasants'

accomplished
clever wajrs of

by

celebrated the

extracting
slender This
"

savings

from

their

purses. revolted I
"

my

master.

Yes

exclaimed

he

"

never

mind

which
you go,

country
'tis of

it

is,
the

or

which

religion;
;

wherever

always
!

same

thing

'tis

universally a question
cults will make be you you sick
;

money if you

All

these them
same

different

but
others

put
the

down,

they

replaced by
ever

with

results.
"

Did

read

Voltaire, Fran"ois
4*

No, sir." Well,

what think

Bou-Hyahia
of Voltaire.

tells

us

about he had

his

saint

makes

me

After
the

abused

every

and religion,
was

particularly expelled
called from

Roman
He

Catholic
settled

religion,he
in
a H

France.
near

small

borough

Femey,

the

Swiss

114

GUY
was

DE

MAUPASSANT

frontier ; he

out most

cleverness, and by his saintly penniless, if you like to call it that,he made income an of the credulous peasantsaround him, and lived

comfortably.He
ch"teau
built with

ended

his lifevery
bestowed

pleasantly
on

in

the money

him

by

the Catholics."

Next

day

we

went

to

take

photographs of Bou-

Mahomet's

tomb. seized the of leading us oj^portunity

We

Bou-Hyahia
near one

the haunts

of wild boars. bis

had guns, but not

my

of these animals showed

snout,to

master's

and also to that of the guide, great disappointment, had been he as to lucky enough to show some game his generous patron he would have been certain of an increase of pay. Rather dissatisfied with the result of the
we

left Hammam-Righa,
to

stopped two

treatment, days at Algiers

{inorder boots, my

such as Russian leather get a few things, master ought to have received at Th"ni"tel-Haad for the panther-hunt), and started for Tunis.

My

master

has

been

told the climate is that of

damper and

less enervating than We

Algeria. at six in the are obligedto take the firsttrata, morning,for it is the only one 1 M. de Maupassant
sits at the
sea

window,
are

so

as

to

see

the

sun

rise

on

the
a

we

alone road

in

the

He carriage. the Arabian

throws

glance on

cemetery the gates, and Hussein Dey's garden, on where,sitting huge monkeys are visible.
"

the

towards

How he

frightfully uglytheyare
train

I"

he exclaims.
moves

and stopsat every station,

along

n6 climbed

GUY

DE the the

MAUPASSANT incline
for
a

rapidly

up

few

hundred
to

yards^ they drag

the

changed
up from

engine
Duvivier and

specially destined
to

trains
we were

this station.
up and down how

While the

waiting
my
new

walking
made
me

platform,
was

master

observe
;
even

everything
had
*'

in

this
laid
scene

country
down. is !
''
"

the

rails

been How

quite recently
beautiful this

cried the

he

in

an

ecstasy, and
It do is

stopping
! And

still ; the

how

wide
are

horizon

splendid
see sun

heavens

rose-coloured,

you The

**

was

behind
me

us.

M.

de

Maupassant
us,

began
the

to

name

to

all
to

the the the

tints width

before

from

depths
was

of

the

sky

of

the

horizon, which
land.
. . .

merged
finished
nearer

afar

into the
us

undulation of

of the the

He

by

enumeration
above
on
on

different

hues These

floating varying
green,
or

the

vineyards.
. . .

tints have

depend
taken
was me

whether

the

vines winter

are

still

their

reddish

dress.

My sight
share tired "You
;

master he

enraptured
so

by
to

this

magnificent
and seemed
saw.

wished subtie

much

understand,
he what
see
never

to

his
of

impressions,
the

that of
to

describing

splendour Fran"ois,
be educated

he and

understand,
the eye
must must

to

tinguish, diswhen
tent con-

therefore,
;
never

you

look,
with

you want

notice

everjrthing
you
out must

be

of

precision ;
to

give time

for

the
are

eye but

to

define

and

follow It is

those slow do

things which
and

faintiy visible.
that you
can

only by
your
eyes the

patient
work

practice
they
are

make

all the

capable

of.

Even

greatest

painters

DE

MAUPASSANT'S

MEMORY

117

must

give
educate Then he three in

themselves their took

trouble,
eyes,
out

great
them

deal

of

trouble,
useful." and

to

and

make little

really pocketbook
I He
saw

his

green
ones

wrote

notes

on

it,
of

the

only
years.
ever

him

write
wrote

down from

the

course

ten

always
; to

memory, memory

and

hardly
of the

hesitated

his

vellous mar-

was

greatest

use

him.

CHAPTER

IX

NOVEMBER

1887-JANUARY
Moorish

5TH,

l888

In

Timisia" club"
at

The We

baths
"

Great
at An
a

success

at

the

offioera'

journey
Biarine

to

Kairouan Avenue"

splendid

pace"Onr
fire"

stay
Excellent

Tunis,

inspiriting
ruins ^The of
stout

massage of

by
"

the Italian

negro-On
macaroni

the ?
"

Carthage"
Tunisian
"

The

frolics

Tahya

^Tahya

is

sea-sick.

TUNIS,
occupied
baths of

November.
"

Our

first the
a
^

morning
Roman and

was

with

visiting

ancient mile

Hammam-Lif
from Tunis. said the
some

three-

quarters
"These somewhat told be hot

springs,"
in lost

my

master,
times
;

"were but It I
am

celebrated
have the the
now

olden of

they
that

their

virtue.

may

mineral

beds,
now

on

which

they
Let the

ran

neath underat

soil,
kind my of

are

exhausted.

us

least

see

what

an

establishment

people

keep." large
ing drawmould

While

master

spoke,
than

we

went

through
oxen were

fields,

where

more

forty
up the
a

pairs rich,
most

of

ploughs, nearly exists,

The black full of

and it all

turning
is the about

dark-brown fertile

ground good
of look

that crops. three like

substances work follow alike each and

that with

bring
groups and

numerous

labourers

or

four

teams

;
so

they

other,

one,
as

bemg they
U8

much

stepping
takes

so

regularly
almost

tread

by

the

furrow

which

them

THE
ont

MOORISH
so

BATHS
,

119 them

of

sight,

and

far

that

the

distance

makes

look On
some
"

like
our

dwarfed

creatures.
on

left,almost
white
are

the

shore

of the

lake,
the

we

saw

huge
Those he.
we

walls. the farm

My

master

questioned
of M.

guide.

buildings

Brolmann/'

said

Still
we

followed
a

the

high

road

little
saw

farther
rails

on, all

reached

railway
rust.

barrier,

and

the

covered
"

with

That,"
; now

said it
soon

my

master,
goes

"

is the far
as

beginning
Hammam-Lif interior

of

the
;

railway
but

only

as

they

will

continue

it into

the

of

the

province."
After
an

quarter

of

an

hour's
a

walk,
square

we

stopped
a

before

old in

building
very bad

forming

of the

certain

size,
were

but

preservation;
some

windows others
or

exceedingly
all had iron

small,
bars. fortress. in
a

were

rounded,
like
a

square, else
an

It

looked Some

prison,

antiquated
were

dirty children,
alley,
the
entrance

in

tatters^
to

playing

dark The
a

this grey lift

strange stone,
one's Once
a

dwelling.
foot up my and

threshold

consists
so

of

half

high,
to

that

one

must

legs

considerably
master

get in.
the tallest and She
a

in,
He

questioned
French very

of
went
was

the
to
a

boys.
caD the

understood
tenant

well,
baths.

of

these

Moorish
a

long-legged face, pink

"

woman,

with

short she

waist,
was

dark
a

oval

and and

swelling hips,
red apron
to
on

and

tying
towards

striped
us.

while the

coming

If

you

wish
"

see

baths, gentlemen,"
this

said

she

very

politely,

pray

come

way."

120

GUY followed

DE

MAUPASSANT dailc and

We
narrow
"

her' throiig^ nuinerous

"

got to the bathroom. pass"es, and finally Is that all you have ? asked my master.

"

Yes,"answered
master

^e.
to thank It
was

My
us

hastened

back

to the entrance.
we never

her, and she took justas well she did

found
master
a our

so, otherwise As
soon as

should

have

way.
a

he

got outside, my
about

took
man

deep
has

breath
been
"

and
a

looked

him, like

who

for

Did

of both air and light. longtime deprived exclaimed so hideous ? you ever see anything
"

he.

such a "Itwasrepugnant.suchdirt,

horrid

aspectI

baths looked like so many all chipped and broken. Only Those

receive a human
made porthole, of the Middle be
one me

body. Those

sarcophagi, theywere justdeep enough to litup by a little boxes,

dimgeons
shan't here
me

think of the subterranean my

Ages. No, no,

"

good lady,I
won't
see

of your
"

customers; you
She's
a

againI "... he added,

After

Maltese,that
I

woman,"
am

and
seen

of

an

interesting type ;

not

sorry to have

her."

the crossing

railway again,we
the recognised

met

an

old

of the fashion of carriage, apparently it H. de of Tunis. who have

Maupassant
Then
we

walked too

very
much

1830. Inside of the Bey son like people quickly,

time.
We have
to the entrance

already lost

hardly enough leisure to observe the

town, a large open doOTway,about which we see some mounds of earth, all that remains, we of the are told,
fortifications.Not
a

tree:

all is

bare, dry,

and

m^i^nchdy.

AT

THE

OFFICERS'
in at my
or

CLUB in the

121

My
"

master

came

seven

evening.
with all I
to

Please for

prepare
an

portmanteau,
ten

may the

require
officers' of them.

eight

days' trip.
of introduction few

I went for
one

club, having
After
'

letters
first

several them how !

see was
'

the
are

words,
to to
see

of and

exclaimed, lucky
And if you he there
a

We

delighted
have
come

you,

should

us

just to-day
run
on

added,

'

Stop

minute,
He

will cap which

and and

is still time.'

put

his

away
to

quarter
about and

of

an

hour, during
maimers

I continued of
came

chat

the also

and Parisians.

customs

the

Tunisians,
looking
" '

of

the

He

in,

very M.

pleased.
de you,
; to

This,
to

Maupassant,'
on

said of

he,
the

'

is what

I of

am

able Bank he up is

offer

the you iu

part

Manager
him
on a

the

of Tunis about

will take

accompany his he such

to

journey
Tunisia the have but his You
panied accom-

landau is

through
to

to

Kairouan,
of
seen

where

going
as

inspect
you

farms
never

Lanfida,
yet ?

farms
He
was

probably
started he
at

have

to-day,
will nine. be who

if you

will

kindly accept
off

his

invitation, morning

put

departure
will be
a

till to-morrow
of four
:

party
two

the

manager

will

by
taken

secretaries,
the I French
am

both

ex-officers
to

have

part

in

expedition
will

this you have

"

beautiful
to

Timisia, which,
pages
on
"

sure, than
"

inspire
you !
on

write

still

more

eloquent
your volume

those Au

written

Algeria Well,
I

in

Soleil And

accepted
me

!"..." read heart

all the

faces my
so

surrounding
visit.

could the

the

joy

given

by
is

Away

from

of

France,

life

122

GUY !
a

DE

MAUPASSANT
the with

monotonous

I understand few
ntioments

pleasure they
a

idt

in had

conversing
amused

writer and his I

were

who

them I that

often

by
to

his

tales

novels. had

Suddenly, perceived
a

began
without me, who

laugh knowing
as men

mentally; it, they

do
at
an

just

forming
party,
I felt
a

drcle
a

round

just

evening
...

round
sort

beauty
saddened and
sat

is much

admired.
were

of

joy, they
countenances

all
were

such
so

chamung
open ! At

f eUows, last
we

their down but I Paul

and

the

conversation
: we

continued,
the soldiers writers
were

interesting
of the

unpretending
saw

discussed of these

day.
of

that

most

admirers Next door of all

Bourget."
at
;

morning
the
wear

nine,
four cloaks of these

landau

stops
are

before

the
;

hotel

gentlemen
with is my of
at
a

seated and and

inside grey

they

large
One any

capes,

li^t

wideawakes.
my

master,

without the
two

noticing

motion
start

the

coachman's,
pace,

splendid
towards

horses
the of in that his
"

great
of

carrying
the

off,

Mountains Flaubert Salammb"

Ntmiidia, by
the his

literary skill,

godson
evoked

who,
"

magical

aU

mighty

past, the

magnificence
December. with
"

of that ^M. de

country.

Maupassant
He
was

has

returned,

lighted de-

his

journey.
of

deeply
;

interested he

by
his
"

the

great
sea,
a

mosque from

Kairouan
to

and

found

trip by
I had

Sfax

Susa,
said

most

agreeable.
''

good
to

inspiration,"
read my

he,

before
;

left,

in the her

telling

you

mother's you I had

sent

letters me,

thus, by
news

telegraphic
was
as

summaries

my here."

of

regular^as^

remained

124
on

GUY the table your the

DE if you
as

MAUPASSANT

as

were

small

child.
to

He detach

juggles
them

with

limbs

if

he

intended with

from without
he

body^ hurting
on

and you the

yet
in the

absolute To

gentleness^
finish you up

least. your then

jumps
heel the this

to

table^

seizes
;

l^;s^ and
he

passes back

his
on

all down

your like

spine
a

puts
one

you has

table^ just
same

rabbit

that

killed

by

operation.
I interviewed I the I ntianager
was

"Afterwards

of
somewhat

the

establishment^ frightened.
me

for,
he

confess,
me

But

reassured about
met

completely,
skill
a

giving
n^;rowho

very

precise

details I
never

the

of

this

masseur.

Really,
vie with him."
"

with

masseur

could

December little stove

lyth.
has had
"

My
a

ntiaster beneficial

is

working

hard;

the

influence. said my I
am

December
will wake
me

i8th.

"Fran"ois,"
at

master,

"you
to

to-morrow Dr Charvot who

five;
is to in

going
the time

the of will If

hospital,
an

where

amputate
ten to

1^

imfortunate

fellow
a

days'
the

walk the

with
doctor
to

wooden be

leg adapted believed,

which will he
cure

stump.
a

is to limb

is to it

apply
in
a

tion preparashort

the

very

time." M.
water
"

de for I he
am

Maupassant
his toilet.
not
"

came

in

at

nine,

and

asked

for

inclined
to

to

work

this You

morning,"

said what
a mass

I want

take is
"

the it is

air.
a

can't

imagine

that of

hospital

human 1 Or

chamd-house,
rather
"

corruption

^horrible
"

all

the

horrors

put

together

^it

is

shameful

shameful.

THE

RUINS the
are

OF

CARTHAGE the I
am

125 the

Outside^
in rags;

around

walls^ Arabs,
no

dead^

dying
not

rolled

they
there round

told,
Twice
a

admitted
a

inside,
comes are

being
;

room.

week,
dead

cart

they look
the

to

see

which buried in

are

;
comer.

they

thrown

into

cart, and
M.
are

some

During
"

breakfast, Fran"ois,
you

de

Maupassant looking
in the ill ?
"

looked

at

me,

Why,
"

Yes, sir, I night."

have

pains

chest, and

can't

rest

at

''Well,
with
we me

if you
to

like, this
;
"

afternoon will take do the her

you

will

drive
^

Carthage
her
run

we

dog good."

Tahya

will When

make the

^that will the

carriage started,
about like
a

dog

seemed

delighted,

and
a

bounded of

mad
we

thing.
had

But, scarcely city-gates

flew off
as

quarter
us,
as

an

hour
saw
a

after flock

left the
She

behind
fast

she

of

sheep.
her.
ran

her made

legs
me

would observe towards

most

carry she La

My

master,
than

prised, sur-

faster

the

Italian

train

going
was
a

Goulette.

Carthage
master stones
:

disappointing sight
a

for

my and

there

only

remain the the

or

few

traces

of A

waUs,
few

scattered grow of of

about between

ground. pebbles.
of the Not

blades
of

of the

grass

vestige
sycamore
a

palace
or

Salammb",
the field of

site of

the

woodj
. . .

roses.

Now,
silent of
;

it is but

plain.

My

master

remains the he
or

his

mind

doubtless
was

is absorbed
scene.

by

events

which

this

spot

the

Perhaps
influence,
beholds
^

is

evoking
sees

Salammb"

undergoing
under

Tanit's

he

her

again

Math"'s

tent, and

the
or

surprise

of that

barbarian.
Note

slonghi

Arabian

greyhound.

"

of Tr,

126

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

''Although
"

nothing
seems

remains/'

he

says

at

last,

the

atmosphere
and

yet pervaded
."
. .

by

the

perfmne

of lemon-trees

cypresses. his

Then^
sea^ he

throwing
adds
:
"

glance

afar^

towards

the

blue

"The

imaginary
in his

island/' love,
very
to

that when away

we

Math" he ! had
"

offered broken

Salanunbo
her As road
two

ddirious
was

symbolical
we were

chain,

far

returning
decorated

Tunis,
a

passed
of

on

the

donkey
on

with

collar

bells, and

Arabs "That

bicycles.
said
mentions the the my in of

donkey,"
Flaubert his neck but

master,

"is

evidently
he of
wears

the round

one

Salammb";
the would ..." fortune

insignia

battle have

bicyclists

certainly

astonished Three

the

Carthaginians.
after
to

days

this. Major
master,

Charvot,
her

who

had

given Tahya
him of
was

my

brought
Bizerte her
to

back,
a

telling

she that
not

had
town

been who first

found had

at

by
him

washerman
;

taken

but

that

her
master

escapade.
to

My
the

resolved where she

to

put

her

on

to

the
;

terrace

of

house

could
her I

gambol
own

about

this would

accustom hour the had bottom

me

her

know when

dwelling.
some one

Hardly calling
a

an

elapsed
of
to

heard

at

the
come

staircase. and take had

It back

was

neighbour Tahya,
the
a

begging
by
that
a

our

dog.
over

most

powerful bound,
the
two to scent

jumped
and gone

walls small doubt

divided

houses,
this of

down
no

staircase attracted

leading by
the

lady's
the
stew

kitchen,
!

ITALIAN Then
soon

MACARONI

127 up, but my with had thus often

master

we

decided his

on

tying
for

her she

changed
of her

mind,

resisted If
we

all

the

impetus
she

vagabond
would
as

spirit.
bitten

persisted,
she
was

certainly
to

have she
a

us;

allowed

do

pleased. days
that for she

She would

absented rather gotten, forShe

herself, then
ashamed of and did
not

after

few but

return,
was soon

herself,
she her looked

feeling
her
next

out

chance.

belie

parentage.
"

December
more

2yd.
more.

^M.

de I

Maupassant
see

is of

working
paper he he

and used covered

one

To-day
much

the I

heap

has has in

has

increased,

count

the with sa3nng will be

leaves,

thirty-seven
I mention if he tires

foolscap
this his
to

pages

writing
it is too
a

day.
and that

him,
he

much,
to
"

brain

victim

headaches.

No,
I
am

no,"

repUes

he, smiling,
an

"

this of
not
a

does

not

tire the seek

two

me, words for pens

merely

giving

accoimt

journey,
have them
to to

come

spontaneously,
my memory could

do

them,
like this

furnish

mine."
work does often here. said he
to
one

All

not at

prevent
officer's

my

master
or

from
some

lunching
of them "Next those
to

very
come

the

club,

else

Thursday," gentlemen
a are

day,
;

"several I
want

of you

coming
macaroni you
an

dinner the the

cook

dish care,

of for

in know

Italian manager We various caused

fashion of the

with Bank

great
was

formerly
but

Italian he which

Minister. killed fact in

don't duels him

to

exactiy know,
several of his

it is said

countrymen,

"128

GUY his he native has

DE

MAUPASSANT
He with
came

leave revenge The

to

country.
taken
came on

here, and
French." I

out

of

sides

the

guests

Thursday.
chose
etc.

did
in

all

could

please their

palates,

dishes All

great

request
until

with I

epicures, woodcocks,
the

went
a

well

entered with

dining-room
macaroni.
a

carrying
I had

salad-bowl

filled I

smoking
not not

to

do

the But then

best my
so

could,
was

possessing pleased
should
'"

vegetable-dish.
he frowned

master
as

at^me,
he be

the

incident
:

pass did
not

unnoticed,
seem

said the But it

to

the

manager he

that in

to

good
the
soon

macaroni

was

the
so

habit often Then my

to

of the

eating."
dish that

gentleman
remained

returned

quite empty.

Victor
master
:

Emmanuel's

ex-minister
"

said, addressing
M. de is of if

Assuredly,
Italian

Maupassant,
very is you
a

macaroni
but the

pared pre-

fashion

good,
hundred

dish

we

have let
us

been call
never

partaking
it French
eaten

times
I

better,
swear

like,
more

but

will

I have I
come
saw

anjfthing
the

delicious."

immediately
my

usual

kindly
was

expression forgiven,
seemed

on

master's
to

face, my
talk
went

salad-bowl

and

all

began

of
on

cooking.

They

amused,
"If
we

conversation
have the

swimmingly.
of the you,

pleasure
one

taking
guests
dear
dinner

an

excursion the
to

together,"
the the

exclaimed
"

of

at

end

of

meal,
man

we

will

request
the

sir,
we

bring
so

who
at

cooked your

excellent

have

enjoyed
"

table."
!
"
. . .

Certainly, certainly
my master
no

cried
to

all the

others,

giving

time

reply.

I30 It is the six

. .

GUY Moses
to

DE which

MAUPASSANT is to
All
to
our

convey

us

in

thirtythe sea, walk

hems
.

Marseilles. talks

luggage
who

is aboard. is
on

My
has
on

master

the

captain
we

bridge.
land about

It is six in the

evening, Besides,
master

are

out

at

disappeared.
deck where my and officers

it is

night,

joins me. he,

shown tremendous

"Those ''who kindness live

fellow-countrymen,"says
have may rather
me

at

Tunis,
I
to

which

fency
me

be

still occasionally sincere, I

it seemed that you far

must

exaggerated;
on we

forgot
that

look from

at

things France,
And

all
must

sides,and
allow

being
to
we

away

people
atlantic Transhe has of

be
are

rather
on one

expansive.
of the The

you

know,
of
me

Fran"ois,
the

good old

boats

Company.
every wood We confidence and
went

captain
is almost

tells

in is
a

her, she
that

entirelybuilt

she

good sea-goer."
part of the ship where
to

towards been

poor where

Tahya
her

had

put, according
were

rule, and
poor sinks she

fellow-creatures

kept.

The

thing
into

is

her already sea-sick, dirt ; her

so

beautiful

muzzle

the

tail,her proudly,
master

pretty
now

tail which

generally
her
not

carries
rag. appear tribute The
was

droops
to

behind she does

was

like
even

My
to to

speaks
him;

her,

know the
sea.
was

the

slough
but Moses order

paying
the

her

passage

anything
and
our

good
did every

one,
not
one

sea

running high,
the deck.

roll,but
had
to

already pitched
leave
"

hard.

By

Fran"ois,"

said

my

master,

"

you

can

go

to

"

TAHYA

IS

SEA-SICK

131

your
vfe

berth,
shall
have

have all

given
we

my and best

orders if

to

the

steward, sea-sick,
can

want,
it is the

you you

are

remain
I when

lying
thanked I found

down, him,
and

thing
I

do." the cabin

hardly
in the

had

reached condition

myself

same

as

poor

Tahya.
Once I had

landed
if

at

Marseilles
I could

all could

my
not

sickness

disappeared
much for poor
at

as

by

magic.
she de needed

say
on

as

Tahya,
h"iel

not

stand

her

legs,
she
was

so,

the first

NoaiUes be

where attended

we

put
to.

up,

the

that

to

CHAPTER

JANUARY-FEBRUARY

1888

The

Zingara

transformed ^A

into

the

Bel

Ami
"

^A

perilovs
^The exile

voyage" of the
a

At Second

Porqnerolles Empire
of the Bel the
"

"

mysterious
"

apparition
revelations

"

Cassandra Tuileries
"

Strange

about about the Cannes

society
of the

Curions Terror "^We

foresight
start wekxime.

catastrophe
on

Year

of

for

board

Ami
"

^Tahya's

significant

WE
and has the It is the
on

were

most

comfortable It for is
true

at

the
master

h"tel has He

de

Noatiles. there served

my

stayed always
same

many

yeais.
same

is

by
at

the

people, looking
out

room

the

comer

Cannebi"re.

singular
meet

that

whenever

we

stay
there
"

at

this

hotel
master

we

always
it.

Monsignore

^my

notices
"

Every

time

we

come

here/'
violet

says
on

he the for

with

good-

natured

smile,
master's
remarked and which

''

see

braid
was

carpet."
the in
to

My
had

first when he

thought
he had it

yacht
October

he

passed
been

throu^ tempted

1887,
boatmen with down it down

buy.

The armed

examined
a

with
hi

him;
of the the

Raymond, flooring,
of also the had he

hatchet,
into the
as

stove

part
hit hurt.

went

hold
if it
was

and

lining
Bernard

yacht
gone

groaned
;

they

came

up

together.

My

master

put

A few back which where

''

PERILOUS the

VOYAGE of the the quay boat of then La

133
;
we

questions
to

to

keeper

went

town^
lined sell

following
with soup The

Fraternit" and

is

popular
and the

restaurauts

shops dish^

they

famous
does
not

Marseilles belie who of

Bouillabaisse."
is

quay
"

its name^ make up the

it

really

"

Fraternity
crowd would
are

here,
on

those best

this

stirring picture
we

the

terms;
and

whole
were

appear

original

striking

not

in

Marseilles.

As that

we

walked

along,
was

the

seamen

told condition

my and

master

the the

jracht
best wood

in that

capital

built

with
On

exists, white
at

Scotch
the
were

oak. my old

January

the

i8th, Raymond
and

six and

in

morning,
in the of the

master,
harbour

Bernard,
of
from

I,
on

Marseilles,
that is
means

went

board
name

Zingara,
Bel Ami.

which The

day

took

the is

weather "That

uncertain,
billows
on

there

slight

swell. And
seven

afar,"
to

says

Bernard. Towards

yet
a

we

decide

going
the Bel

sea.

small

tug

drew the
were

Ami

in d'If.

half-an-hour
The hawser

to
was

point

opposite
we

Chateau left then

no

unfastened, big sail

That
was

to
a

our

own

resources.

The sail.

was

unfurled, all,we
was

jib, and

the

mizzen
the the

could
no

longer spread
but about

standing groundmost
mercifully. un-

jib.
swell

There
tossed

particular wind,
poor little vessel

our

"

should
on

prefer
such
a

hurricane,"
sea."
curse; to

said

Bernard,

"

to

this

breeze

Then

he

began
did not

to

but

the

Golfe
and

du

Lion

apparently

listen

Bernard,

continued

134
to send
us

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

each
on

other

huge waves, sometimes fitting against and striking as vehemently, they broke,
was

the sides and the deck of the Bet Ami.

My
we were

master

at

the
as

hehn, and
for

seemed

quite

collected ; I can't say

much

for myself,

though

our boat, I was feeling very busy in sailing rather cold,probably on account of the heavy sea.

My master noticed it. said he, Fran"ois,"

" "

take to

^ass

of

champagne."
the coast

We
enormous

saw

it

was

usdess

try and rise above these

waves,

and decided to

plybetween

and We

the islands of had

Jarreand Rion.
de

justpassed the He
for
an

Hair",and after
sea was

we

becoming we a de^ fog ; we were did in complete darkness and hardlymoving,as we where we were the boat was miming not know going, througha compact mass of white foanL Towards half* could see the sky. The we past ten the fog cleared, wfaidi the coast, near current was us towards driving there was Bet Ami was a good deal of danger. The Bernard moving with difficulty. Raymond swtn%, all the gods of the sea, my master on cursed, calling was sion. alwaysat the tillershowingthe same self-possesRaymond steppedinto the small boot his oars It was and took us in tow. fdjring well
had tossed about

hour, the
fdl into

somewhat

when calmer,

necessary to avoid the coast.

Then
my mast^

begged Bernard
go down and

to take the
"m as

tiller,
divan.
as we

saying he

would

rest

the
soca

But he gave orders he should be tc^

Cassis ; he wished should be nearing

to take the hdm

AT

PORQUEROLLES
entered that small for
was

135
harbour. the the had first best time meal
us

again
arrived board
ever

when
at
one

we

We
on

o'clock,
Ami. there.

lunching
it

the

Bel

I think Our

we

enjoyed

excursion

given

tremendous In made He
*'

appetite.
afternoon my the
master

the

took

walk of the

that

soon

him
came

forget
back,

little annoyances
as

morning.

looking

merry I
"

as

usual.

What full

splendid
of

weather

he

exclaimed,
with the

"

those

fields
are

yellow flowers,
!
"

bright

sunlight,

simply dazzling
Next

day,
the

in
narrow

the

early morning,
channel of the

the

Bd

Ami,

after her

leaving
prow
was

Cassis,
sea.

launched The

resolutely
in

towards the

open seemed

3racht
was a

good
breeze.

trim,

weather
went

fine, there

fresh for
our

All

well, that

day

was

perfect

sailing trip.
two

At harbour

o'clock of the in
went

the

Bd

Ami of

was

moored and

in M.

the de

little grey off I set

bay
hat
to

PorqueroUes, jacket,

Maupassant, alpenstock, Raymond

some

and

carrjring his
comer.

explore this

unknown
water.

and

ofE in search in
a

of soft

I
on

saw

superb
and

cauliflowers the she

as

kitchen-garden
if she We

the

way,
me

asked which

countrywoman
did very
as

would

sell

two,
the

willingly.
if
we

returned the
most

to

yacht

pleased

had

made

unheard-of When about

water.
"

discovery.
he
came

in and

that whether

evening,
we

my

master

asked soft

our

walk,

had

found

some

Yes,"

said

Raymond,

*'

and

better

still,Fran"ois

136
discovered cream." I went
"

GUY
some

DE

MAUPASSANT milk axid

also cauliflowers^ splendid

into the saloon. you have back brought

some

It seems

provisions,"

said my
"" "

master.

Yes, sir." Well, and I have found

article. I
an

excellent

subjectfor

who meets with the onlyman am really these surprising events I I went oS with the intention of exploring I had not the the island; of course least idea of all I was to learn and see. I had already walked a long way and was about to turn to the right the paths so as to come back, for on the southern slope Still I traced out. indeed scarcely are difficult, I should like to see the shore beyond that wildthought a narrow looking spot. And I went on, taking path bordered by encroaching bushes.
an
'*

was a

astonished

when

in that
me

deserted

comer

saw

lady coming towards

also. She
was

I I went

on,

she

advanced
to
me

and her dress recalled tall, she

was came nearer

the fashion of I asked

nearer.

1830; myselfif I
to
me

and

dreaming. When
the among I bowed to her.

she

was

close quite

I stood back

bushes to allow her to pass, and She immediately stopped.

"

said she, Oh I sir,"

a

"

quiteunderstand
alone

astonishment at

finding
I must you 1 Do
are

woman

your in such an

isolated spot^and
many whom

tell you but

I have lived here Parisian

years, and
I have
seen

the second

from Paris !

see

you do not come I fed it, it, though fashions have

not tellme

"n

138 connections,
enable
me

GUY
those
to
see

DE of

MAUPASSANT

my afar

family
the

were

such

as

to

from
beloved the

public calamities
I
;

that

threatened

my
to
me warn

country.
Government

did

my would

best,
not

seeking
listen
to

they
...

;
. . .

I then

spoke
I
went

out,
on,

I wrote and
was

was

arrested.
to
"

Still
. . .

condemned

banishment.

Such,

sir, is my

story.
may

Napoleon,
say, had

very
one

clever

man,

whatever
was

people
. . .

but my here that

fault,
for my

he

ill. he
on

However,
consented
one

knowing
my

love
on

country,

to

staying
which
was,

French I should
name

ground
never

condition,
spot
I gave
or

leave

this

reveal my

to

anyone and

my
must

and

position.

word,

keep

it."
**

Then

we

conversed
names

about that the She had I bowed She

the

period
most

of the

Second

Empire.
were

The of

recurred

frequently
doctor,
and

those the

Ricord

Emperor's
known
to

Feuillet and

writer. well. her.

to

Monsieur
her hand with the
most out

Thiers

Jules Simon
when I left
'

fully respectto
me,

put
hands and

her

saying

Allow de
'

me

shake

celebrated below Bel .'

. .

writer, M.
her breath

Maupassant/
If I dared,
to

added ask
success.

almost if your

I would

Ami

still continues
may be

reap

its of

great
age, is

She
been of

fifty-five years
pretty;
in her face."
at to

and

must
a

have deal

exquisitdy
character On the

there

still

great

2ist,

nine
leave deal

o'clock the of

in the harbour

morning,
of the

we

began

manoeuvring
We had
a

PorqueroUes.
was

great

trouble,

breeze

too

WE

START Ami's

FOR sails
are

CANNES
are

139

slight,
besides

the

Bd

not

ample

enough
The

which,
moved

they

in did the

very

bad

condition.
was

yacht
to

heavily,
seemed
oa

not

yield,
of

very

difficult
the rocks

steer, and

point

touching

bordering
Then
to
as
use

that

bay.
gave
me a

Bernard it.
as

boat-hook

telling me perch
I away
a was

how

Armed I could its

with
to

this

heavy
the
;

trying
without wind
on

hard

push

boat last Bd

much
came

altering
to
our

position
and

at

slight
went
was

assistance

the

Ami

by

its

own

impetus.
he said

My
never

master,
a

of course, When

at
were

the in

tiller, but

word.

we

difficulties, Bernard
As towards
soon as we

bore

all the the When

responsibility.
harbour five
was we

had
sea.

left

went

on

the towards
as

open

miles
be
our

out,

we

sailed
as

Cannes
the wind

(which

to

goal),
about

well

permitted;

tacking

occasionally.
We

passed
;

Cap

Benat

;
us

the the
;

Port-Cros
names

and of these

Levant

islands

Bernard

told
and

bays,

harbours,
of map, the

islands

capes

he

knew
master

all the looks

points
at

coast

apparently.
is
correct.

My
Much

the

everything

flattered

by

this
capes

approbation,
we are

Bernard
to

continues
:

naming
the St Moorish

the de

about

pass Tour

Cap N"gre,
de

Baie

Cavalaire^
etc.

Cap
also
rock
'*

Lardier,
showed in the

La
us

Camaret,
the
enormous

Tropez,

He
a

behind
of
an
"

mountains

shape
said

eagle's beak.
excellent

That,''

he,

is

an

guiding-mark

for sailors." The

day

and

night

were

not

too

unpleasant,

we

I40

GUY had
was

DE

MAUPASSANT

really
wind second
we

gone

pretty
the

far;
for

on

the Bd

second Ami in the of

;

day
on

the the

quite
night,
St

thing

the
one

towards

half-past
and very

morning,
an

passed
we saw

Raphael,
afar, and

three-quarters
low

hoar

later of
"

down,

the

tiny light

the

pretty

bay

of

Agay.
fonr

Towards reach

half-past
Cannes."
ten

sir," said

Raj^ond,

"

we

shall

Hardly spoke
"

minutes

had

dapsed

when

Bernard

"

That's

bad is

sign, sir, the coming

forward,
above his
on

breeze

is

leaving

us

and

ground-swell
Bernard
went

from

Genoa."

stooped
eyes
;

down,
then he had

got up
declared

again,
the found

put
sea

his
was

hands very

high
the Bd

out

yonder.
was

We

already
about

that

out,

Ami

Hg"ir"ng

in

fine

style.
It
was

decided
and
a we

that

we

should

re-enter

the
we

bay
were

of

Agay,
at

backed

accordingly.
the it
entrance
was

I think
to

about

mile

from

this

bay,

I can't and eye,

sure
"

say

exactly,
the

because

very the
or

hard
most

work,

at

night,

lights can
neither
the

mislead
sailors

practised
master

anyhow, getting

my

fdt

of

into

harbour.
. . .

Raymond
"

was

pluck
out

itself.
to
sea

We

must

bear

"

cried
the

he.

So

they
vras

manoeuvred
use

again,
the Bd seemed
were

and which

breeze

from

the
at

gulf
sea,

of

to

Ami
to

got

little out

where the

the

wind

die away.
more

But

billows

suiging
of water,

and made

more,

they
into

formed

huge mountains

then

holes

ROUGH till
one

SEA

141

which
never
''

the
come

boat up

dropped,

might

think

it would

again.
boat/'
climbs
said
on

Not

bad but

Bernard,
to

"

it is

never

taken
a

unawares,

the

waves

like

lion

on

the

rocks." About
ten
we we

were

still knew

worse

off, and

had

very do there
;

bad many

time,
ropes

really
and the the all than
we

no

longer
had

what way,

to

the

rigging
sail had
on

given
3^acht, the
the had
on

remained

only
and

big
surf

the

perpetual fastenings.
we

rocking
We
on

detached

repaired
one

could, but

hardly
gave way sail

finished the other.

to

side ropes
as

everything
the

All

the

securing
as

large
of

were

tied
I been
warm

the

netting
of

well
at

to

the moment.

foot

the

masts.

thought
sent to

Tahya

that
was

She

had

Cannes,

and

quietly

Ijnng

in

railway

carriage.
We needed
at

took it ;

some

champagne
master

several
tea.

times,

really

we

my

drank

Though composed.
say
a

always
When few
forting com-

the

helm,
were

he the
us.

seemed

quite
he would

things

at to

worst,

words
"

When

at

sea,"
for
an

he

would

add,
!
at
"

"

one

must

always

be

prepared
There the
was

the

unexpected

improvement
was

three less

in

the
we

noon, afterhad

swell
two

lower miles

and
two

jerky,
in the grew
were

made Towards

about four from

since
the

morning.
stronger,
not

in the the

afternoon
sea

breeze there

blowing
of
we
us

open

; then

enough
canvas

to

hoist
At

the

sails !
the

We Bel

put
Ami

up

all
was

the

could.

seven

anchored

142 in Cannes

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT
next
us was

harbour;
which in

the
to

Ville be

de

Marseilles,
our

future

was

destined

often

neighbour.
That

evening

we

went

to

the

apartment
rather

Madame

de

Maupassant
and
was

had
master

furnished,
at

plainly,

for

herself

my

the
us

villa.
at

Tahya
we were

awaiting
she
was

the

door

as

if she

knew

coming,

most

demonstrative
up
to

towards But
was

my
master

master,
went

constantly straight
her you
a

jumping
to

him. who

my the

his

mother

in

hall
"

and How

gave
are

sound
"

kiss. he. my dear

? and
was

asked 3^u,

"

Pretty well, Tahya

my and and
master

child
she

"

But

dissatisfied,
to

continued

to
a

oblige
mouth angry

take

notice
Her

of her,

opening
were

huge
both have

whimpering.

complaints
one

beseeching
they
were

occasionally
by
the the

might

supposed
musical wild

produced
or

some

unknown of of the this

instrument inhabitants of

else

were

language birthplace

the

desert,

tender-hearted
"

Tahya.

Perhaps,"
in the

thought
dialect !
"

I,

"

she

is when

talking
a

to

my away

master

she

heard

puppy,

in

the At

sand-desert last he

noticed of

her, it

was

but

time,

she

was

just

on

the in

point
my

becoming
all the

aggressive.
I felt
as

When

bed

night
same

if

being
as

tossed I
were

about,
still
on

undergdng
the deck

sensation

if

of the my

yacht.
master

Next with the

morning
Antibes

made

an

appointment
decided the

shipbuilder, and

it

was

THE

BEL

AMI

REFITTED

143

Bd

Ami

should

be

refitted and from that

with

copper,
new

should should best

be be

strongly inomediately
firm. These

ballasted,
ordered sails than the

sails the

Livton's,
to

English
more

were

be

larger,

stronger,

developed

former

ones.

CHAPTER

XI

FEBRUARY

1888-FEBRUARY

1889

Tahya
"

and

Pussy

are

introduced

to

each

other
"

Rue the

Montchanin younger

^Adinner-partyatthehouseof disappearance portrait

the stocks
"

Alexandre of
an

Dumas

"

Mysterious by
Ami the
on

ancient return of
a

ivory
to

carving,
Cannes
"

replaced
^The
"

of

lady

^We
"

Bel

^Noble not
to

confession think
"
"

writer

who about in

struggles
Flaubert the in battle

sometimes ^M.
"

so

as

Recollections
de his I
"

de

Maupassant
General
"

defeats A

the*Duke ^tells ladies

. . .

Chartres last go
not

of

flowers
were

of

charge
to

1870"

They
Rousseau's

very house
"

great
^A the ^An
"

M.
come

Waldeck off
"

duel

which

does

^To
to

Aix-les-Bains
"

In
a

mountains,

Maupassant
lord wishes
wants to to

resolves know the site

remain
one

bachelor

English
and Old
"

of

of

Maupassant's
French understand is mentioned Fori
"

works,
wit

become friends

acquainted
"

with does

refined
not

furniture,
"

old

^Fran"ois
"

titles and
comme

^An

aristocratic de Mori DoUs

are

dinner-party
shows

Philology
great

Madame le

Maupassant
is

her

learning
men

published given
to

"

Young
writer

literary
^A
"

mob doctor

the

author
"

the

Norman

moulded

his

brain.

TEN
Her
nose

days
at

later

we

returned

to

Paris,
all
our

and

here trunks

the

rue

Montchanin

arrived

from

Africa,
as

and

also

Pussy,
used she took
to

quite
be. her

as

inquisitive
all

her

mother

examined
was a

the

parcels
.

time,
also

it has all been

IM

regular
note

inspection.
. .

My nothing
Kairouan
the has

master

taken is

of

every The the

thing,
large

been

lost,
has

satisfactory.

carpet
others

placed

in

drawing-room^

I
146
morrow^ GUY DE had my
to

MAUPASSANT
alter it

they
send

slightly.
apparatus

And Xo

pray^

Fran"ois^
And dinner
some

shower-bath of
;

Cannes.

while

I think

it^ on
us a

Thursday
good
if you of the

am

giving
let
us

of sixteen sweetbreads
one

cook
en

dinner,
can

have it/' my

caisse

manage

On
master

of

the
a

panels
pretty
in

drawing-room
of M.

has

hung

water-colour dresses the

same

Ldoir's,
before
are

representing people
the

fancy

appearing panel,
ancestors

police ;

on

the

right, on
of my

there
;

ancient
is

miniatures
an an

master's Louis

below

placed

exquisite
old-rose
most

XV. vase, and

writing-table,
a

supporting

China

beautiful
This
ing carv-

ivory carving, represented Remy

One in the

exquisitely
coronation of Reims.
was

finished.

the

of

King

Clovis

by

St

Cathedral
I

morning
was

astounded,
the

the of

beautiful
a

carving
Such notice
was

replaced by
my

portrait
that
or

lady
even no

disappointment
she
a was

did

not

whether
to

ugly
of
so

pretty !
this

was

longer
where

have

chance
was

admiring
and

treasure,
out
so

every

figure
The soft had

perfect

stood but

beautifully I
finished; art, and
was a

figures were patina

small,

exquisitely triumph
ever

embellished

this

of 1 I

it

probably
so

disappeared provoked

for

and reaUy distressed, I should ! that small the

about

the

lady's
it out there
an

portrait, that
of
even

have

enjoyed throwing
it it did
was

the
a

window

Luckily, evening
frame.

not

remain

day
in
a

replaced by
master,

old
so

picture

My
of

generally

outspoken

on

subject

his this

art-treasures, preserved
alteration.

absolute

silence

about

WE On March the

RETURN
12th He of
came

TO M. d'Hubert
to

CANNES
walked the
to
cause

147 into of the M. the Gil de my alter rug^

was

drawing-room. Bias,
the editor

plead
wished
After

which
novel.
set to

publish

Maupassant's
master

next

his
with A

departure
me

immediately
in the

work

to

arrangements

dining-room.
silk and the sold

red

cloth

picked placed
room.

out
on

with
the

yellow

gold embroidery^
door of the

ground

facing
who

drawingbeen

The

shopkeeper
the 6th.

it stated

it had

worn

by Henry Cannes, April

were

Second's
"

charger.
went
on

^We

to

Antibes the

to

see

how of the
on

the

workmen We

getting
the each
to

with

repairs

Bel- Ami. its AU with been

a

found
on

yacht
side the

aground^

resting

keel^ supported
the lower

by great
water

wooden

posts.
covered she had

part, up
red copper;

line, was
that line

pretty

above and the had

scraped,
coat

mended,
:

already

received
are

of

painting

important

repairs

finished.
"

Inside,"
all the

says

Bernard,
are

"

everything
up
to

is

done

but can't

openings
see

shut

avoid

dust.

let you

it

to-day."
my
we

"All

right,"
the Belrather

said

master

smiling.
also have the of had

"To
to

amine ex-

Ami,

should up,

climb

ladder,
of the

high

too, for
like
a

yacht, standing giant."

can

out

water,
seems

looks

sort

My again
"

master

pleased

his

boat

be

set

afloat

in

week. received Bernard

"

I he

have
to

letter the

from

livton's
be
sent

firm,"
in
a

said

sails will

few

days."

148
We the the

GUY
returned
to

DE

MAUPASSANT
on

Cannes

foot before

from
our

Antibes, by
old

high road,
"

thus

passing

dwelling,
said

Chalet
were

des

Alpes."
uncomfortable

"We

not

there,"
house

my

master, looking at it.

But Golfe We he
now

is bent
we

on

bujring a

at

the

Juan,
saw
a

which

reached
to
a

twenty minutes

later.

path leading
far down

large white valley.

my
master.

ch"teau^

standing
"

rather

the

It is in this

direction," says

beheld,about a thousand yards away, an in a swamp a lmost house, very dismal-looking,

were

isolated
; there

reeds

everywhere.
it
to

showed

my

master

this

detail,stating that
"

was

certainlya
fever.
"

very

damp
the you

neighbourhood, enough
And I shall

give one

Certainlynot," replied master, keep

a

it is too

near
as

sea.

and horse, so carriage carry

comes

may

fetch the
When

and provisions the fine weather

my

letters to the my boat and

.

post.
be

will solid

moored

opposite, with
; there

two

anchors
. .

moorings
will
come

will be

no me

danger.
here ; I
am

My

mother

and

live with

sure

she will be

happy
I
was

in this isolated very much I

spot."
see

grieved to thought
on

my

master

keep

to

this
As

plan, which
were

unsuitable

in

every
rather

way.
too

we

walking
me

the

road, always
step
of
was

quick
fever.
master

for

(formy
to
was

master's
as

longer than
a

mine),

I felt imeasy, I

if I
a

had already way

at

touch

of my

wanted
house

find
not

convincing
he

this

all what
it.

wanted,

if he particularly

thought

of

buying

"

"

DESIRE
"

FOR he ?

SOLITUDE

149

And

why

should and
we

My

master

already
I
"

possesses

La

GuiDette,
Still

many reached

other
a

dwellings

talking
and the

point higher
on were

up^ the

above

Cannes

Croisette

further
sun

islands^
on

andj lastly^ a
Roux
as

rose-coloured
pour

sent
on

its that

rays
mass

Cap
of red

if it would

its fire

porphyry.
^'

After
; there

all/' said
is
a

I,

"

this

side

is much than
at

more

ful beauti-

wider

perspective
"

the

extremity

of the
"

Golfe
on

Juan
this
and
seen

Yes,

side

the you be

prospect
are

is

much That But do

more

attractive,
we

perhaps
would ? I We
must
we are

right.
far ofi.

house what hanker when it

have

just
you

rather

would after
comes

have

artists,sometimes,
also
not

solitude.
to

confess

that very you and

business when advice

always
I
saw

practical.
had

For
me

instance,
excellent

at

Marseilles about the for

given
of

sale the

purchase
on

my the that in

boats, and
smaller
our

particularly
Bd-Ami. is At

excursion the

board is

Perhaps occupied
least hard it
not
as

explanation
novel me,
. . .

mind brain.

by
is
so

the

developing though
Wherever
I

our

with

satneUmes I am,

struggle anything
for
me

to think.

I
a

see,

long
of

as

it

is

interesting,
fact
causes

becomes
us

subject

study.
and the
we

This
become

to

be

only half
it is
a

ourselves, question
of

inferior

beings
life. "And

when

details

of

everyday

yet
as

do

not

allow
was.

myself Nothing
and his

to

be

entirely
his
work

absorbed,
existed

Flaubert

but person

for

him

his

prose

formed

ISO
one

GUY block. go
to

DE

MAUPASSANT
would
to

He

never

have mooey

disturbed
that that
;
was

himself
owed

to

his

publisher
I must,

get the

him.
...

however,
seen

confess very make merry

us

in he !

my could

youth
coin I

I have such
was

sometimes

him
to

ingenious
but
a

sayings
I

laugh dearly,

When
I

youngster
;

loved

him

felt

his

superiority
soft and

his

good-natured
eyes beneath

countenance,
his

his

large,

expressive
me

powerful
. .

forehead,
."

charmed We

was

attracted On
trees not
;
see

by him.
the
at

reached

Cannes. fine could of

rig^t
the

we

faced
end stood

splendid park with

a

further

large
**

house

we

very

distinctly
said my

Some about

friends
to

mine, Parisians,"
that fine aside estate." in the

master^

""

are

buy
took

My

master

me

evening,

at

the

end

of dinner.
"

Fran"ois,"
we

said

he,
here

"

I have
;

spoken
boat will will

to
come

my

mother,
into

and
at

shall

remain

the

port
off

Cannes,

and,

when

paid

ofi,

be

moored

Antibes."
I breathed The
next
me

again.
morning

Madame

de

Maupassant

agreed

with
"

completely. right you

are, my

How

good

Fran"ois

let

us

avoid
When
me

complicating
thmking
that

matters."

again

of

the

apprehension
of
a

caused

by

melancholy
to to

dwelling
master

Golfe

Juan,
it would its three

endeavoured
have been

show desert
rooms so

my that

what

pity
with

apartment
Genoese

beautiful
was
so

sunny

with

hangings.
any

It fires.

gay,

and

warm,

without

kindling

A It Fort his is there Comme

BATTLE that la who

OF
master

FLOWERS sketched many the

151

my Mori
never

plan

of

after would the

discussions the
an

with
:

mother,
death

accept
of

ending

violent

under
"

wheels battle

omnibus. took
was

Cannes, April yth.

on

^The

of flowers

place
still

the

Boulevard excited had

to not

de he

la Croisette.
came

My

master

quite
"

when the battle that be

on

home

in the

evening.
said I

slightest intention/'
of
sort

he,
am

"

of
not

going

the

flowers of

generally

attracted I
we

by
to
a

amusement. two

However,
friends into Chartres! the I
;

happened
took of tell him

the

spot to-day with

threw poor ourselves Due and
to

carriage, fray.
how He did
we

and The

heart can't

the you !

de

persecuted,
not

barded literally bomhide when much

must

know I
was

where

he

saw more

us

coming
so

along
I had
to

infinitely amused,
Of course, All
...

than up

expected.
fun. which

one

give
was

oneself
a

the

the

same,
me

there with
so

cool
a

sea-breeze,

surprised

bright AprU
to
crew.

sun." 16th. his

"

M.

de
;

Maupassant
a

is gone been any

to

Antibes
to

fetch

yacht
don't

boy

has
me

added

the I

They

require
a

longer,
I had
over

still sailed the

thought
from

mj^f

almost
to

sailor, since
without down
on

Marseilles
or even

Cannes

passing
deck.
.

netting
On

tumbling
the friends Madame Bel- Ami
on

the

i8th

sallied
. .

forth

for

an

cursion ex-

with

board
.

coming
said
to
me

home
:

towards
"

five.

de

Maupassant
her
;

My

son's well

yacht, with
on

handsome

white

saib,
."
.

looks

very

the

sea

she

is

so

graceful.

52 In the

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

evening,
about the his

during

dinner,

my

master

told

mother in much detail

charming
of the

excursion,
boat ones, motion. with its

explaining^
new

qualities
than the

sails^
little

larger quite reaUy

year boat
we a

former
sort

giving

the

yacht
'"

different

of he

think,"
can

said

enthusiastically,
the ." Moorish

"

that
on

next

cruise

about

coast

this

thus

equipped.

Villa

CofUineniale,
that

Cannes,
could asked
me

April
the

1888.
matter

"

^I with

dered won-

day
Twice

what he

be

my
come

master.

if Madame

had

in.
''

It
not

is be

past
much ."

six

o'clock," later, for

I answered. hates

"

Madame in the

win dark.

she

being

out

"

My

master to

walks farther he he had

"

from end
to

the of the

extremity

of

the
;

room ante-

the

drawing-room
mother. time
to

there she

is

something
and have

wants

tell his her

At

last

comes,
""

hardly
a

allows

sit down. he
a

pleasant
finished I
met

day,"
up

says with

in

burst

of

eloquence,

which

most

ing interestand
,

circumstance. walked walk head he of

General the Croisette.

we

together
related

towards
to
me

During
in

that
at

his
'

last

charge

1870,
'

the
was

his

squadron.
D
''

We
was

knew,'

saidhe,
of honour

all

lost, and
when army
same

General exclaimed ."

. .

convinced for the

the of with

fact,
the the of the

he I

Now

Then

the

whole

squadron,
for the what order honour

thought,
of France my

bounded
! sword

forward,

army

I cannot and

describe

I felt when ! It
was

drawing

giving

that

.'"

IN
a

1870
a

153

kind of enthusiasm

indescribable

which throws you into state, which givesyou an

. .

delirious,
imknown

superhuman strengthof will,

thus that tillthe shock remamed And
came

We flew powers. then the few of us

. . .

strack at the

adversarywith positive

fury.
anyone had and While

when, almost
I ."

before me, alreadyover !

. .

I no alone, could onlysay : It seemed

. . .

longerfound
"

What

! it is

as

if the

slaughter
over,
. .

onlylasted

an

instant I

it was Alas,

the few officersstill surviving joinedme.

deeplymoved ; all of his soldiery's soul were as highly the nerves strung note ; the chords of a harp soundingits highest as he lifted againthe order to charge, and, as if giving his hand,pointing I was thrilled, to the horizon. while hearinghim, by the attitude of this brave and one day I shall general; I had understood, to describe the effect produced on the soul manage of a soldier by these deeds on the field of battle.
this the general was telling
...

"We

returned

towards

the

Reserve.

The

Hes-

Garden sent up the sweet and delicious perides' perfumes of the large-leaved orange trees,and, in the splendid atmosphereof the dying day, the red made the gulfblaze like a great lake of sun setting blood."

May
several he of

16/A.
"

^We have

returned to

and given Paris,

One day my master told me dinner-parties. intended giving to several great ladies a tea-party the smart set, he could whom, as he was a bachelor, invite to dinner. He would also ask
some

not

gentlemen.

ttk

154
"

GUY
You he know
''

DE

MAUPASSANT about you that will do kind for of the

nothing
however what
to
on

receptioa,"
best, and
I

added will At
to

tell you four

get."
the I had 22nd of

o'clock,

May, quite

everyone
a

came

the

tea-party.
The sound

burnt
was

variety
guests
I drew

of

perfumes.
the the

samovar

calling
...

the

by

light

of steam

escaping.
the

aside the the

at

hangings

separating
and

drawing-room
themselves
so

from round

dining-room,
table. ease,
were

all

seated

My
seemed

master,
rather

generally

thoroughly
the and
two

his

embarrassed;

fine of

ladies

already
of

laughing
at

loudly,

them,
on

instead
a

sitting

table, placed
cofier
to
near

themselves the the

;

to

beautiful
nearest

Renaissance it

window. tassel her with

so

The of the

one

began
it

play
to

with
fro
tattoo

curtain, making accompanied

on

swing

and
a

neighbour
her heek

her of
see

by

beating

the

sides

the

cofier, and
their
in.
.

both

laughed
teeth.

heartily
ladies

you round

could the
were

all

white

The

table in
a

joined
state

They

of

merriment

could

hardly

understand;
their

after
are

all, thought
but
an

I, notwithstanding
and door since of

titles,they

women, ancient into

an
a

they
the

have Grand

just passed
Turk's harem have last

through
turned

dining-room
electric
M.

porU"re,
I Dumas of for the
versation con-

they
At the

perhaps
Princess the the be
same

received

shock

and
two most

Alexander persons

younger,
silenced
to

important
it
no was

party,

others, and

agreed
two

that intelligible, time.

people should

speak

at

the

*w

DE Then the fun M.

MAUPASSANT

ENTERTAINS cracked
a

155

Dumas

few

jokes.

Instantly
to

became

fast and

furious There

; it was
was

impossible
a

understand
"

anything.
"

again

cry

of

Order

and

the

Princess
M. It
. .

then Dumas
was a

spoke, probably
had

spurred
told
a

on

by something
anecdote. ?
.

said ;

she

larky
be

bachelor's

house,

why

not

merry of these

Several

ladies

seemed in the

unable the

to

sit still;

they
one

examined of them drew cock

every

article
to

dining-room;
Another harem my

attention
on
an

majestic attitude plate.

about the But

of

Gallic
on

old

Rouen

insisted

knowing
closed

every the

detail

porti"re which
master,
Great china and
a

dining-room.
. . .

questioned, only laughed.

was

their with
sow

delight
its Uttle and of

when
ones

they
on

discovered

elephant pig,
upon it
out
a a

the

mantelpiece,
Each it over,

their

progeny.

lady
then
on

seized
held de

piece
arm's

china, turned
;

at

length

they
them
. . .

insisted the And my

M.

Maupassant's
of aU

explaining
these articles. but he

to

presence
master

in his house

tried to

satisfy them,

did
at

not once,
;

succeed each

in

being

heard, for they all chattered

her
own

requiring
surrounded

separate
;

explanation really he
Dumas
was

they
taken ceased

him, crowding dose

The

by siege.

Princess
went

and the

M.

never

laughing ;
by
the

they
swarm

into

drawing-room,

followed

When
how
"

Her he
was

Highness
flattered said the

departed by
the

my

master

said
visit.
me
as

much

honour
"

of her
to

Yes,

yes,"

Princess

come

56
as

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT
as

often

yoa

like, but
be
to

to

my

coming

here,

no

really
"

should

ill !.. such

a

."

laughed
the my

d^ree

yesterday/'
his

said

my

master
"

next

day,
are

while

taking
;

vapour-bath,
to

that

sides

still and about

aching
!
"

hope

fed

better

when Then
me

getting nice
he talked his

hot M.

Alexander with

Dumas,
him
; to

telling
struck one, any-

about
as

first

interview

he
trust

him

being reserved,
that did the
not

dry^ disinclined
last

but each
"

long;

they

understood

other From

before
that

end he
was

of the

conversation.

day

always

charming
man

he of

is the
one

first-dass And
come

writer, and
how up
to

an

accomplished
fun he is t anecdotes

world.
can

full him

of in

Again,
and

no

Uvdy

witty

repartees." May
215/, 1888.
sends
"

About
me

six
a

in

the

evening
to

M.

de

Maupassant
Rousseau,
dine
cannot

with for has He

not
an

note

M.
to

Waldeck
go and and back often

apologizing
him. of He it.

being
awful
me

able

with

headache I
came

get rid
with

told

when Waldeck of

that advised

fatherly
him
but added advice of
to

kindness the

M.

had the

accept
he had

decoration
declined.

Legion

of Honour,
"

always
"

Yet,"

he,
an

one

ought
man.

to

listen
When

to

the
am

sensible

eminent I
am

dining

at

his that is

house,

always
who very

on

the
to

point
be in

of

telling him
she I have

it is his

cook

ought
best

ated, decorParis. the

certainly
met

the

cook

nowhere of her

with

anything

approaching

delicacy

cooking."

A It is the
to

DUEL of

ARRANGED

157 de

month
at

June.

M.

Maupassant

wishes

take He

baths
was

Aix-les-Bains
one

before
to

going
go
a

to to

"tretat.

dressing
me

evening
to

out

dinner, day
inhad
;

and he

told seemed

he
as

was

going
as

fight
but

duel

next

cool

usual,
an

showed

his
"

firm who

tention

of

chastising he,
*'

impudent
to
a

fellow,
married

dared/'
newspaper
"

said

to

allude ."

lady

in

article.
. .

They
my

may

say

what but

they
don't take duel of you, my

like,"
let them

he

declared,
allude
am

''

about my

writings,

dare As I

to

private life,for
party, I insist
to

I shall
on

it up.

the

offended paces,

with

pistols at twenty
be abled. dis-

continue
I have
can

till
assure

one

the that

adversaries
with
a

And,
I shall
"

good
!

pistol

soon

stroked

opponent's
to

skin

went

this
I

afternoon shot

Gastine

Renette's and the teen six-

shooting-gallery.
of The the

seventeen

times,
in
are

bullets
then because

caught
said you
to
are me

the
'

dummy
Sir, you
to

chest.

attendant

evidently
but

practising
it is not

about your
man

fight,

really
have
a

necessary. ! I

If, with

skill, you
who will

good

pistol,well
"

pity

the

stand

up

against you.'
My
him,
master

came

home
had
not

at

eleven.
me

I
to

was

waiting
so,

for

though
some

he

told

do the

always
. . .

hoping
He
room.

incident

would when

prevent
he
saw

duel. the

seemed

surprised

me

in

dining-

"You
can

are

there,
;
we

are

you,

Fran"ois?
it up
; I am

Well,
not

you

go

to

bed

have^made

going

to

fight,

/'
.

"

158
M. M. when
a

GUY de

DE

MAUPASSANT
"

Maupassant asking him

had
met

received

channmg
had

note

from done
so

Goonod,

again (he
a

already
to

they

at

friend's
set to

house)
music.

write

him

piece
"

of poetry I
a

he

could
to

Perhaps
is such
our

ought

do

so^" exclaimed
!
"

my

master,

\
J

"

he In

splendid
at
a

composer

dwelling
lunch
as a

Aix-les-Bains,
small
room on

my the is

master

and

his mother
fitted chest does console The up of

in

ground
an

floor,

dining-room.
with dresser beautiful
;

There brass

Empire
which

drawers,
as a

fine the

ornaments,
is that also
a

duty
with

sideboard of

R^ency

the

gilding
winch
master

period.
the

large "^ass door,

wide
is
a

is sits

window,
; in

remains
of him

open.

My
bed

opposite

front

splendid

of

scarlet

geraniums
and another leaves
out
"

bordered bed ^white of and

with
roses

different-coloured and shrubs These the with flowers very had

plants,

vari^;ated picked
gay; been

purple.
made little frame.

with could

greenery

garden

one

fancy

the

dining-room

made

for

this

charming

My
mother when other

master

seems

so

happy

to

be
as

alone is is
trust

with their
aware

his habit the other

! alone is

They

talk

rather each

loudly,
of

together;

them

extremely
but

intelligent, they
they
love both

each and

completely; always
finish the

discussion,
of of the their hearts
same

almost

by

being

opinion.
is
aie so

To-day
the

chief

subject
that

conversation
;

great affection
that I
a am

fills their

they

hai^yy
love

deeply

impressed
It

by
made

it.
me

Maternal think of

is such

noble

feeling !

i
1

60

GUY

DE
me

MAUPASSANT the site "^ere

right, then
behind
''

showing

lay Chamonix,
"

great slopes.
cannot

Yon

imagine/'
Switzeriand the lakes many up

he is

said.
when

how

beautiful follow in
am

)
|

this

part

of and

you Rosa

the

mountains I took

to

Monte ago,

Italy.
ac-

that with

journey
the

years

and

| j
\

quainted
that of Fate
me.

whole about the

r^ion.
my

Indeed,
made the

it is there
a

decided I made

and life, in
to

bacbdor of
a

excursion who
was

society
been know my

numerous
was

family
among the

; she

have I

wife

tourists,and,
circumstance,
in

how

not,
woman,

by
a

some

unforeseen

another That
. . .

foreigner,slipped
to

amongst

us.

was

blow death-

my

intended

marriage.
so

For

ately unfortun-

(it is frequently
honest
. . .

in

this

miserable

life)the
one.

woman

is often I have I knew

the

dupe mysdf

of the "^ether

designing
my this

Sometimes would
not

ask been the

ness happiprojected
was

ensured young

by lady
broad have

marriage,

for

well ; she

high-minded,
information and have But

generous,

and her side

with

views,
been

full of able, agreewould

. . .

; life at

would

she

possessed
her r
to

all the
me

qualitieswhich
in my work.

enabled Fate!
. .

second

After all the

pause

my

master
on

began
other

to

describe of the

to

me

mountains lake. I He

the

side

small

Bourget
"

stopped suddenly.
I
must

Now
now.

recollect You had

go

to

Marlioz. home

will the

start
same

better

return

by

way

you

came." last wedc of

our

This

is the

stay

at

Aix.

M.

de

AT

THE asks

VILLA if I have

DES been

FLEURS
to

i6i Villa des

Maupassant
Fleurs.
"

the

No, Well,
you

sir/'
you
must

"

go, of

here all you

are

some see
:

tickets the the

women,

now

do

take the the

notice
'

the and of

gambling, goings
the of

horse-racing game,'
and the whole

comings

public,

organization

establishment." I thanked

him,
master

and

retired
to

into

the

kitchen, whence

I heard
ti

my

talking

his mother.
he he
was

You

understand,
those few

mother/'

saj"ing,
to

44

Fran"ois, by
the Villa he
are,

evenings
may
some

is about

spend
use

at me,
as

des has and

Fleurs,
an

day

be
sees

of

to

for

excellent how
our

memory,

things

they
Two

knows

to

describe
my the Bas

them/'
master

days

before
maid

departure
tickets for les Paris

gave Theatre.
most ;

his

mother's
were

some

Club

They
of
we

pla3"ng

Fran"ois
to

Bleus;

the

actors

belonged
spent
in
a

the

Opera

Comique

went,
We
are

and back my

very
;

pleasant evening.
an

Paris

English

nobleman
to

is

guest
to

at

master's his 1886

table.

I must

return

the

past,

explain During

presence. my who the

master
was

often the

invited

to

limch
;

by
went

titled there
was

lady

lived

near

Pare

Monceau His he

he
at

again alwaj^s
For,

following spring.
for

place
was

table

reserved

him,
all which

but the

very
tions atten-

discreet.

notwithstanding
on

kind

lavished used bored

L

him,
that

and

pleased
the
smart

him, he

to

tell

me

life among

people

him

intensely.

62 It

GUY

DE of

MAUPASSANT these luncheons I have I and he became

"ras

daring
with

one

^rqnah^ft^
How he

the
to

nobleman

mentkmecL
never

managed they
him
to

captivate master,
feist He

An^iow,
invited the villa
more

became

friends^
spent

my

mast"

"tietat.
his
to

ten

days
in

there
a

in

smnmer,

with

valet;

they
de

lived

laigpe
mticli

bdonging
comf ortaUe

Madame La the

Maupassant,

than

GniDette. first

My
the In

master,
beach with

during
its his The

morning,
and

showed Les

him

laige pebbles,
intimate

Aigmttes^
and

the

afternoon bowls.

friends nobleman

came,

they
in, and

idayed idayed
bowls the

Eng^h
he did
not

joined
how
to
at

wdl,
up

only
the

know
was

pick
his R

the age
,

fnxai is
no

gromid,
veiy

he

tall, and
Madame

spine

longer
and

supple.
as a

always pick
up

amiable the and my

flexiUe which any she

willow, him,
at

harried

to

bowls,
without lonL"

gave

saying
:

quite

seriously,
"

attempt

quizzing

Here,
the

In

evening,
followed
to

there

was

dinner-party
next

at
an

the
cursion ex-

Veiguies,

by
Val

music, d'Antifer,

and and

day
at

the

lunch

"La
aie
"

BeDe the

EmestineV'
celebrities
"

at

Saint
went

Joint.
to

Ah,

many the

who

admiie of the

Bdle

Ernestine's
when In At game, the the

grandfather
furnished

clocks
as

good

dd
as

times,
dder game.
at !

apples evening
Lord he than
soon

much
the

brandy
handkerchief

they fdayed
was

first

somewhat it ; the

surprised
it
was

this
more

but

understood

much that he

a^nc"ng
been

the
to

nnisic, always
for the last

same

had

listening

sixty

years.

THE One Lord

.

EFFECT M. de

OF

GAMES
drove
out

163
with

day

Maupassant

""

How

strange

"

I
as

thought.
I
was

"

No

ladies my

"

Two sbower ''I

days
bath,
went

after,
he
to

giving
the

master

his

told
see

me

about

drive. of

the

Monastery
He
.

Benedictines
also in
to

at
see

Fecamp
the Maison

with

Lord

wished situated
for Lord it

TeUier,
I had

which my I
reasons

is

reality

at

Rouen, story
at to

but

transporting
a

the

Fecamp.
and he it
...

showed

house

Fecamp,
my After tale
ten

recognized
was

by
.

the ."
.

description

in

very

funny.

days

of

this

quiet, wholesome
had been

sort

of

life,

during by
was

which

this
games,
to

nobleman he
was

entertained
He would

childish

quite

transformed. and loved but

so

obliged
have

leave,
to

on

business,
He

he this

dearly
of

liked

remain.
so

circle
so

people, apparently
and It is been
seen so

simple,

artistic,

witty
**

full of
on

inexhaustible

fun said

1 his valet and !

"

heaven fifteen

earth,"
years

to

me,

"

I've

with
in
a

My good

Lord,
humour

have

never

him
had

for
to

so

long
away.

But
**

they

go that

It's

lucky
I.
"

for Of

nobleman he has been

that

he

is
on

Lord,"
account

thought
of how
a

course

spared
to

the

great

respect

they
has

bear
ten

his

title!
here

Still,

is it

possible he

spent
on

days
!
"

without

single
Hitherto

trick
no

being played
such
fact

him

had

been

recorded

at

La

Guillette.

During

the

following autumn,

my

master

informed

64
Lord

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

me

was

coming

to

dmner

with

some

literary celebrities.
"

We but

shall few

only

be

four/'

added
us

he

"

you

will

cook On
came

dishes, but
for

give
the
;

good

things."
Lord
cravat

the in
a

evening

dinner-party
he
wore

smoking
a

jacket gold
the with very

an

English

passed
ushered
was

through
him
into

and

diamond

ring.
where
my

I
...

drawing-room
the
two
"

master

awaiting reality
few Of years
course

him
two

literary celebrities,"
ladies who had

in
a

the

handsome
with
see

dined

previously
I did
not

the
the

Condorcet

school-boy.^
the
most two
were

face
was

of

Englishman
courteous"

at

that the

moment, dinner
to

but
was

at

table, he
gay. and

and had with

very

The
now

ladies, who

belonged

the

stage,

occupied helped
pressions ex-

literature, knew
their

England
of

very and

well^ and^
their

by

natural
from

flow

language,

choice

the

Parisian of the

stage, could
British
Isles and

describe the

lently excel-

the of the When

beauties

qualities

inhabitants. Lord
how of took

his
had !
we

leave,

his

shaven
grace

face and

showed charm

much

he

enjoyed

the

French 12th.
were
"

literature Here

November

are

at

Cannes.
of

On

the

14th, coming
her
son

we

advised
one

of

the de
at

arrival

furniture
villas
went to to
a

from had it at

of it

Madame

Maupassant's
"tretat.
had I

had the
dose

packed

fetch

Rocca
to

station, and
ours,

it taken is

viUa,

quite

where

an

apartment

being

prepared

for

Madame.
^

See

Chapter

III.

OLD Then old

are

FURNITURE took into

165
abode

my

master

his bachelor
to

several
Some

pieces
beautiful

of
:

furniture
an

belonging
bedstead

Madame.

Empire
a

with
Sixteenth

finely chiselled
table which desk foot of and

brass he the
a uses

ornaments,
as

Louis

the
then
a

his

bureau,

tiny writing high

small and
secret
a

same

period, only
broad
;

five

feet of

half

it is
master

composed
opens
a

drawers. his letters

Sometimes
on

my He has

it and
with in

writes many

it.

also

chiffonier

drawers,

containing
A dock

cravats, with
green it is

gloves, etc.,
marble
of the

great order.
is

columns seventeenth is very

a

placed
century

on

the and

mantel-piece;
is of great also
and for
a

beauty,
a

the

shape

elegant.

I must

mention
few
we

Dutch articles

chest,
;

Norman the flat

cupboard,
is

fancy
have

luckily
to

spacious,

really
Before

enough
where

furnish

it with.
are

settling

these alters

things

to

remain,
smaller

my

master

frequently

their he

position,
classed
are

the his

pieces
his that

of

furniture, in which
and Dutch dance my
at

has

letters,
but Never I
as

newspapers

his chest

books,
is

moveable,

gigantic
it fun very
must

awfully
like
That the

heavy.
others

mind,
such
were

about master!

It
we

is

for hard

morning,
me

work,

he

told

what

he

should

prefer.
*'

If

I in

were

rich," said pretty

of
me

he,
retired

"

I should

have I would

large
fill it that

house

but

spot
of

;
rare

with
would
at to

all

kinds

pretty
;

things,
never

articles of

please My
my

I should would be

be

tired
in

looking

them.

ideal

to

live

perfect quiet,
that

spend

days

contemplating

things

please

66 far I
am

GUY from that

DE

MAUPASSANT tmmoil which

this
to

me,

worldly
to

that

tires

me

so,

that The

obliged day,

follow, and
rubbed
so as

I loathe." furniture
an

next

all

with almost
wax

solution

of

sublimate
that

destroy
after which

invisible
a

insect had
comme

gnawed

it ;

and

brush Fart

their

turn.

la Mort

gets
as

on

well

; it is to

be

fini^ed
; and

on

January
the

isth^

so

to

appear

in

newspaper book
;

in

springy
says

it is to is
sure

be

published
it will

in

form.

My

master

he

succeed

still Madame

is dissatisfied End harbour There

with

the
"

ending.
^The often many and I did but Bel goes ^4 mi for
a

of
;

December. my
master

is

in

Cannes

sail.

are
numerous

already

visitors

at

Cannes^

and

always
a

Princes
to
see
us.

Princesses.
not

Yesterday
this
man.
. . .

Duke

came

know

received else.

him
...

politely,
In the

treated

him
when

like I

body everymy him.

evening,
me

gave

master
"

his Of

card,

he

asked
'

how ."
. .

I had

addressed

course, he told

I said
me

Sir.'
to

Then and
to

in future in the
to
was same

call him way all

"

Monseigneur
the Dukes
to

"

address
I

and his
un-

Princes.

promised
and I

do

what

I could sincere.
; to

obey
my

injimctions,
fortimate

quite

But me,

disposition people
were

was

rebellious "sir"
to

all these

grand
and
"

merely
care

and
to

"madame,"
articulate: the

had

to

take I

manage
a

Monseigneur."

always good
the

made

slip of

tongue,

notwithstanding
It is
at

my
of

intentions.

the
a

first

year. His
. .

My

master

dines
at

out

again

Princess's.
.

mother

dines

home

68

GUY the
set.

DE

MAUPASSANT little but

a

excepting
a

intelligent
She does

lady^

who

belongs
e^^ery-

to

lower

speaks
not to

little^noticing
gestuie
of these

thing. ladies^
tion
;

She she

lose

";rea.t
a.t:texi-

listens conversation
to.
on

them,
is

with

undisguised

the

commonplace,
say much
on

still litera.'tizTe

is alluded

No

one

dares of the

this of
an

subject^
autbor. of is

probably
This
is
a

account
as a

presence is

mistake,
on

my

master

never

jealous indeed,
he otber

praise always
men's One

bestowed

brother-writer;

pleased
work. of the
a

to

hear

people

speak

well

of

gentlemen
cruise
so on

told the
to

the coast

tale

of

what

hap*
All the

pened

during

of Greece. in
a
a

passengers
green

landed

as

go find

shooting
game of

picturesque
they
were

wood,

expecting

to

kind

perhaps
for
a

unacquainted
few minutes
wexe

with. in

Hardly

had

they walked
when

untrodden then

paths,
surrounded who

they
by
men

perceived they
in

followed,
looked like

tatters, who
to

savages
were

might
who

be did did be

difficult
not not

deal

with.

They

bandits
the

disguise their give

at

intentions;
and

if

travellers

up

money

valuables,

they

would

fired
"

We

might,"
we

said
were

the armed
our

story-teller,
;

"

have

tried

to

resist,since
to

but

we

thought
hands

it wiser of those

submit,

and

empty
of

purses

in the
to

robbers, might
were

instead been back idea

proceeding dangerous.
on

extremities
how vessel relieved I We

which
we

have
to

But
our

get
the

board

were

cured

of

of

landing."
most

My

master

listened

attentively,

since

he

fully

PHILOLOGY intended Bel Ami. Greece who the had had

some

169
coasts

cruising

about

the

of

Morocco

on

his

been

alluded

to

one

of the

great

ladies^
turned little de those

knowledge
on

of

dead

languages^ subject.
She

conversation she
was

to

that
next
a

thought

seated
vras a

lady

(Madame
of

Maupassant)
tongues.
of
some

who There

complete
discussion of Latin did

mistress
on

was

the

formation with Greek

French But de names, of been

was

words

origin^
not

roots, Madame author's the

the

great

lady

go the

very

far,

as

Maupassant
and these told words

gave of the from with

her

dates,
on

the

documents
one

which
to

changes
had

language

the that

other,
everyone It

inscribed,

such

precision

surprised.
have taken
to

would

all the

knowledge
a

of the Madame
attach

most de any
;

celebrated

professor
who,
to

give

lesson

to to

Maupassant, importance
she

without

appearing
knew aU

such

things,
such bom

about ease,

languages
she

spoke
well those
was

them have

with
been

consummate
on

might

just as
as
on

the

shores

of the

Thames,

of the well and

a

Tiber. known among who de and the

came

She

great
to

polyglot
Riviera

professors,
failed loved
to

none

of those
to

the

pay

visit and much received

Madame

Maupassant. only mingled

to

She with
her

seclusion
as

quiet,
as

society just
son

was

necessary men,

please
men

but with

she the

learned

scholars,

of

letters One
an

greatest delight.
I announced Dr X
to

day,

when

her and

the

arrival

of
her

English

couple:

his

wife,

I70

GUY knew hair

DE

MAUPASSANT
She and
meet

enthusiasm
her white

no

bounds.

hastened
without her

to

smooth ber who

witha

tiny comb^
rushed
to

taking
friends,

dressing-gown
were

oR,

both

most
were

learned
none

people.
of
two

Conversation

began
conunoii-

briskly^ there

the

usual
seven

polite
in the

place sentences,
it X
water.
was a

and of

from

till

evening,
for Mrs of

dialogue
take her the

lecturers, only stopping

the he Madame told
a me

to

tea, and
afternoon

Doctor absorbed de

his the

glasses
contents

During

of who

three does

water-bottles.
not

Maupassant,
that
a

drink,

laughing, draught,
like

she

observed animal
In

this when

feat, without

certain

crossing
at

the

desert.

the

evening,
of could this

dinner,

Madame,
recounted

still under
to

the
son

influence aU She make of

a

charming
of
as

day,
the

her

she bent

recollect

delightful
she

conversation. the better that

towards

him,

if thus her her

could is

him mother
scans

understand

attitude

exactly

speaking
the

to

child,
her she and He
or

her

voice

ally occasionis

words,
to

and what

intonation says. the One

loader
her

or

softer

according
it ;
to

feek

heart in one,

is in

the my

mother
master.
a

professor

united

speak

listens

scrupulously,
for
to

uttering
that
that
on a

occasionally

word is not
to

two,
for him

he

knows and

day like this, it

a

speak,

he

has
master

great
has he
to

deal

more

gain by listening.
headaches
to
; ;

My
several has

suffered has find

to

from unable that

during
which ing extendours, for

nights
him
one

been
out

sleep
passage

allowed from

in the of the

"end

the and

other

flat

above

someone

walks

day

night, without

stopping

AN

INUNDATION
That
;

171 is

one

single instant. Englishwomen

a vow

apartment
master

occupied they
that
to

by
have

three taJcen this

my

supposes
and be

to
one

some

British
must

saint, always

keep
For
never

vow,

of
we

them

walking.
but
;
we

several

days
catch
were

paid special attention,

for

could

them,
descendants

they
of the

never

stopped

evidently

they
End his

Wandering Maupassant
up
to

Jew.
has

of January.
;
now

"

M.

de

finished
the ladies
to

novel
a

he his

gives yacht.
at

himself One

taking
he
not

for lunch
tt

sail
at
a

on

day
I
a was

took

them

little

inn said

Agay.
master

of the

party.
;

Fran"ois,"
must
come

my
on

few

days

afterwards
to
serve

you

board

this
has
to

afternoon attend
to

tea, because
There deck
water. to
were

Bernard
a

often
many and

the

boat."
on

good

guests, I only appeared

the

serve

tea, cakes

simple glass
I

of

sugared
out

However,
trap
which

towards
was

evening
in

put

my

head

of

the

reality
was

the
to

kitchen
return

door,
home had
a

because and taken about in that up

to

it seemed
we

to

me

it
no

time breeze. akin I

was

should

have

Hardly
to

this
be

position,

rather since

that
to
was

of my

man

guillotined
of circular which

up I

throat in the the

this

species
a

hole,
knocked

when my

hit

face

by
of

wave,

head

against

edge
At the

the

trap door.

the deck

same

time,
this

I heard

shrieks billow

proceeding
had covered

from the

tremendous all the

were

boat, inundating
were

ladies.

Their

dresses, which spoilt,

were course

most

expensive,
and

completely
on

all

the
to

napkins
try and

handkerchiefs the

board
of

taken
was

repair

disaster,

which

only

172

GUY

DE the

MAUPASSANT
more
we

because increased^ colours all was

so

rubbed^the

more

the

got mixed
lost. No
one

up. Nothing could be done ; could explain why the sea acted the moment when Bernard
was

treacherously^ justat
at the helm.

was

The order to return home

given

immediately.
It was explained. on, the inundation was time to gethome^ but on account of the wish expressed Later

by
so

one

of the

we ladies,

were

stillgoingout

to sea, to

Bernard,with a view return to Cannes,allowed

to be well soused

of

getting my

master

the deck

of the Bel AnU He

swore

in three feet of water.

he had

quitesurprised by the event ; people I certainly can safely thoughtwhat they liked, say it is the only time such an accident befd him. My master rose later than usual the day afterthe sail.
been While I served his tea, he seemed
not to
me

but

half

awake, as if he had
that
wave.

got over

the submersion

by

While he told

walkingto
me

and

fro in the drawing-room,

he

stillfailed to understand
"

Bernard's mistake.
Did you look at the Princess," added he, while she layon the deck ? She took up half the length of
"

Princess, with occasionally flights mangificent merry, subtle, of imagination. Some day I will tell you her story. This morning,I remained in bed an hour later than I was making out the tale I shall write to-day." usual, We of March, vegetation at the beginning is are the gardensare fuU of flowers far advanced, already of all kinds, the balconies also are lined with them,
...

the Bd

Ami.

I like the mind

of the

-r-

"

"^"^.
-

.rr% -

-1

--.-r

-- -"-

*V_^^i^

RIOU and the

on

WITH

DE is

MAUPASSANT
one

173 Some with

roses

atmosphere
the road
to

perfume.
are

of

the and

walls^
different there arches

Fr"jus,
It
one

himg
an

flowery
spots
been who beds

creepers. where built

is

enchanting
suppose of
some

sight

are

might
the

triumphal princeof these

had

for
to

reception
in the

Charming
inmiense One in
a

intended of
as

reside

midst

flowers de he Ami be very towards Bel

and

greenery.
was

day^

M.

Maupassant
resolved
to
to

taking
his

walk for

that

direction,
on

invite

friends said

sail

the

Bel

St far

Honor"t,
advanced.
two

where,

he,

vegetation
Two very
was

must

days
fine

after,

in with

the every

afternoon,
sail

in

weather,
to
me

the the

Ami de

spread,
master

cruising
took
was no

lies

Lerins. We the returned

My

kindly
there

with

him.
In the and

quietly,
my view
master to

animation. his
mother

evening

described
seen

to

magnificent
the ladies'

be

from he M.

the

promontory,
silent about

enthusiasm,
cloisters the

but

remained

his visit to the

came

Riou,
the
to

the Bel

painter,
Ami.

to

spend

day

on

board

Madame her he
;
son

de

Maupassant
this
of ask

sented con-

accompany is

during
is very he
wants

excursion. M. Riou

My
and

master

delighted,
his
of the

fond
to

appreciates
a

talent
Bel

him

to

paint
"

picture
is
a

Ami. M. de

Riou

master,"
"The

said
Arrival

Maupassant Napoleon
Suez Canal

to

me

during Egypt
of his
March

dinner,
and The

of
the

III.
are

in
two

Inauguration of
He
. . .

pictures.
lott." Comme

is

very

great artist
to

"

We

have la Mort

returned
will be

Paris.

On

the

i6th

Fort

published.

All goes

174 well
;

GUY
master

DE is be
new a

MAUPASSANT

my there

satisfied, he good
sale

thinks of has the

a

that novel
more

as

it

is

spring
book

will

on

the

stalls,and
than

his
the of

publisher
one

extensive

connection
On the

old

had. my
master
on

day
to

publication,
the

goes the

to

the he

publishers

sign

dedications

copies

gives his friends.

"

There

are

considerable of dedications. and

number/'
I
to

he
to

"

says,

and

great
that

variety
on

like send

accomplish
the volumes
some

all

the the

spot,

also

directly from
my Dutch The my young
"

publisher's, excepting
who will

for

of
on

hitimate
or

friends,

get

choice

copies,

Japanese

paper."
of this him
at

publication
but

novel such last he I

was

triumph
amount

for of

master,

brou^t
visits that
tire
me

large
to

writers' But for

began
I
are

complain.
the
ings morn-

they
my I

to

death

want

work,

and

really they
will

becoming
receive of
no
use

too

numerous

Henceforth,'!
Of
what who
course

only
to

them
to

by
;

appointment.
but that of He he very

I like

be

them

often,

I tell them has

does left
:

good.
;

Now,
a

young
to

fellow

just
advice

me

it is
so

waste

time
never

give
thinks

him

good
about
a

he and It

is

dissipated. imagines

his

work,
1 in

yet
is

will

become !
must

novel-writer

impossible,
to

impossible
novel,
you must be settled

You

understand,
think
of it

order aU

write the

constantly,

acters charmust

be

in their
you

proper

places, everything writing day

which
the all you first
over

before you is
must
a

begin begin

pages,

otherwise
Then there

every from

again.
never

muddle,

can

176
gave

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT aiis ;
last he bowed showed
were
as

himself
as

most

important
how
smart
;

fully gracehis ference pre-

he

knew the he and

at

for

ladies.

They
he

highly
them
too

perfmned^
much

and

loved tried have

scents^
to

paid
his
them.

attention

manifest
harmed in
to

admiration He had

by
to

pecks
be

which

might
away^
we

taken
;

protesting
did
not

his
him.

own

peculiar

fashion

but

listen

My

master^

in We

the
tore

evening,
them these
as

asked into

for

some

old with the

handkerchiefs.
a

shreds,
rags
;

and under

bodkin,
of

he the

introduced

tiny
widows

clothes

dolls
much

dressed
stouter.

they

ately immediwere

looked

Then
. . .

they
up

replaced
and the
were

in their

boxes,
the

the

parcel
who

was

made
sent

again,

next

morning,
and
was

lady
to

had

it received that widows she had

packet,
more

made

understand

prosperous
master to

than
. . .

wished

to

make is

my

believe.
. . .

My
his
"

master

going
and

large party.

He

twists

opera It
"

hat

round

round. he of my
at

is and

quite worn," thoroughly excepting

measured.
a

sa}^
out

last, examining
I must I
am

it

well,

fashion.
soft

order

another, obliged
never

for
to

for

fdts,
is
so

always
that my I

be

My

head
hat.

roimd
reason

can

find

ready-made
have fact my these

The

brother is old took

our

and

myself by
a

perfectly
has

round
me.

heads,
The

explained
doctor
us

mother
at
our

told

who between

was

present
his

birth, immediately vigorously massaged

the He

knees,

and

heads,

finishing by by
a

the of

gesture
the

of

potter
then

rounding

his pot

stroke

thumb.

MASSAGE said him later

to
a on

OF
'

THE

BRAIN I have be

177 made will

Mother head

You
as an

see^

madame^

romid him
a

apple^ which,
active

sure,

give

most

brain, and

intelligence

of first-class order.'
"

He

did the

the six

same

with between he in

my
us was

poor had
not

brother, but
weakened in such small head the

whether doctor's

years
or

hands,
never

whether

good
the

form, shape him,

a

he he and

succeeded It
so

giving

that

wished. he
was

slipped, constantly escaping

he

provoked
I
. . .

actually

swore

in

big

Norman is
on

oath

Sometimes
of
now

I ask

myself
of such of

if my
ease

really it
yotmg
so

account

the
can

doctor's

massage

brain

that
more

accomplish with
average

much

than

the

quantity

work."

'"

".

CHAPTER

XII

APRIL-AUGUST

1889

At

Poissy
the

"

^Fran"ois
"

has and

known de

Flaubert
"

Madame The Poi

Bovary

in

pantry by
"

Zola
a

Maupassant
"

"

Rougou-Macquarts
BouiUe is
an

judged
accusation and
at

truthful ^A
"

man-servant

unfair Zola

parallel
^Arabian
at

drawn dances

by

Maupassant
rue

between

Flaubert Triel
"

Montchanin
"

Sojourn
of life his in
?

meal

the

restaurant"

Maupassant
"

tells

struggle
the

against
The
"

ferocious

dogs
wife

Saving
"

woman's have H.
a

night Passing
our

engineer's
M"dan
"

^Why
Zola and

not

medal lunch

before house
"

^Messrs

Pessard Dr
on

"

at

Super-nourishment
on a

ordered A ^We
" "

by

Grubby
the
water

"

Merry
A Caur
"

excursion of the

steamer
"

dinner-party
return to

"

page

Decameron of

"tretat
"

Noire

Symptoms

over-fatigue

Fear

of

spiders.

PARIS,
shines
master

end

of April

1889"
in from

This

year,

the

sun

brilliantly
suffered red. he

Paris.

Yesterday
and
not

my

headache,
He takes does
a

to-day, complain,
ether What
or

his
he

eyes

are

can

stand
to

pain,
combat is

only
these

little

antipyrine
he

awful
to

headaches. work for

does needs

regret,

being
rest

unable after for

days,
Then

for I

he

complete
very

these him

attacks. his

prepare

light
him

food much.

digestion,
his
nerves

says
cause

he,
all

is this He

troubling suffering.
does
not

Perhaps

like

his
over

apartment,
the
stone

the

incessant tires in the

noise

of It

vehicles looks
178

passing
out
on a

pavement
bathed

him.
sun,

bit

of

waste

land,

AT but
seems

POISSY

179 black. This that view

enclosed
to to

within
a

boards

painted
kind hide cloth this of

him

nonsensical So
some as

thing
sunny

ought
my be

not master

exist.

to

horror^ They
may

puts up
for
so

green ! but 1 may I

blinds. make

good
so

the

sight

they
am

the
to

apartment
grope I
am

darkj
find

depressing
that
some

obliged
wanted,
!
. . .

about

to

anything
of

be

and

always
master

afraid
so

breaking
in this

article that he

My
on

is up

bored

house

decides

taking

boating
"

again. Fran"ois,"
where
not

To-morrow,
to

says
sent

he,
my

"

shall
;

take for
at

you

Poissy
I could

I stand I who such with

have the
am

boats

Chatou,
with Madame me, become ie and

neighbourhood,
sorry for

packed
and
to

adventuresses.

Alphonse
been
so

Papillon,
who took

have
care

always
of my

nice
must

boats. of

You the of

acquainted
and

the with

landlord the

Hoiel my

l'Esturgeon,

also

keeper

boats."
He
"

rang Are

me

up

at

eig^t

in

the ?
"

morning.
said
to

you catch

ready,
the lunch." first

Fran"ois train,
so

he,
reach

"

for

we

must

as

the

hotel

in

time And
we

for

started.
...

As
on

soon

as

my

master

arrived

at

Poissy,
to

he

called

the

keeper
and

of his what

boats, begging
would in
a

him
to

come
so

inunediately
as

see

have night. fort-

be

done,
He

to

have

everything
when
we

ready

ordered

lunch

passed

before

the

hotel.

My
to

master

when then

at

the
me

dock
to

gave fetch

lengthy directions
a

the

keeper,

sent

shipwri|^t

who

i8o would
to

GUY
see

DE

MAUPASSANT
the lunch. I did very well
to

painting
in for
"

boats.

Eversrthing

being

settled, we
"

went

ReaUy," people
have
to

said
are

he,
not

take

you and ."

. .

with
you

me,
or

those shall He lunch.

"

intelligent ;

come

here, occasionally.
his

consulted

railway-guide

immediately

after

Now do
run

we

have

no

direct

train,"
is

said

he,
. .

"

and

can't I will me, will We skirt

my off will

boating,
to

nothing
;

ready.
like
to

Well,

Villennes
to

if you the
to

accompany which on."

you be

learn should pass

we

know have

coimtry-side,
go there later from small the

useful,
start ;

you the find of

we

avenues

which in
on

Poissy,
meadows

the

river,
with

ourselves
trees
see

planted
the

clusters
we

;
a

left, beyond
ch"teau in
a

railway,

suddenly Here,
walks
at
a

white
a

beautiful

situation.
my
one

we

take

most
as

picturesque
there is

path
room
"

master

in time.

front,

only

for How 1
"

person

beautiful,"

he

exclaims,

"

is Nature

in

full

bloom The and the the

path, running
mosses,
was

along

slope
pretty

covered
;

with
the

grass

wonderfully
cherry-trees

in in

fields,on
;

hills, the

were were

all

blossom up

to

right, gigantic brambles along

the the the

climbing
sent

the

trees;
towards where

Seine,
. . .

tall

poplars
we

their
a

tops
spot

sky. path
towards
towards

When
became the the

reached found
master

wider,
Seine
;

we

another

descending
and
"

my

stopped,

turned This

underwood.

opening,"

said

he,

"

recalls

Flaubert

to

my

82
'

GUY I should

DE have turned ! he Then had

MAUPASSANT
gone his he
seen

maid^
was

into

the

hut, pretended
of his told from gun, the the

fond
killed

of him,
him

head,
could
me

got hold
not

and

have back

country-people
chftteau
"

coming

'

As
a

far

as

am

concerned,
to

sir, I
about could I

must

confess

that

for From

long
the

time kitchen

I used

dream
one

the
see

apothecary. right
into M.

window,

Flaubert's

dining-room. aloud,
two

After
was

had

read

Madame

Bovary
one
or

this the

window

always
to
see
'

occupied
the author
seen

by
of
a

of

maids,
One

tr5nng
Mrould

the
comer

splendid
of his

book.

say another A hair

I have
'

dressing-gown,'
of his

have

just add,
to

caught
'

sight
seen
"

his

bald

head.' locks of

third

would
on

have

long

falling

his

back.'

My
me, whom the

master

listened

to

my

gossip, quite happy talkii"g of

We
were
. .

to

hear

in

my he
was

simple
so

language,
of
. .

M.

Flaubert,
beneath

fond

just
;
a

celebrated all kinds

Sophora-tree
of games have

of Villennes been

restaurant

and
its

established
offered
me

under

gigantic
but

branches. I declined

My
them.

master

tefre^

ments,
"

Come I will make

use

here,"
show

said

he,

"

we

will in
case

cross
we

the

railway
have

and
to

you
some

the

wharf

should

of it

day.
he showed

."
. .

From the

the

wharf,

me

the

Triel

bridge

in

distance.
After

recrossing
we

the
a

railway,

and
an

turning
old
we

to

the

right,

followed

path

skirting

church

halfthe

concealed

by

budding

foliage,

then

reached

ZOLA road
niras

AND the

DE

MAUPASSANT

183
the panorama

on

top of the hill.

There,

magnificent.
M. de

Maupassant Fran"ois,"
view the I And

stopped
said that St

to

contemplate
"how

it. is that

"See, splendid
stands the Vaux

he,

grand plain
;
more

immense

1
to

Opposite
the left and
wards to-

forest of

of

Germains
;

chain
;

Cheverchemont
;

lower

down

Trie!

Meulan which

in

the

valley

Mantes-la-Jolie, by

flows You
to

the
must

lovely river, beautified

also know this road

all

the you have pass

not

islands.
to to

takes I shall
we

M"dan,
send

M.

2k"la's

house.
on

Probably
this them Zola of his

you the

there.

Now,
I know

side, well,
is
a

shall shall

through
be

woods,
fear.
.

we

lost, don't
Have
. . .

That
. .

first-class ?
"

writer.
"

you

read

any

books

Yes, sir,but
"9

not

many,

only

the

Rougon^Macquari

Well?"

Sir, which,
But
""

don't

know I do well

what
not

to

say,

it

is

literature,
."

of course, you know know

understand.
. .

how

to

cook," StiU,

says you

my did

master,
read the

one

can't

everything.
series and ?
"

Rougfm-Macquart Yes,
what

sir;
of

since

you

really
I will

wish

to

know Zola
; he

I think

those

books,
when

tell you. about

M.

exaggerates
puts
in all
sorts

terribly
of

talking
in the them

servants

horrors he of makes the

mouths
scream

of

the the I years

maids nastiest

Pat-Bouillc,
out

expressions sir, all

I been this
a

court3rard windows. Twenty-five

never

repeat,
have

is

exaggerated.
and I have

servant,

heard

speeches

84
in

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT those Then M. 2k"la that

bordering
mouths I dare
rare
"

any

way

on

puts
fellow

into

the

of say I

his such

characters.

Trublot^

people exist, but

say maids
women.
. . .

they
cooks

are

exceedingly
not state

don't

and

have but
to

their

feelings, like
are

other

No,

they

all of them

ready
the

to

hide

Trublots when !
on

in their
can

kitchens,
lead them

while up
"

awaiting
their Zola

instant

they

to

garrets, no,

sir,no

M.

sought
ladder
to ;

his

documents where

the he

very

lowest It

rung is not very does

of the fair

I wonder

got them.
who
are

attack

defenceless
How many

beings,
times
on

often

interesting.
a

during
her

the
own

day
self-

poor
so

maid-servant
as

trample
her

respect,

to

keep
so as

place and
the end

remain

an

honest she may she fother young of their

girl I
pocket
cannot

And

that,

at out

of the she
rest to to

month,

thirty francs,
do

of which the

buys
her

what old

without,
who
are

sending
still often
are

and

mother,
and 1

obliged
on

support

children infirmities
"

helpless

account

I should had trials

set

have

thought
the

it

more

praiseworthy
devotion
;

if M.

Zola the

forth
have

honesty,
to

the

of servants,

they

go
to

through

for in most
must

of the
possess if work

houses
no

where

they

go

service, they
must

individuality, they
they
must

efface show it.

or

themselves;
We

humiliated,
very for many for the
we

not

often

hard,
are

without

consolation
from
our

encouragement,
;

separated
details
of the M.

relations
been would
events
a

these

and

other studies than

might Zola,

have and

better been tells

subject
more

have he

truthful

disgusting

about,

^"^-^"^
'^

ZOLA
and could and I evil which have
am

AND

FLAUBERT since he
not

185
never

-ijrr

he
seen

has

certainly invented,
he in describes.
a

^*

fel^
^^
-

what alone

It does man's brain

exist,
must

not

thinking
when I

thoughts
creates

^^

"be

and

unwholesome

his

those
never

'-^::.s:
""

loathsome existed." I
was

things

which,

repeat

it,

have

^^^z

^az

r.

terribly

excited his

M.

de and

Maupassant striking
the

smiled, ground

occasionally shaking
with
*"

head,

his

"
"

cane.

"

Pray, Fran"ois,"
did
not

he

said

at

last,

"

do

believe

that talk that

Zola about. class

wish

to

attack
to

those show is

honest the bad

girls you
side
as

He of he sale.

only wished
His for had have he did
a

of

society.
goes in

work

good, but,
effect
so as

he
to

always
ensure a

does, good
he

striking
written sold
a

If he
not

in the

sense

you

advocate,
whereas will and

would
to

single volume, depraved

on

owing
rush money,
on

what

do,
like

all the

people
;

after all

his

books,
he

dogs

their

quarry pour when

that

cares

for, will simply

a

down
an

him. does be
"

That his

is, best,

I he

think, ought

mistake,
think

for

artist and

to

only

of his

work,

absolutely disinterested.
look
one

Now,
he

at

Flaubert,
who knew all how

whom the its best

we

were

speaking
to

of,

is the

how and

make

the

French What Like and his

so

language patience
many
an

yield
he

grace

harmony.
he
was

had,

disinterested
have
; he

others, he
income vocation
so

might

published

novels

earned artistic years,

thereby
and
to

preferred following
himself
1
two

shutting
Salamtnb"

up

for

fifteen
"

as a

write

Later

on,

in

hundred

years,

after

centuries.

86 when

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT
will
true

perhaps,

Society
when the

have

undergone
shall and wiser of this work have

frightful
found shall

convulsions,
its have be be will
want
sure

Republic
artists

path,

when

first-class

authors

sprung that

from
most

the of the

new

and

generations,
century
of win

writers beauteous All

forgotten,
shine
to
can

while the

the
more.

Flaubert ymO, all

all read

mtelligent
Mrill

people

it,

because such

they
a

understand
a

they

gather
I
"

from

noble,

such

powerfal

masterpiece My
master

pronounced
;

these

last

words seemed

in
to

most

emphatic
them forth had

tone

by

his

gesture, he
. . .

launch

into walked of the

space.

We

through plain
;

the
master

wood,

village
his still is about
"

and watch.

large part
"

my

consulted
"

It

is 4-25 for and be

a
our

o'clock,"
walk
to

said the

he,

we

have which done

thirty
two

minutes miles let

us

station,
It
can

half

distant.

be

^Fran"ois,

off."

And,
at

holding his
pace. reached

cane

in his

right hand,

he

started

his best
When
we

the

station, we
we

walked
were

about,
rather

so

as

not

to

take

cold, for,
showed

of course,
a

heated.

My

master

me

house

entirely

covered

by

wisteria
"

and

ivy.
said lives

That,"

he,

"

is where
summer.

the

great
..."

painter,

M.

Meissonnier,
Rue

all the

Montchanin,
"

ApHl Maupassant

25th
is He

1889,

nine

in

the the

vwming.

^M.

de in his

standing building

by
up

mantel-piece
of

room.

is

piles

gold

corns.

ARABIAN
"

DANCES this
to

187
It is of Board.
me a

Yott but

see^ I do I

won

all intend go
to

last

night.
a

pretty
This I
to

sum^

not

keep

penny

it.

afternoon,
not

shall

the

Charitable

do

know

why
we

those all met who

society people
at

oblige
X

play. know,
year.

Yesterday,
the The barrister ladies
me

my

friend here that

to

's,you
me

lunched
in
a

with

last As

were

majority
I had wrong, the poor.

evening.
; most

they
I

begged
told

to

play,
were

consent

however,
of their

them would do

they
go

since

savings
''

to

not

understand I any love

the

aversion games and

feel all ."

for that

gambling,
has In the
to

since with first

witty

do

physical
of
an

exercise.
. .

the
rue

days

May

1889,

my

master

invited fresh

to

Montchanin and about this

Arabian

company,
at

from

Algiers,
He seized

to

perform
of

the

Exhibition.
some

opportunity
of the

offering
these

chosen

friends African One into "Oh my

the

first fruits

skill of

very

original

artists.
of the arms, women, sajnng you when
most

she

came

in,

threw

herself

amiable she !

things.
said.
"

I I recollect know
went

well,"

"You

came

to

Algiers, I
And she

you,
on

oh, yes,

yes

kissing
master

me,

which

embarrassed
most at

me

extremely,
"

while

my madame have

laughed
did
see

heartily.
Algiers,"
he

Very

likely
you

you

said,

''since

been

there." the
was

Encouraged
not

by

these

words,
say she her
me

young very

lady
pretty
eyes.
hot

would with But

let

me

go.

I must

her

dark,

rounded when she

face,
pressed

velvety
to

certainly

her

bosom.

88

GUY with her

DE

MAUPASSANT
necklace I

decorated noise but men,

at

sequin

making thought
women

metallic

every

movement,
There
were

her

anything
and four

attractive. besides seemed their

twelve

impresario.

They
room,

quite
about,
their

embarrassed

in themselves
are

the

drawingup in the in

wheeling
and well in
as

tripping dresses,
and
so

carpets
front
as

which

very

long
have

behind,
wore

ample
When made

one

might
the

supposed
were

they

crinolines. their

tions presentasit down

finished,

guide
their

them

in

and circle, and

were

they began screaming.

sent

musical the

boom-booming,
first

chaunting
over, of

When the

piece
to

was

they

into

dining-room

partake

champagne
This

and French

cakes. wiae made up

was

good

oifered
for and
or

them since

as

being

spedal
forbade

beverage
their

them, they

Mahomet
not

tasting wine,
each dance

would
of of

obey dis-

him.
were

After

piece
or

music,

they

always
Now,
they
du

refreshed

by
the It

glass
old

two

champagne.
to execute

all, even
ventre.

ones,
a

wished

the

danse

became with the

species
in It
;

of

acal demoni-

revel,
the
not most

each

vied

other

producing really
actors
was

extraordinary
we were

contortions.
too

interesting,
much

close the of walk in

the

were

having
master,
leave
to

more

fun

than
one

spectators.
his

My
would
room

accompanied
the

by

guests,
his

drawing-room,
his

and hands alone

through
his

the does

conservatory,
when
to

pockets,
the

just

as

he

he

walks into

about
a

apartment,
he is
not

struggling
satisfied

put

shape

sentence

with.

190

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

in order to choose a villa for the summer. day to Triel, My master wished to leave Paris, without going too far away, in case he might wish to see the Exhibition. My master found what he wanted at the farther end of

Trid, near

Vaux.
; one

The

buried villa,

among^

trees,faces the Seine

skirts the On
our

of the sides of the house

towing path.
way back
we

followed

the river up

to the

Trid to VemouiUet, where the station is. bridge joining My master did not want to return immediatdy to Paris, he was fascinated by the view of the river-side, already dothed with flowers. He chose you
can one see oiu-

of those arbours the

of the restaurant of the

whence

perspective
. . .

and theybroughtus river,

lunch there.

M. de

Maupassant

was

towards seated, looking

course

the

bridge ; he could follow with his eye the On as far as the Isles of Meulan. Seine,
fine trees side,
over were

of the

the

opposite their high reflections grouped, casting running water, on which they threw
details with
scent

the

dark shadows. large My master looked at all these deepest attention; he seemed to

the

them

from
his

afar,for I could
frown showed how of observation. of the
on

see

his nostrils

and quivering,

deeplyhe
was

concentrated

He

absorbed entirdy

his powers templation by his con-

his

lips.
.

smile landscape. There was a slight He thoughtof nothing but the beautiful

to stamp on his evidently scenery ; he was trying brain the unalterable of the delightful impression

sensations he
gave
me

now

fdt.

His

so pladd,so face,
. . .

serene,

the idea of absolute contentment.

FEROCIOUS

DOG

191 showed made

traces
one

Yet,
of

in the
;

full but

light
its

of

day,

that

face

fatigue

intelligent expression
. . .

forget everything
M.
servant
''

else. when

de

Maupassant,
she
must

ordering good
mineral you

lunch,

told

the

give him
St choose Galmier what

fare.
water
;

I shall

drink
must

and

you,

Fran"ois,
The
"

prefer."

girldeparted. always,"
said when
a

I have

he,

"

better
see

trust to

in

these

popular
Then when
"

restaurants,
he told
to
me

women

the

service." the

few
as
"

anecdotes
a

about

period

he One

took

boating
he,

regular pastime.
started from of

day,"
with the

said

I had of

Croissy
the

to

Paris,
But

intention
a

rowing
called

part
La

night. beyond

when
"

I reached St

place
the

FoUe,
from
one

Carri"res Maison
oars.

Denis,
crosses

where the the

railway
I

Paris of

to

Lafitte

Seine,

broke the

my and

Then,
to

I walk

moored
to

yawl
I reached

to

shore,

started

Paris. when

Bezons,
an

always dog,

following
on

the

Seine,
a

suddenly

enormous

guard
a

before

warehouse,
about
a

rushed
me,

out
even

at
a

me.

I I

hadn't
was

single

weapon and

not

cane.

wearing
be
so as

ducks

jersey
and it.

thought myself dog

the into

fight
the
me,

would

quite unequal,
to not

threw The I him and my

river,
but
a

swim
catch

across

followed

he

did

me

because

dodged
to

him,
up

as

am

good

swimmer.
was

I much
as

obliged
for
to

go that

stream,
me.

which Next the

too

him,
fetch

saved I called
same

morning, dog's
master

I went
to

boat,
if the animal

on

tell

him shoot

that the

thing
with
my

occurred

again,

should

192 revolver. have

to

GUY He
cut

DE

MAUPASSANT

up

rough, saying
I left

that

I should him and

then that that if if the been have

fight him;
I should I

him,

telling
the

obliged,
he

certainly shoot
would stand I had in
man. a

dog,

appeared,

up

against
I should I have the

him

with have

greatest

satisfaction. if the
worst

confess

pleased
thrashed I
am

happened,
he
can

would

that of

brute
no

way I

would beat

recollected.

afraid
out

strongest, nine

times

of ten,
was

by

my

great agility."
of

My
"

master

brimful told
at
was

recollections.

I have
me one

never

you,"

added ?

he,

"

what

happened
the in

to

evening
the

"tretat
clouded,
two to

I don't and you

recollect know that

hour,
the

but

sky

valley,
I

between
was

the

hills,night is always
the

more

opaque.

coming

garden

hedge
to

without the hazel throat. fell backwards. when his he

perceiving an)rthing unusual,

trees,
He
a

when,

close
at

powerful
me

dog
so

suddenly

rushed that my I

my

attacked I had

violently
recovered time. and

nearly
balance I seized
arm

hardly
a

sprang with my
so

on

me

second

Then,
my

throat his if I he

left
as

hand hold

put

right
and in
a

round him and

me

neck,
were

to

him
He
a

down,
was

strangle
bad effort

strong

enough.
made

plight
to cast

knew

it, for he
locked skirts
on

tremendous
we

off,
ditch

and,
which almost

together,
the

both I
a was

rolled

into

the he his I

high
and

road. in

uppermost,
rage
:

was

his and and

back he
was

towering
most

body
was

quivered,

snarled about would

to

frightfully.
my knee
on

quite cool,
when^
as

put

his throat, under my

chance
a

have

it, I found,
Without

right hand,

large jagged

stone.

stopping

ANOTHER
to

FEROCIOUS it and down

an

DOG it between
as

193 his

think, I seized
it
as

plunged
his throat I had

jaws,
I the
out
a

forcing
understood

far in

I knew

how.

instant

overpowered
I took and my hand with

creature,
of his

his

body

hardly

moved.

mouth,

leaving

the I
as

stone,
ran

got up,
my

thousand let head heard

next

precautions.
on

to

fetch the

stick
on

I had the I the

was

fall

the

path
him.

so

to

knock the

animal
was

and the

finish

But away
was no

struggle
the

over,

dog

flying
there

amid
more

com

in I

field, and

growling.

astounded.
''

My

clothes them

were

done in

for ; my soap,

hands wetted

bleeding.
some

bathed
with the

well

coal-tar and

linen up all
not
on

composition,
The
next

kept
I
saw

them the

wrapped
bites
were

night.
deep. opening
He if
saw

morning
may

But my
me,

you

imagine
the

my

surprise, when,
on

door, got up,

I beheld and
came

dog l3nng crouching

the

mat
me
as

towards my
;

asking
;
some

my he

forgiveness.
licked milk
to

I showed
most
so

him

woimded I gave wounded he

ran

hands him

them

tenderly
as

then his then

drink,
"

to

heal and

throat. away.

He And
a

drank

coaxed
or

him,
three found I
came

during

two

seasons,

without

excepting
door,
"

single day,
at

I hour

that down.
to

dog

at

my

no

matter

what

One

day, Cramoyson
him
not to

wanted The he

drive animal

him

away
not

begged
me

do

so.

poor had

could
me,

tell
was

the

reason

for which

attacked and

but

I it be

really
him away.

touched
to
come

by
to
me,

his

daily visit,
I would the
not

since him
to

pleased
driven
N

allow

We

had

become

best

friends

in the

194

GUY first but it been enemies.

DE
encounter
was

MAUPASSANT had been We

we

world,

our

stormy,
were

indeed both
to

frightful, opinion
friends,
animal who

forgotten.
a

of be

it had
not

mistake
I the
at

were

meant

learnt manager

afterwards of 'Old

that

the

belonged occupied
a

to

England/

villa

"tretat."
The
sweets
were on

Limch

was

nearly
rice cake.

over.

the

table^
"

and you
out

Do

know,
the made
me

Fran"ois,"
of sweets
servant

said ?
"

my

master,

"

water

brings
Then and say,

flavour the
out
some

he

bring
mineral
taste.

me

clean I

glass,
must

poured
it gave

of his better
master

water.

the

cake my
no

While

eating, better^
tired !
"

let
to
see

his the

smoked

glasses
he

fall, the
was
"

doubt,

Seine, which

never

of

contemplating.
he,
as
"

Ah

said
water

I above !

know it. A few

the How

river,
often ago,
no

as

well have I left

beneath

the

plunged
Sartrouville have
to to

into
to

the live

Seine
at

years
as

Croissy, so

might

longer
I had
on

pass
too

the

Port-Marly
a

lock,
to

where, put my
side.

when

wait

long

time, I used
it to is the

jrawl
That

my

shoulder my house among

and

carry

other hollow. had

is
a

why
little

right
at

shoulder

slightly
There,
I

I rented
a

Croissy.
a

few

neighbours,
to

them his

very had

distinguished engineer, who,

come

please
suburb.
**

wife,

to

spend

some

time

in

this

One I

night, opened
he

I heard my

someone

calling
it
was

me

from

side. out-

window,
his wife

my

friend herself

coming
into the

to

tell

me

feared

had

thrown

IN

THE

SEINE

19S
to

Seine.
her.
was.

He His

asked

me

if I could told the

me

help him
how

search his

for heart

agitated voice
never

heavy
made

I shall that
was

forget

impression
me

on

me

by
He kit

man's in and where For

voice

asking
I did
not

to

accompany my

him.

despair.
in five my
a

hesitate, put
I
was

bathing
into had the appeared. dis-

on,

minutes,
friend whole the

plunging
his wife the

river,

thought
hour,

I examined had shown his

me,

bottom but
was

of

the

river

round

spot

he told
to

me,

I
not
so

discovered in
the

nothing.
Seine;
she
was

I then seemed there.

him

wife he

he

doubt

was

convinced
''

Perhaps
not

she

had

threatened but

to

drown
to

herself

I would

question him,
bird
soon

I tried away

cheer from

him
the
'

by

sa3"ng
and the added While the

the

had

simply

flown

cage, Near

would

return,

regretting
most

her

flight.

river-side, during this lovely,

I,
'

poetical night,'
cooled will down.

her

excited
at

brain beautiful have

will

have

looking happy
them.
;

this you

spot, she

remember she
cannot

hours

spent
she

together,
will let
not
us

forget
away
"

Don't let
us

fear,
be

remain

long

do

not

alarmed,
someone

wait

patiently.'
the He
two

" my

few

days later,
house,

I heard my and

opening
came

door
was

of

little with
me.

and

friend

in.

beaming
out
"

happiness

stretched

his

hands

to
*

My
more

wife

has

come

back

'

he

cried,

I love

her her

even

than she has

before,

if it is up

possible.

During

absence, which clothes

I

given
stand.
sweet

all those

exaggerated
dear fresh

scents

cannot the

Now,
scent

my of the

friend,
summer

her air

have

196
which
I

GUY

DE that into
;

MAUPASSANT

breathed

evening,
water.'
not

while I
see am

you told them

;

were

so

boldly plunging
are

the

they
I
am

now

quite happy
. " .

I do

often

so

occupied
We
on

always

and

everywhere." My
the
master

left

the

restaurant. After

walks

briskly

the "That

bridge.

paying

toll, I joined him.

suspension
me

bridge, always
of I
an

quivering/'
with Seine also has I ! St

said

he,

**

makes And
me

think how well

old

man

Vitus's
She has
me

dance.

know

the she

given

such

good
which I

times, but
cannot

given
bear the

rheumatism

get
however,
me no

rid

of.

her
more

malice,
so,
as

on

that she

account^
has

perhaps

hitherto
the Humane thirteen

given

opportunity
And eleven and of for

of getting

Society's
from dead
to
new

medal.

yet, I have
dead the
no

rescued
two

the don't

water,

people, living
either.
earn

living.

The

county
are

two
use

people, belonging
There
must

Societies,

be I

opportunity
wish
'

me

to

my be

medal,
worth We took my
"

that
more
were

do

so

for. of

For

me,

it would
"

than alone back looked is

any in
to out at

Legion

Honour.'

the the

railway

carriage, Passing

and

both

seats master

engine.
window. said

by

M"dan,

of the

Zola

perhaps
are

M"dan,"

he,

"

the

windows

of his

study
the has
to

open."
"

June
master
me

i8th. been

We fetch back because

are

settled

at

Trid. and This had

to

My
sends little it the I

to

his the

yawl
boat

at

Poissy,

there

bring
named

Tonneau.

craft, thus

the

shipwright
was

made be
sea.

perfectly
Bel Ami's

round small

underneath, boat,
but it

intended could go

never

to

198 house,
boat and

GUY I think have

as we

DE he been
were

MAUPASSANT

would
seen

have

been

ashamed
so

his

should

going
with

along
the

slowly,
It

particularly
was a

rowing pride.
. . .

current.

question days

of his my

Two

later
;

master

placed
Pessard

M.
was

Zola
on

opposite
his

him
The

at

lunch

his

friend
was

M. very

right.
was

conversation

ordinary,
of
a

literature writers snatches

hardly
alluded fits
to

mentioned. to, that

starts
some was

The all.

names

few in

were

They

talked M.

by

and
create

notwithstanding

Pessard's

efforts

interest.
two cats

Just
great
then

like

watching
throw
a

each

other,
at

the

two

novelists look
were

would their

glance
if

each the

other,
contents

into

plates,

as

really

thereof
was

of immense way with

importance.
my

Generally,
who
was

such

not

the and

master,
The

usually
was

so

jolly

unaffected.

ice, in short,

never

broken.

Immediately
walk
to

after

lunch,
and who and
;

M. my

Zola

went

for

his

usual

Cheverchemont,
M. of

master to

accompanied
visit the I

his

friend beds

Pessard,

wished Vaux.
was

room mush-

Temple
tea

At
on

four,
his tell

brought
but

in

my

master's

he

lying abruptly

couch,
me

got up

hastily, and
without

b^an looking
Zola,"

to

his

pressions im-

at

me.

"

I consider

that

said

he,

"

is !

a
"

great writer

his

literary
Then "As

value
at

is very
me
"

considerable

looking
to

himself,
and

personally
"

."
. .

said him
me,

he,
at to

with ." up

bitterness
A
moment

repulsion,
later he

I don't
to

like fetch

all !..

came

pick

DR

GRUBBY'S

ORDERS he
to
"

19"
cut

vidth

him

the
a

small

branches
on

had

off

the

trees

bordering
it

path leading
said

the

lawn.

See, Fran"ois," Yes,

to

he,

it looks
"

much
the
same

better
narrow

so."

tt

sir," I
the well and He

answered,
also
cut

but the

path

leading
He branches. and
more

requires
oS
a

operation."
shoots,
very
even

came,

good
hard,
! He

many

worked he

very

getting

hot,
much it had been

how

happy

looked

was

certainly damp
would

pleased, notwithstanding raining quite recently), than

'

the he

(for
have

been
at
"

party

given by
said

Prince. when excellent !

"

Really,"
have work

he,
an

he

had

finished

"

should the

made

gardener;

anyhow,

is most
"

delightful

July i^th.
the

^M. de of

Maupassant continuing

tried his

taking

baths

in but

Seine, instead
no

shower-bath,

with

good
a

results. yoimg

To-day,

couple, friends stopped

the the
to

from

Paris,
which

came

to

surprise him.
him
to

They During (of

the

dinner,
told

pleased
visit

much. Dr

meal,
rue

he St

them

of his in orders three

Grubby

Lazare,
diet he

Paris),
him
times
:

and
no

mentioned
bread
;
as

complicated
cooked
as

potatoes
many from

English

fashion

day

eggs the
sea

possible, prepared
at

inrdifferent

ways,

fish and
;

every very least

meal,
few
two

great deal

of

poultry
no
"

butcher's
no

meat,
at

green

vegetables
of milk
a

game I

wine, but
mention
too

pints
said

day
list my

don't be
can

medicine,"
but much I don't

he,

"

the

would

long,
stand the
so

know

how

digestion
On the

food."
came

17th

oculist

to

lunch

with

my

200

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT
no

master, whose
went

back

eyes are to his Dr

better.

On

the

2otli in

be the

evening
"

he had

Grubby, and told me him to speak out. obliged

"

When," added my master, he had finished his he got I stared at him most intently.Then litany,
angry, and
" '

exclaimed

"

To you, M. de

man,

who are an intelligent Maupassant, the truth. I treat peopleentiidy I prefer telling
me

allow by persuasion ; still,

to say

I obtain

good

results, you
I you
"

can

see

for
some

that yourself

in all the
to you

things
and do

for prescribe
a

you,

may

be of

use

greatdeal of good.' Then," concluded my master,

tried to make
any my

"

I knew

what

to

think." I afterwards
master

follow

this

exaggeration ; for assoiedfy it was strengthening. Doctor ninetyGrubby died about 1899, he was three years old,and by a carioos chance, in the last of his life, m"mtbs he took nothingbut a rich sort of broth which he made his servant always fetch frcnn the Caf" kept by Fran"ois, the ex-valet of M. Guy de
system without Maupassant I
a

Though not in very good health,my master few dinner-parties and lunches at that time
celd"rated
on

gave
;
cme

remained

account

of

an

eel-stew called

Matelote " la Afire Didier, stillremembered

of the have guests. they camiot in a frightful storm of rain, on off, St
t

by
board

some

And

forgotten
the
a

moored George,

oppositethe house, for

afternoon.

ON

THE

YACHT all anxious but the

to

201

They
they

were

apparently
the did

get
came

on

board down

reached

beach^
not

rain

in

torrents, which
Instead the of

prevent
themselves into
;

their

laughing heartily.
their boat

protecting
threw
to

with small
course

parasols,
that
were veyed con-

ladies them

them the did

the of

yacht
it

they They
aboard

wet

through.
the
same.

What When the

signifiy!
one was

laughed
:

all I

every St

Poum

poum
Our the

! went Bel Ami

George,
without
as
a

for

she

was

steam

3^cht. glides
on

starts

any
swan

noise,
;
no

she

water,
smell
we

graceful
of

trepidation,
there is

no

nasty steam,
The the white

coal.
see
. . .

However,

here

the

shall has

rain

left

off, it

was

only
there

sharp
are

shower
a

sky

is clear

towards

Mantes,

only
sun
are

few

heavy
on

clouds
to

flying along.
deck where rays wUl the

The ladies their pass could M"dan

shines
now

straight

the the

settled, hoping
The St of

bright
turns

dry
we

clothes. under
no

George
Triel.
;
we

round;
back

the

bridge
see
even our

I looked

and

longer
no

villa

passed

Villennes,
whose

one

mentions
rush me,

M.

Zola, before
The
on

house

we

fly.

We

by

Poissy.

yacht
this
to

goes
we

well, which
are

pleases
on

because from

it is

boat

to

travel reach

the

Meuse,
the
as

Namur
is
some

Rotterdam.
;

We of the

Herblay;
lands
so

country

ugly

the

owner

yacht
the lunch board But
two

to

buy
seems

chickens

and inferior

improve
to

dinner, which
offered

to

him
He

very is

the
on

by
you

Maupassant.
can't

told
have

that
at

ship
he

get
to

what his

you

home. back

only

listens

vanity,

and

brings

202

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

consumptive
the dinner

chickens, being

bony

and very

full

of and

gristk,
very

akeady

good

complete.
The all few the weather the of is

quite settled,
every
seem
one

the

warm
on

sun

makes A of

forget
notes

storm,
some

is seated
to

deck. wake bushes with

opera lose

follow
among games,

in

the the but

St

George
the

and

themselves

lining
success, air

riverside.
amusements

They

start

no

these

evidently

not

being

qpen-

pastimes.
In

reality, games
yacht
knows

are

quite
to

unnecessary, his

the

owner

of both how

the

how and
a

amuse

guests
He also

he knows with

is

gentlemanly
to

entertaining.
very handsome

please, being
black mouth

fellow,
dark

splendid
a

hair,
red
as

perfectly
a

defined

tache, mous-

a slightly pointed girl's,

chin,
with

well the

and ladies.

freshly

shaven.

He

has

great

success

One
never

of

them

is

constantly
Sometimes Uds
meet

looking
she

at

him,

her

eyes

leave

him.
then for the
a

opens with
an

those

large

eyes

wide,

slowly

endearing
the these

expression,
of have
a

long

minute Ah ! her

they
what nostrils and Ah is !

keep play

shape
eyes her

half-open
! At the
turn

almond.
same

time

palpitate,
almost fair

pink
her love you

lips
bosom is

mauve-coloured
a

white;
your

heaves

deep

sigh.

lady,

calling, every
at
"

trait in you it I whom

saying

to him

whom
"

gaze

Is
was

you

prefer
to

?
;

He he

imderstood, pronounced
He
was

and her

full of attention all his

her

when

name,

being

seemed he

to

vibrate.
to

completely

fascinated

by her,

spoke

her

204
"

GUY

DE cries

MAUPASSANT

Yes, madame/'
he which de

he,

"

'tis

really

fiery
in

Iciss."

Then

explains
do
not

the in the

phenomenon
least

sciexitific
Countess.
sure

tenns,
"

satisfy
"

the
am

M.

Maupassant,"
about the

says

she,

yon

know

something
."
. .

embrace

of

these

powierful

elements.
"

Very Vie,

little, madame,''
"and But I

answers

the it of since

author the
or

of faxrt
strt
ns

Une

deeply
as

regret
art

interests of

you. if you

to

the

kissing
Michdet also

the tells

love,

prefer it, read

in know the how
sea

what and
to

about

the

dwellers which ."

. .

of

certain fax

vegetables, surpassing
The she

enjoy

happiness

lady

did

not

allow his
arm

him and
to

to

continue
went

his
to

speech^
other

suddenly
of

took the

they

the

extremity
to

jracht

finish of of the the

their
other

conversation^
guests
who

the

great

disappointment
to

also

wished
were

hear

the

end
;

explanation.
were

There

reproaches
were

they
so

obliged

to

come

back, they
had any
to
more

both

laughing
but it
was

heartily they impossible

and Kisses.
to

almost obtain

be

carried,

particulars
was
a

about then
on

Love another

There

pause,

good-looking lady
of this such

began

to

expatiate
in

the

delight

charming
merry,

excursion,
such
*'

exquisite weather,
. . .

with

witty companions.
I should like
to

remain

here be

all

night,"

said for

she,

"

indeed
"

I wish

the

trip

could my

prolonged
"

ever." often appear

It

is

pleasure,"
Many
a

said

master,
I
seen

I have

enjoyed.
on

time

have the

daylight
side."

this

beautiful

river, on

Chatou

DE
"

MAUPASSANT'S

BAD ?
"

HEALTH said
a

205

Not my

alone,
master

I trust would him

to

qtiickly
answer, But Sur which all

the

lady.
of feminine of
out

As voices

not

chorus the

ordered

reply.
sketch no,

author

that of it

wonderfully
without

powerful
yes
or

l'Eau much

got

saying
passengers, Norman horizon

provoked
"

the

lovely
clever The scattered
"

who
"
. . .

exclaimed

Ah

I that

widened,

one

could

only

perceive

lights.
have been
"

We

steaming
doubt
we are

about

for
to

long while/'
Elbeuf
or

thought
Mantes.

I,
It

no

going

to

is All

one

of

M.

de
to

Maupassant's sleep
at
an

practical

jokes.
But

will

have
we

hotel."

...

was

wrong;
one

reached

the Landaus

bridge
are

of

St

Germains
there back of his reach On He is
to to

at

in the the

morning.
and
a some

waiting

take Paris.

ladies

few of
at

of the

the
most

gentlemen intrepid
and

My

master,

friends, and
the
rue

I, take

the
at

train three

St Germains
the
return
;

Montchanin my
master

in
to

morning.
to

July
not

2ist

resolves his doctors

was

Paris. Dr mode bad of his any

satisfied confessed
;

with

last

week

Grubby
of
treatment

persuasion to-day
his is

his tells the

only
him the

oculist

condition

of

his

eyesight
which
must master

only
be

sequence for
to

general health, improvement.

of
he may for the
now

cared

obtain

My
may

fancies for the

the

neighbourhood
condition the he with boats
starts

Seine suffers

be

bad
so

nervous

from^
off

he

gives
and that
on

order the

that

be

moored which

Poissy,
I reach

25th

Paris,

evening

the

furniture

waggon.

2o6 On
master

GUY the
was

DE took

MAUPASSANT
the train
to

27th

we

for his of

"tietat,where
powerful
the and well.

my

very the he

pleased
very
was

find

showerA
to

bath

and

cold much
was on

water

fei"r work

days

elapsed^
Noire the

better the

began

again.

C"ur for

stocks^ but
so
as

he

doned abanan

novel the

whole and
a

week tale

to

write

article

for of.

Gaulois^

he

had

suddenly

thought
"

I
to

have
me.

it in

my

mind

completely

finished,"

sajrs

he

And
pages

he of

wrote

it in four without

days, fillingup
a

seventy-two
When

foolscap
master,
be

single
to

erasure.

finished, my
caused Little bureau of it to

intending

keep

this

manuscript,

copied.
had
was

Pussy
while with
a

settled

down and he

on

my
a

master's silhouette

he few

writing,
strokes

drew

her,
"

of his

pencil.
said

I shall
to

have remain

great
as

trouble,"
as

he,

"

in did

getting
on

Pussy

quiet

her

mother is

my

writing-table.
sensitive my you pen pen
see

Her

temperament
she the is

infinitely more
by
the the
to

cat-like,
over

agitated
she with If

noise attitude hit

of

running
and is

paper,

keeps
her paw

always
a

ready
little.

my has ."

which

squeaks
paper of my you

the

shopkeeper
some.
. .

smoother

had

better intimate in

get

Many
There six
to
are

master's

friends
afternoon. in the

are

here. From he

tennis-parties
my open air
master to

the

seven

fences

garden,

prefers
There La

the
are

his

fencing-room.
almost every

dinner-parties
followed

evening
with

at
a

Guillette,

by

entertainments

FEAR

OF
amateur

SPIDERS theatricals. in the

new

207 It is easy
to

magic

lantern^
these

or

oiiganise
which One my in and
"

amusements

drawing-room

opens

into

the
as

old I
was

dining-room. returning
beans,
his I map from foimd of the the my

morning
full

garden,
master ;

apron the

of

French

kitchen time

contemplating
he seemed said he very

Heavens

this

cross.
"

Fran"ois,"
before the
were

abruptly,
I the
one.

pray

shut closed all the

all
an

the eye

windows

nightfall.
I tried

hardly
beds in

during
there
me

night. spiders

rooms,

in every

These I do

insects
not

inspire why,
climb
Mind

with

the

greatest
me.

repulsion,
The thus

know

but up you

they horrify
the balconies them the told
me

abominable

creatures

and

get

to

the

windows.

close

all before

night,

I do

beg
this

of

you."
bad floor

During
master two

afternoon
to
come

following
up had We
to

night,
with
and
;

the both

first

lighted lamps.
; all was

He

closed himted

windows the

shutters first foimd

we

dark. three insects

after where thin

spiders
we

examined
some

bedrooms,
with

only
and killed
a

small

long
but the first

legs
were

tiny body,
all the
same.

absolutely harmless,
Then
we

they
blue

reached
master

room

served re-

for each
comer

friends.
near

My
the

placed
he

lamp

in the

window;

then

shook

curtains,
the I mirror

two
on

enormous

spiders escaped, hiding

behind

the

mantelpiece.
this

proposed

removing

mirror

which

was

not

very

laige.
"

No

no,"
to

said
the

my of

master,
the

"

should my

fear mother

an

accident

top

frame

which,

2o8 tells
arms

GUY is the the Le work

DE of

MAUPASSANT
a

me, of

mystic,
if

and had

represents
assimied

the their

Poitevins,

they

title of The lances and

nobihty."
carving supported
was

both several

delicate
vases

and

fragile.
no

Two

containing They
were

flowers

looking
two

rather

imsteady.
with
were

surmounted
on

by
of

Cupids
weapons;
the heads seemed

walking they
of
two
as

difficulty

the

edges
to

the

apparently
;

trying
own

reach

leopards
if about
to

and

their each

like dollA

faces
coat

kiss
whole

other. without

of

white it. de the

paint

covered

the

design

improving
Then middle
near

M. of

Maupassant
room,
to

dragged
me

the

bed my band

into

the

and

made

abandon
a

station of black

the in wall

lamps
the
so

help him
He

hang
me

large
put
of
a

stuff the

recess.

made up the

lamp

against
and
ni

as

to

light

back he
not

the

mirror,
to

hiding
imitation
two

behind of soft

the

black

cloth,
We had

began
to

hum

music.
out

wait

long,
rushed the

the
to

creatures

came

of their and and dead small and the

hiding-place,
took the bodies

the

edge

of the

the

cornice,
cloth Their of the

refuge
recess,
were

in

dark

between
were

black

where

they
on a

captured.
with escorted those

put

plate
and

spiders killed previously, Pel,

we

by
remains

Pussy
to

carried The
was

these small
some

disgusting
bodies
were

fish-pond.
there

immediately
the I
was

absorbed,

delay
"

about

larger

ones.

Perhaps

wrong,"
to

said

my for the

master,
their fish

"

to

give
are

those very

large spiders
venomous.

the
see

fish,
how

suckers

You

hesitate

to

THE

DANGER

OF

SPIDERS

209

swallow
?
accoimt

them. It

Is be

it

possible
These claws

that insects for

they
are as

scent

the

venom

may of

so.

dangerous poison they

on

their

strong

as

the

launch

by

their

suckers." all this with

Pussy Pel,
his he
master.

watched

deep
now

attention. and the then

"

As

to

galloped
Poor

about,
Pel of

jumping
has his

up

to
'*

neither the

dignity
Paff.

nor

the

intelligence

father,

solenm

CHAPTER

XIII

AUGUST

i8tH,

1889

The

anniversary
the doctor
"

of

St

Helena
"

^The Norman An Montmartre

large

yacht
"

BuU-dog
^The

brings
hmnaae dance Bfarins

smart

people" Sphinx
meadow
"

The

Nansicaas old-fashioned

Cottage"
^The ^An
"

coontry murder,
fire ^An
"

in Michel

the the

and and

painter
of cock lucid GuilUtU.
"

inextinguishable
murderer for Madame

headlong
raffle

flight
**
"

"

^Escape
is most the the

the

supposed
"

amusing
Amould

It

^A rabbit

Plessy sightseers

"

^A

somnambulist
"

Fifteen

hundred

round

E
masterpiece
"

TRET

AT,
in

August
the
a

17th path

1889."
near

Painters kitchen the the

working
are

small

the

finishing

picture

representing
admires

Montmartre and is

murder.

Master

laughs

heartily. ready require

a

Fran"ois,
''

everything
all you

for ? hut and the wiU it

to-morrow

"

he

asks.

Have

you

Barrels^
for the the

planks,
bulist, somnam-

smock-frocks,
cans

hats, hens,
full of

rabbits,

petroleum,
and both you

prison,
in

the

water-pipes,
condition
fetch
some

nozzles,
? To-morrow blood The
at

pumps tell
must

good
to

Eugenie
be
as

Vimont's,
dresses she the

hot I

as

possible.
seen

firemen's

are

here,
very

and

have

the you

somnambulist;
have ?
"

is

well
at

got
Madame

up.

And Lec"ur's
no

ordered

cakes

12

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT who backs where

women

by
to

kind
on

doctor,
their diBs

pitied
their

the

poor

things
loads of
out

obliged
wet to
"

cany all up

heavy

clothes

the

they spread

them

dry.
How with 1 Ah
"

should
those

like," said

one

lady,
that

"

to

dabble dean

about
water
'*

good

women

in

beautiful

"

! 1

dare

say," Surely

said
M. de

her

neighbour,

"

for
me

five
a

minutes

Maupassant
No
...

told it

river

passed
out

under here." the the

his

house.

doubt

comes

spouting
Very
passes Grand AU

true,
under Vol. the

river,

now

subterranean

one,

which du

Guillette,

was

formerly

la Rivi"re

"tretat

hotels but also

were

full.

Guests

had

not

only
the

come

by

sea,

from

Dieppe, Fecamp,

and

surrounding
Towards
two

country
o'clock,
and

houses. groups the of

people
at

took the the

the
entrance

rue

Alphonse
of which chalet

Karr,
many

reached
an

Pass,

observed in greeneiy This those

inscription on
and
must
a

door

of

half

hid

profusion
have
to

of flowers many

sphinx

Cottage.
to

name

recalled Parisian

recollections
for gaps The she who

who there that

belonged
for she is
now

sodety,
such

resided

many

years
never

made be

in that

society

could

foigotten.
the gay

sheltered
are

Pass
to

left the

behind,
faces

parasols
the

opened
sun

protect
trains

pretty
the the like

against
road who
;

burning
stop

long
a

sweep where

dusty English ang"b.

reach

they
reside
A

opposite
can more

chapel
be and

in "tretat few

heard
the

singing
first

steps

visitors

the

A door of La

COUNTRY Guillette.
with
so enormous

DANCE

213 in the field

are on

open

They

see

the in

right musicians
blue smock
so

hats,
that if
one

they
cannot

dad
see

frocks,

long
as

their
of the

feet,
barrels

that

they
are

look

they They
can

formed welcome

part
the

they

standing
hard
**

on.

guests

by

blowing

as

as

they
"

in my

their
master

instruments,
had found

performing
among
"

"a

ira

which music.

his That
are

grandfather's piece,"
said

he,

"

and

the
to

musicians' the

tumes, cos-

quite accurate,
had died
were

according
away among

period."
of the

The

last notes but the still carr" crowded of

the
on.

echoes The
a

difk,
and

people
normand with

swarming
now

garden

formed

delightful
clad
was

picture,
fresh

all

these hues. whole

pretty
Best

ladies
of all

in the

toilettes

different
of the

light-hearted gaiety
When
master
a

party.
to

all and

had
some

been of his

introduced
most

each

other,

my

intimate
field.
"

allies, organised

huge
I

country-dance
can

in my and

the
master

Every
^he with had all

one

joined
two

in.
ladies

still the his

so

see

taken his

by

hand

danced
on

heart,
were

dragging
laughing

partners
much would
;

with he had

him.
not

They
held them

that

if

up
some

they certainly lady

lost
a

have

fallen. and

Occasionally peals
of

shoe

she

screamed,

laughter

drowned There
on

the
was

sound
a see-saw

of the

instruments.

managed
which
one

by
of

amateur

firemen and
was

the

pond,

into

them

fell

thoroughly
Then
came

drenched.
"'

the

Montmartre
song of 1793.

murder,"
"

startling

revolationary

Nats

of Tr,

214
scene
was

GUY before

DE

MAUPASSANT
one

which

every
at

had of

to
a

pass.

The

morder in
most

represented

the

back The

passage,
was

suitable with A awful

semi-darkness.
realism has

picture
Michel.

painted

by Marius hung
he of his

policeman
to
see

wife
not

up

by

the

feet has is
cat

and"
an

wanUng

things
out

does

understand,
real
for blood the of of
not

opening
My

in

her

which

flowing.
and

master's stuck

dagger
in the

does wound.

duty
The
;

knife,
the the
to
a

remains is most
are

effect many
so as

whole ladies
see.

striking,terribly
and

realistic
eyes is

frightened, Suddenly
the

hide
murderer

their

detected after
to sets

in him.

group. He is few

All,

aided and

by

the taken

firemen,

rush

arrested
moments

iounediately
criminal of do the their the

prison.
fire
to

In his

the

cunning advantage
firemen
to
on

prison,
appears. distheir

and

taking
The

general duty,
But

surprise,
take the up
more

hose
throw

and

try

extinguish
it the

fire. it

they
the soaked

water

better and

bums,
and has

because been
avenue

prison
in the

is made

of wood The much This their the

straw,

petroleum. prison,
are

guests, standing in the

entertained is

round
of these who of

by

the the

sight

brilliant

flames. direct leave

screams

perceived by
towards
to

firemen groups it all

us

suddenly
ladies, and
There their the whole
are

spray

the
as

prison
every is

bum

pleases. fly
to to

in
master

direction,

and send
an

for

lives.
fun. A

My
few

obliged
to

to

stop
the of

napkins
was
a

suffice first

put

end the

affair. afterwards

This

attempt
such

at

style
at

play
Grand

performed

with

success

the

Guignol.

AN

AMUSING
to

RAFFLE

215 the du

People
tables,
honours
master

went

be

restored
Leconte grace.

at

refreshment

of

which her

Madame usual

Nouy
artistic
out

did

the
as

with

Her

head,
from

said,

looked of flowers

beautiful,

standing
with rafiSe
at
;

background
After the

arranged
was a

that
a

intention.
covered of all the
;

drama
had
were

there been
vases

table bottom of

with

shelves
;

placed
and
see

the

garden
I of
was

there

pottery
two

sorts
vases

much

surprised porcelain.
to

to

small

China

old

pink

All draw
to

the the the

numbers lots winner

came

being
each
and when my

buted, distriwas

they began inmiediately laughing

called
out

prize
all

delivered
The

were

heartily.
"

climax 16
a

master

Number

"

Here
4*

'*

answered
cock into fine !
"

clear my

young
master.

voice.

It is the I
a

said

And

put

the

hands

of
a

yoimg
so as

lady
he should

live
not

cock,
be
too

very

one,

adding
The

hen,

much

bored.
was

young

lady, holding
the
more

fowl
so
as

in each
the
were
"

hand,

rather

embarrassed,
to

birds
roaxs

struggled
of

vehemently

get away.

There

laughter.
29 !
"

Number

The held up

celebrated the

actress,

Madame

Plessy

Amould,

ticket.
said with her my all his
master most
on

"That
"

nimiber,"
a

seriously,

wins I

live the his

rabbit

fur

''

gave

lady
ears,

prize, advising
she

her

to

hold

the with

rabbit

by

which

did, sa3"ng almost

despair:
"

I shall

never

be

able

to

carry

that

animal

"

2i6
"

GUY Yes

DE

MAUPASSANT

you boot

will, madame/'
of your

said

I,

*'

you

inrill

in

the

carriage."
so as

Then,
far from

walking sideways
her door.
to
as

to

hold
Mrent

tlxc

ra.1:

she

could,
of

the the

lady

to^^^strcl folloi^cd rabbit Idi

a.

garden delighted

Many
see

guests
The

her
at

distress. kick the

continually,
scream,

and
a

each

lady,
But

givingshe did

sii

took

step

backwards.

not

her
A

hold. fortune-teller's R who booth knew her had how

to

been read

provided
.

Madame

the

lines the

af whoil

tl.

hand,

distributed
the

predictions

daring

day
tt

to

ladies.

My
was

poor time
to

Fran"ois,"
we

said
I

she
was

after

the

sitting, growing
one can

4t

it

finished,
I
was so

gradually
However,
I had
a

rooted

my

seat,
without

tired. and

get nothing
of best fun of
at

trouble,
of them

great

deal The
;

the

expense of

those believe

smart

ladies. I said

it

is, most
I
"

what

'tis

extraordinary
It
were was

dinner-time.
and also
to

My
some

master's
amateurs

intimate
who had All

friends
most
were

there,

kindly

contributed

the there and

entertainment.
was a

in excellent
sallies

spirits,and
launched balls my gone
at
a

coruscation

of wit, the

being
of

with repartees following of

not

rapidity
Somehow,
had
not

game
was

tennis, skilfully played.

so

master

gay
was

as

usual.
to see

thing Everybe
was

off well, but satisfied.

came

it

easy

perfectly
Next

day
the

he

into
now

the

kitchen

and looked at his

map

of

Heavens,

somewhat

by him. forgotten

^^^ASSAV!
TROUBLESOME SIGHTSEERS
217

f^l

"fdtj'*

It

was

rather it is when can't

successful/'
there is
an

said

he,

"

but

what of

aisance
^

entertainment

this

to

^""ad,
l'Esr"ee

that all bill those ?

one

have
close there I

complete
to

privacy hedges
fifteen and

Did seated

you
on

^^y
5^t5

people
I
am sure

the

iithe

were

hundred

prj"ng
house and much

/22fi^.ookers-on.
...

If well shut

possessed
I could

very

large

'

M^' ^grounds

in,
."
. .

manage

something

Batshefixnore
And

amusing.
he well described be ^^^^
to

his

plan,

which

thought

could

pm

very
"

realised.

idtkk

I^

case,"

said
not

he

in

conclusion,
twelve
or

"

one

would

'uii^^

have under There

harbour,
same

only
but under round
at

fifteen

people

the

roof,
a

least his

eighty
moustache,

or

hundred." he the
went

'ff ^

was

laugh
yf^Xis,

and and

hlk^r
^,2

^^

^^

^^^

the

pond

carr"

normand. That
^^

same

day
H"l"ne hand

met,
of
two

on

the St

road Lazare. of She he five

of

the She six

Great

^^ ^

'

Valley, leading
of age^

pretty

the

rue

was

by
one

the

lovely
other

boys
fair. her

or

years
me

dark,
master

the
to .0

asked

to

t
,

L,

request

2
was

my
caB.e

receive
sh^ice hands

had her
to

seen

her ""at the

f ""ara
for
...

wHh cared

all of

he

1^
,v
41.

no

longer
ladies.
.

receive

visits

these

seductive

CHAPTER

XIV

END

OF

AUGUST,

SEPTEMBER

AND

OCTOBER

1889

An

excursion
on

by
An
"

sea

to allusion

Italy

Paradise
"

on

the

blue

sea

^Tales
"

deck La Main Ofi the the

to

the

beautiful travels ^A flower In

"

Allouma,
across

heroine the

of
seas"

Gauche
"

^Raymond's
coast
"

high
music

Japanese
^The
"

boat
"

Distant

in

evening
and Bel

Genoese

smells

the

fog
at

We
"

put
of

in

at

Porto-Fino for the

Santa

Margherita
In
"

^Music
"

break

day
for
war

Ami
"

Florence church of her of Tolstoi

"

the Paolo"

museums

"

^Hunting
about

curiosities" after awaits the

at

The
manner

San Pisa

Thoughts
Madame de from
a

"

Maupassant
short illness.

Cannes

son

who

is

recovering

AT
we

the the We

end

of

August,

we

started

for

Italy

on

yacht.
left
to

Cannes take

harbour

at

break the the

of

day,
;

so

as

advantage
the

of of

breeze Croisette the GoUe

passed
the

the island the

bar of

between

point

and

Sainte

Marguerite,

leaving

Juan

on

left.

Shortly

after,
in

the

sun

appeared
the

like

ball

of

fire

ascending
promised
Soon the what
we

the
a

sky

above

Cap

d'Antibes,

which

us

hot

day.
the open
was

were

on

sea,

having
The the breeze

nearly
had
hot

doubled

cape. it

But

that

all.

wind
very
came

given
season.

us

generally
in the

gives

during
a

However,
east

afternoon,
us

from

the

and

carried made
us

beyond
the

Villefranche. of the
coast.

There,

master

observe

beauty

220

GUY

DE the

MAUPASSANT
coast

of
to

shipwreck
turn

on

of He

Sicilydetailed

Then
some

it

came

the

of

Bernard.

ainusing

passages He
"

of

his
my

youth.
master

said At that

to

when
was

he
not

had

concluded

time, sir, I

married."

"

Pray

understand,
"

my that

good
this

Bernard,"

replied
leaves

M.
me

de

Maupassant,

circumstance

perfectly
Then I

indifferent." recounted years had

an

adventure
as

which
was

befel
an

me

at

Algiers

two

before,
the
;

I end

seeking
my

ment. apartand the

not

I others been
"

reached

of

story,

were

still
too

laughing
far.

I asked

myself

if I had

rather

Very

good,

Fran"ois,"

said

my

master,

*'

that

is

quite
Then
women.

Arabian." he

described

to

us

the

life

of and

the

Kabylia
narily extraordito

Though

very

complicated,
a

wild, it certainly bore

tale of

great
the

analogy
La

the

AUouma,

published

in

volume

Main

Gauche.

Allouma,
mistress of
was a

an

Arabian

woman

who

has

become
near

the

wealthy

Frenchman struck
return

settled

Th"nietdesire And

el-Haad,
to
recross

occasionally
desert satisfied and her

by
to

sudden
tents.

the had and

the would the feet

when the
return

she

wishes,
over

she

take

again
plains,
Roumi,

long

fatiguing
and

track

sandy
of the

dead-tired,
master.

crouch

at

the

her It asked
"

then my At

was

Raymond's

turn

to

tell

his
was
"

story.

He

master's that

leave, which,
said

of course,

granted.
took

time,"

Raymond,

long

OFF

THE China I

JAPANESE
;
on was

COAST

?2i

journeys
We left

to

young,

hardy,
a

and

plucky. sailingthirty-

Marseilles

the

Agrippa,
;
we were

first-class
a crew

ship,
six
ive

considering
men,

its

type

of

all

fine many

fellows.
seas

As and

in
oceans.

oiu:

preceding trips
Now done
to

passed
was

by
a

and the

then

there but

gale,
not

and

some

damage
What

ship,
with
a

that

did vessel

signify.

really
on
a

matters

sailing
it is

is
to

being becahned,
sailors
sea,

long journey
One
us

enough
months
oiu:

make
at

go

mad

day,
we

after had
see

seven

the

captain
for
or

told of

reached

port.
went
on

We for At
a

stared,
a

none

us

could

land.
orders low the
"

We
to coast
sea.

mile

two,
we

and

received
see a

anchor.

some

distance of

could lost

forming

sort

point

that

itself

in

Immediately
and
two

communication

with
some

land
came

was

established,
to

days
We
not

later
were

barges

along
coast,

fetch the
were

oiu:

goods.
did

ofi the
of the
seven

Japanese
entry
of the
our

and We

harbour

allow for
our

ship. period

stationed
for
to

there

weeks,
and The

necessary
we were

unloading
back
to to

goods,

taking
crew was

in those
not
sea.

carry
at

France. remain
we

at

all

pleased

having

thus
in

out

at
we

At

least, we
harbour
seventeen

all and
or

said, when
landed.

were

China,
we were

got into
to

This

time,

stand
an

eighteen
of
even
a

months' of

tossing,
an

without

interruption
''These each who man,

quarter thoughts

hour

!
to

were

the
we

we

communicated
for
our

other,
was

but

did

not

complain,
was
on

captain,
very
Some kind

extremely
he
was

energetic,

also board.

and

quite beloved

days

222

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT with

a large whaler's after, boat, filled

people,
The the

came

alongside.
was

You

may what that

imagine
this could
we

our

curiosity, everyone
strangest
sex

wondering

mean.

part of it was,
these female
were

could in

not

guess

of

all

new-comers,
costumes
are

for

that

country
As
us
soon

male
as

and

almost

alike. told
come

all

on

board, the boatswain

women

with

th^ smile,
us

thirty-six Japanese during

our
"

had
coast.

to

entertain may

our

stay

near

that

You

imagine
went
on.

delight.
I don't intend tell you
us

to

describe

to

you
were

what
most

I will and knew faces

**

only
one

the

Japanese

amiable,
I
never

taught

the

dances

of their

country.

from

the

other, all those exactlyalike I

how short the the

lemon-coloured

seeming
may

to me

You

fancy
*'

six weeks

seemed

in such

and pleasant society,

was leaving-taking

quite pathetic
Here
'^

Bernard ! you

Ah

interruptedthe yam. said he, with talk ! may

"

roguish
"

smile.
"

My boy, you
much de have

are

replied Raymond, jealous,"

been there." asked
crew.

you

would M.

liked to have

Maupassant
for the about all
on

for his Then

tea, and

ordered

coolingdrinks
to tell him

he asked

the sailors

the Far

East. in the

We

were

deck

evening, our
master

boat

was

going slowly,Bernard
beside
"

at the

helm, my
music
I
"

sitting he,

him

"

Why,

one

can

hear

exclaimed

suddenly,with

some

surprise.

DISTANT True Italian It seemed the

MUSIC
sounds
was we were
was

223
came

enough^
coast.
as

harmonious
Their if
^

from

the

sweetness
a

indescribable. thus the

as a

in and

dream,

gliding
charm of

between

sea

the
sea

sky,
was

such smooth

of

this
of
"

quiet night
a

the

sheet

oil,

dark It

blue

colour.
not

would with

surprise me/'
distant

said
"

my
a

master,
came

lighted dethis
an

this

music,

if

whale that

way,
enormous

music

attracts

them,
should be

'tis strange
so

such

animal

much

influenced

by

harmony."
And boat
on

some some

blowing
hours of
we

cachalots
a

passed
noise

close like
a

to

our

later, making
the
water. at

tempest

the Next

surface

day
landed

anchored
a

Port

Maurice.

My

master
'*

for said

strolL he
nor on

Fran"ois,"

his

return,
I

"

this little town tried

to

is neither
a

interesting

wealthy.
and and you I could
as we

change
but

himdred-franc
There is

note,
no

find shall go
our

nothing
pass Monte the

silver. here for

gold,

day
Carlo

to-morrow,
some

I will it will
"

ask

to

to

gold,

be We

handier
are now

for

journey." sight
of Genoa.
our

September
We of

12th.
the

in had

passed
health

outer
we

port, and
were

to to

show pass

bill
the

before
harbour.

allowed

into

commercial
"

See, Fran"ois,"
!
"

said

my

master,

**

what

splendid

harbour
""

Well,
Ah

prefer
this the

that
one

of

Marseilles^ sir
!
"

"

I but avoid

is wonderful

To

contact

of

the

trading-vessels,

we

224 moored

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

the Bel-Ami
not

in the Dock
think
we were

called La
so

VittiU
as we

Dorse,but I do
should have
us were

well off AH

been

in the

harbour. lai^er

around and

their cargoes of ships unloading The smell or less fresh. more sardines,

oil, soap,
was

able. abomin-

on
"

to

next morning my master decided Accordingly, Genoa. leaving he grumbled, one does not know where Really," and ooe go ; there are nasty smells everywhere,
"

walks about Tunisian

in filth. Genoa

recalls to

me

that smart
a

long black veil down to her knees. Tliat ugly piece of beautiful eyes, cloth generally hides a channing face, and a rosy-dipped mouth. only shows Genoa,likewise, her ugly,dirty, black fa"ades.Still, she possesses palaces, splendid great ridies and pretty museums,
out, wore
such as there are in Tunis." women, After leaving foQowGenoa,we sailed alongslowly,

lady who, when

she went

ing at
Fino.

certain distance the coast

leadingto Porto-

My master seemed to enjoybeingin the open rid of the sickening and being smells of commercial air, Italy. One ni^t I had taken the watch at two with Bernard,and we found ourselves in a thick fog. I told Bernard I could not see twelve yardsbefore me. said he, a seaman must see through Fran"ois," the thickest fog,and also duringa storm, which is alwaysaccompanied by thunder and blinding lightning
" "

ook

stedfastly, you must

see." hand of the

a

andingat the
I looked my

the ropes on bow, my b ut could hardest, only see

sort

226 haiixnir of

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT but had hills

on

Porto-F"no, coming
from

we

weatlieied eadi side of the

gnsts of wind

the

"

I
a

am

going
bedroom
a

to

land,"
the notion is
so

said

M.

de

Maupassant,

"

and

take

for

nig^t."
!

What

strange
one

Why

spend
on

money !

in

town,
is
so

when
sweet

comfortable

board

SIeQ"
waves

in

the looks

cabin-berth, channing
backed roimded
cm

rocked the

by
edge

the of

Porto-Fino
natural green what in the

its

small

harbour,
firs. the Their

by

hills forms has

covered make yon

with

darlc,
d

think omitted

senator
of his
now

Falgui"re Diana,
goes and

intentionally
so

figure
master

otherwise

perfect
the of
coast

My
in
at

every

day

to

explore
full

his the

small unknown if I may

saw so

boat,

zbNzys
he has
as

returns

wonder Belfor I

things
say many so,
was

discovered.
if in
an

The

And,
never
as were

aquarium,

little fishes

of

varii^;ated hnes^
us.

constantly
to

swimming
no

around in

My

master

used

feed

them,

doubt he
was

remembrance

of

his

"tretat
On for
at
a

goldfish
the fifth
out

which

always
was

r^retting.
to to

day
to

Bernard after

ordered
we were

prepare anchor

sail

sea,

which

Santa On the

Marg^erita.
first

day

my

master

found
and

an

apartment
on

two

hundred side.
"

yards from
He hired I be

the
a

harbour,
month.
to

the

southern

it for able

Shan't that

work,
of the

Fran"ois
sea

"

said

he,

^'

with
Two

beautiful later he

view told

! that

"

days

Bernard
up, he would

as

soon

as

favourable

breeze

sprang

take

advantage

MUSIC
of it
to

FOR the
two

THE
to

BEL-AMI

227 and

sail

on

Bel- A mi
or

Sistri-Lavente^
in the mountains.

\iroiild

then
one

spend

three

days

So^
reached
master

morning,

after

crossing
in and very

that fine

pretty
weather.

bay,

we

Sistri-Lavente,
took We in this
so a

My

carriage,

started, with
of

his
and The in the

dressingof
our

bag.
stay
was

took

advantage
to

his

absence

place

buy
we

some

provisions.
the the

weather harbour
to

splendid
and

that

spent

night
next

of Santa

Sistri

only

returned

morning

Margherita.
de

M.

Maupassant
The and
were

came

back
town
was

on

the full

morning
of

of

the

third

day.
came

little

animation,
on

people
houses. mean, of of the

went,

flags

were

flying
what

all

the

We when Bel-Ami
a

asking
of the

ourselves

this the the

could

citizen
to

place begged
he

captain
favour
this the

land.
to

Then the

solicited

being

allowed

play
French

Marseillaise

before

yacht

carrying

the

flag,
of

because

it

was

anniversary My
Bernard Towards and
more

of the
gave allow three with
no

Unity
the
one

Italy.
but

master to

permission,
to
come
on

reconunended

board.

the

concert
same

began hymn,
on

by

the

Marseillaise all fact the that

finished

the

welcomed of the

by
were

the

inhabitants

account

they

thorough evening
M.

Republicans.
de him the

In the

Maupassant
to

gave the

Bernard
a
a

some

napoleons, ordering
of

offer

musicians there
was

g^ass
most

punch.

was

of

party,
The into

and

charming
master

entertainment.

generosity
with nice

of

my

thus

brought

us

contact

people

of very

good

position.

228

GUY
am

DE

MAUPASSANT
zi^

of tlie sorry my master did not see more could obtained have habitants of Santa Margherita, he I from the up
a

them

more

si^t

of

than was given liizzi I^ inspiration when ooming profile countrywoman's

path.^ staycame
us

Our await

to

an

at Genoa.

of the towns We
went

further

by

rail.

last-mentioned town

end,the Bel-Ami was sent oq to M. de Maupassantvisited some Florence. them inland, among But we had hardlybeen in the three days, when master my
He asked
me

fdt tired and therefore did not go out. if I had been to see the galleries.
"

No, sir
"

"

You

to the

visitthem this morning, when easily I shall not as post to fetch my letters,
can

going
go
out

before lunch."
to M. de helpexpressing at seeing in these Maupassant my astonishment works belonging to the French and so many galleries the Flemish schools, others Virginwith the among I had read and various pictures goldfinch^ by Raphael,* of in the Paris Louvre,as well as at Bruges, the names I was In the Chapel of the Bruges when younger. works by the most celebrated hospital you find many of the Flemish school. When once painters you have them ; those never can seen masterpieces, forget you they producesuch a wonderful impression. My master then asked me if I had seen Titian's Lady.

On

my

return

I could not

See the volume Does

La

Vie Errante, French ? painter

"

take Raphael for a Fran"ois

N"^

ofTr^

Ik

HUNTING
"

FOR

CURIOSITIES

229

No,

sir." I will show her the

to
"

**

Well,

you

adding, visiting
I go

"

I have

long
Dutch

promised
and
to

myself Belgian

pleasure

of

all those I

galleries;
with
to

when

there,

promise
Next the

take
we

you
went

me."

day

the

Gallery
;

at

ten
we

and
went

admired
to
some

Titian

he

had

mentioned

then

curiosity
master

shops, bought
but
as

hunting
a

for There

pretty
were

things.

My

few.
mind

some

beautiful

articles,
finished

to

his

they
have

were

not

so

artistically
were

he of

could the but ardent of

;
our

wished.

They
in

not

equal

to

any

admirable he could desire walk

us was

pictures
not

those

brated cele-

galleries;
his In della the
course

buy

those,
them.

withstandin not-

of
we

possessing
reached the

Piazza Lanzi.

Signoria
master

opposite
me see

the

Loggia
The

dei

My

made then of

and

admire

Rape
the

of the

Sabines, by John
We my
'*

Hercules

vanquishing

Nessus

Centaur,

Bologna.
back seemed
to

came

lunch,
satisfied

laden with

with
the

our

curiosities
work.
pieces master-

master

morning's
of the

One's in

head this

is turned
town
runs

by
cried away

the he. with I

can

sight
"

"

This my

wilderness

of

artistic

things
makes

all

thoughts.
the souls

My
of

delight
those

me

think who have

penetrate
all their

great men,

put

inspiration

into

their

perfect
October

works."

To-day,
He His
was

22nd,
had window
to

my

master at

is much home and he

;

better. it is
over. a

ailing, and

remain
is open,
on

drawing-room
of

watches quay

regiment

cavalry

passing

the

opposite

of

230 the Amo.

GUY These

DE

MAUPASSANT

horsemen, clad in embroideied

of that
one

uniforms,are playing very sweet, soft music.

"The
"

instruments
me

master, make
at my

think of

to set the grandfather's,

regiment,"says my that used to be played birds singing."

of
see one

Then

he read

me

passage and

of his mother's of

him telling letters,

San

to go
so

the old chmxii

which was Paolo, Immediately after We

soon

interesting.
we

limch

went

to

find

this

church.

discovered

it. It is there from

they

keep
on

and the flags

taken trophies Those

the enemy

the field of battle. and tatters,

glorious relics, hanging

there in A

sexton

very numerous. whence came accompaniedus, explaining

faded, are quite

all the
"

flags.
" said my is all very fine," master, but of lives all those is less pretty is the number

That

what

who might have been rags have cost, lives of men useful to their country than by sacrificing selves themmore in those
wars

which
"

onlydo
the enemy
was

harm of

"

I,"said he,
!
"

in

very loud tone,

I

am

war

And When

thoughtmy
we came

master out

of this

quite right. Pantheon,my

master

spoke
which land. On
at

at

about great length in formerly

the valour of the naticms this fertile and

existed

pleasant
few

our

return

from

Florence

we

spent

days

a Pisa, cathedral. We ning tower, and its exquisite 4 the Baptisterydoors with their bronze which do duty i of the size of two year-old boys,

prettyand

clean Uttle

town, celebrated tor

BACK

AT

CANNES

231

as

handles.
the

Near beautiful

it

is

the

Campo
which

Santo^
adorn

in

very the

bad walls

state^
not

frescoes in the
at

being

protected
of back the

the

slightest

degree

against

the We
at

inclemency
were

elements. Cannes the of October

on

31st

six Madame

in

evening.
de

Maupassant
her

was

at

the

door

of

the

apartment^
moved she
"

awaiting
when she
saw

son.

She voice

was

extremely trembling,

him,

her

was

could

scarcely
dear

speak.
!
"

My
soon

child
he
at

said

she.
master

As had which he felt In

as

came

in,

my from

informed attack his of

her

he

suffered had much

Florence him and he health

an

enteric,
but that

obliged
better

to

keep
it

room,
over.

hoped
continued and Madame his

was

th"
about

evening
his

giving
cruise. into thanked

his Before the

mother

details
the took house

leaving kitchen,
for the from

to

go

home,
hands in of
tears

came

my I had

two

hers

and since from

me

care

taken

her

son

our

departure
poor she
sore

Cannes. and her

Large maid,
After much

fell still for

her than

eyes, led her

crying resting
his

more

did,

away.

ten

daj^,

M.

de had

Maupassant
returned.

got

better,

ruddy

complexion

CHAPTER

XV

NOVEMBER

1889-JULY

189O

We

return

to

Paris
"

^We

settle of
a

in baker

the ^A
"

Avenue lawsuit
"

Victor-Hugo
^The

"

Disagreeable
dinner
"

vicinity atmosphere
de

expert's
about accordance and Le his

The ^M.
"

of wishes of

Influenza
"

Conversation end
to

death with the

Maupassant
notions

his his

be ^Mr

in Taine

religious
d'Oliviers
"

family
de

"

Champ manuscript lady

unknown
moves

^Hating Italy
"

Crispi^M.
^The

Maupassant
visits end the of of

destroys
the Russian remains

about letter
to

mysterious
^The

A
"

from
master

Cannes
"

tragic
by
goes
"

Pussy

her
rue

Persecuted
"

baker,
with is

Maupassant
Lord R

to

the

Boccador,
Flemish my
"

and

to

stay
C"ur

in Victor

England Koning

^A
"

profile
master
"

No^e

finished
"

and illness

Super-nourishment
^The
"

Return
"

of

Maupassant's
and UAme her

At ^The
"

Aix-les-Bains dramatis

Russian and

Princess scenario of

bodyguard

persona

"trang"re
"

^The

rope.

PARIS,
We leave

November.
"

^We Montchanin I

are

moving
for the

again.
Avenue all I

the

rue

Victor-Hugo,
to

though
my entresol
master

have from above five

tried

can

prevent
flat,
an

taking
a

this

comfortable un-

jtist
been

baker's in the

oven.

November flat.
"

25.

^We
"

have

days

new

Fran"ois,"
to

says I

my

master not

this have

morning,
this least ."
. .

"

if I had

listened which noise of

you,

should and

taken in the

apartment,
hear the

pleases
the

me,

don't
at

kneading
as

trough happens

night.
in this

Unluckily,

often

life,

what

is

234 the
ease.

GUY heat made

DE

MAUPASSANT all flicker, lights seemed ill at

the

However,
time death

conversation and One the could

was

soon

resumed. the soul

This
were

of immortality
see none

spoken of.
much about

of the

guests cared
*'

this world ; but they feared side,"and there was a longdissertation on

the other

the nature

of the soul !

broughtforward to prove its existence ; but doubt seemed to predominate. One of this opportunity of the doctors took advantage and tried to make out with greateloquence that the soul that it did not exist. was simplyan invention, This denial was followed by completesilence, my time. Then he began, master had not spokenfor some Many arguments were
. . .

with
"

greatfirmness
If I
were

"

said he, and the people ill," dangerously about me brought to me, I would receive him, a priest them ! so as to please that the guests These words created so much surprise astounded ; I might say, they looked as if seemed asking themselves if they had quite understood.
"

"

Some

clamations Exof the ladies tried to oppose my master. bandied about, those who protested were

could wanted
"

hardly be
my
am

heard

through the
one as

timiult.

Some

master

to take back what

he had said.
"

sure," exclaimed
the
so priest

only receive
those around under such

person, you would to console and comfort be considered

you, who are circumstances."

always to

This obstinate

annoyedmy master, he persistence

did

*"

."-"

Brtnaai

LE
not

CHAMP He

n took

OLIVIERS from the

235

answer

in words.

rose

middle

of

the

table, and
fall
on

slowly pulled plate,

uneasy
as

the
not

petals out,
wish
me

letting
the

them last he and

some

his His his

if he smile

did

to

pluck

petal.
wished
had other touched

made
more

understand

guests
tried
to

had

shown into

self-restraint,

not

inquire

his

opinions.
rose-leaves him

At

moment
so

those

pretty
would

perfumed
have
were

he

delicately
His
. .

given
far
on

poetic
. . .

inspiration.
.

thoughts
my
master

away. his
:
"

The
room
'*

next

morning
these words

found the than

drawing-

table The lease he How in

signed by
is
more

expert

evidence
was

of noise

sufficient
this him his

"

and

the I
saw
"

cancelled.

Notwithstanding
I

success, tea.
can

remained

gloomy.
said

brought
he,
"

unmannerly,"
!
to

clever I
am on

people
my free my

be

society
I choose

After
see a

all, if, when

bed, deathto

priest, I
"

suppose

am

do of

so

And,"
will
;

added
never

he,

on

that

subject
not to

way

thinking
arguments
others.
.

alter, and
to

I will
me

accept
think

these like

tending

oblige

."
.

That usual

evening good
he hmnoiur told said He
was

he

came

in

looking quite
I
to
see

gay, him

his
to

had
me

returned. had
to

helped
M. tale
me

dress, and
"

he
"

been him

Taine.
Le

went,"

he,

read

my told

Champ

d'Oliviers.

delighted, and

it resembled

Eschylus."
He
to
me
saw

did

not
was

understand,
an

and

then

explained
a

Eschylus
the real

admirable

writer,

poetic

genius,
A

creator

of Greek has

tragedy.
came

pale-looking lady

already

to

our

door.

236
Avenue
asks for
seen

GUY

DE
at

MAUPASSANT
nine in the I
...

Victor-Hugo,
M.

morning.
think I

Sbe
have

de
her.
;

Maupassant.
She is
a

aheady
with

Russian,
all, she
went

somewhat goes in for I the the that

occupied politics.
the I
see

literature lunch
to

but, above
master

After

my

out.

entered

study
that andirons the
some

put

it in order

and

make

up

fire.
Henri
even

the

little
are

cupids
with

surmounting
black
on

11.

covered It is burnt of
a

things
the

spot
are

carpet.

paper;

marble
have

slabs

fragments
the flames.
on

manuscript

which
the the eyes. where

escaped
of ! the

from

recognised
among my

remnants

manuscript
I could that

Italy lying
believe of the I had
saw

ashes I the

hardly
comer

was

going

towards
was

study
on

manuscript
table blue
no
a

yesterday,
on

when he To

my

master's

few

leaves the any pages existed master's He than

which
"

written
."
. .

with
There hundred

his
was

pencil longer
twenty

words

revise.

doubt,

the and It

manuscript
of inestimable

two

and
now no

long,
!
...

value,
the

longer
of my

contained
in

recollections

travels

Italy.
even

recounted in his
on

therein,
on

in
his

more

expressive
so

terms
passion com-

article this

War,

feelings
He
;

full

of

grand
up

subject.
in
a

mentioned
the
so

the
at

Vicenza

ladies

shut and

cavern

struggle

Pisa, Florence,
told, the
in reader

Milan. the

It

was

all
as

beautifully

followed
We afar fields the
were

events

if

they happened by them,

warm we

his presence.
from
on

deeply
smell he

moved of the

scented

ofi of

the
battle

blood it
was

flowing

the
as

described been.

as

impressive

reality would

have

A Then bom in

MANUSCRIPT
master

DESTROYED told about At who his Notre

art

237 the he his his

my that

and 17
on

great

men

comitry.
a

page fell ill

b^an
travels
room

the and
at
an

biography
was

of
care

tourist of

taken The when

by
of

servant

in had fact. that

to

hotel.

author

C"ur

surpassed
The

self himof

telling spoke

of

this

simple

feelings

the
me

sufferer
as so

for

themselves, vivid,
that

passage

struck M. de

intensely
never

my
more

mind,
beautiful. the
to

Maupassant
Later
on,

wrote

anything escaped
I

few La

pages Vie

from

fire leam

were

published
motive
inscrutable of

in

Errante,

tried
master

the

the
on

auto-da-fe. this often

My
;
:
"

remained

point
say

only,

when

speaking

of

Crispi,
**

he

would base

That

individual
! And that and her
to
man

has such

done
a

nothing
that

but

harm
to

to

his

country
even

pitch
his

I refuse

read about

what

makes

newspapers
one

say I find able he

France in his

people.
I don't

But,
think

if

day,
shall be

myself
to

presence,
! hear.
.

restrain be

myself
to

I think ."
.

I shall

tell him

things

will

pained

After

hearing
about work of

my

master

speak
he
a

several

times

so

bitterly

Italy,
to

concluded

preferred
the

ficing sacri-

his powers treacherous

eulogising

country
France

ing governsuch

which

persecuted

with

animosity.
did Could he

Still,why

destroy
that be

that of
use

splendid Manuscript^?
to

Destroy
which

Russian

designs,
came

that

lady by
first her

from

Tourgueniefi's country
visits ? 1 fell
a

and

advocated
In the

early
of

days

January^ 1890,

victim

to

238
a

GUY attack

DE

MAUPASSANT

strong
no

of influenza. up with

My
the

master

resolved

he aiid

would decided
"

longer put
on

baker's

noise,

going

to

Cannes.

The

move,"

says

he,

"

will

only

take

place

in

April." Strange
certain
"

to

say,

he

seems

to

leave

me

behind

with

satisfaction
are

I don't well

understand. says
some

You
me.

not

enough,"
have
a

he,
more

"

to

come

with
of of

You

will

probably
Have and

attacks take
news care

that

nasty
I

malady.
will

good
you

rest,
some

yourself,

write

give

of

Madame." Between
master

January
returned
to

12th

and I

March received

15th,
several

when

my letters

Paris,
same

couched
"My all
am

nearly
Good

in the

terms.

Fran"ois,
and
are

"

Thanks with better. of

for the Look

see

having

done
;

my

errands,
you for
a

succeeded

publisher
out

I
a

glad
for
me

feeling
month

for

flat

the

April,
I leave

it is comfortable, it all to you, all

with you
"

bath-room.
...

do

will

be

right.
for the time

Madame,
her

being,
her

is

pretty
are

well

satisfied
better

about in the
"

health.

Besides,

eyes

always

winter.

remain,
my

my

good
master

Fran"ois,
did
to not

etc.
. .

."

I noticed When well He seemed

as

mention I

his

own

health.
not
so

he when
no

returned
we came

Paris,
from

thought Italy.

him

back

longer petted Pussy.

to

True,
she

the rushed

little creature
away from

get wilder

and

wilder,

IN

THE

RUE
master

BOCCADOR said the she

care

239

everybody.
freedom.
to
a

My
I put

required
of
a

air

and

her
our

under
avenue,

porter attached
were
'

big
a

house

in

where

there

stables

and I the

garden.
she would
to

thought good
man

be tell

better
me

there that should had the

ten

days after,
had

came

Veterinary
be

advised I
was

that very
so

poor sorry,

little and

Pussy

put

to

death. little lieve bewas

those

who

known

the

animal,

pla3^ful, so
I did sadden he
at
rue

intelligent, could
mention it to
news

scarcely
master,
death it of

this. useless favourite We

are

not

my

to

him
to

by
love.

the

of the

the

used the

end

of

March,
but

my the

master
move

has will

taken be
on

flat in the the

Boccador,
He
at

only
is not

30th

of
to

April.
work of the

is better, last still

but

says of

he

well

enough
The

the

chapters
prevents
As
use

Notre

C"ur.
at

noise which

bakery
bad

his there of with him

sleeping
still remain in

night,
a

is very he
cannot to

for him. make any

few

days
on

Paris, he
his
to

decides Lord the R

going
who
,

stay

in

England asking

friend.
return

is him back

constantly
at

visit When

he he

paid
came

"tretat.
from when

England,
he asked

my

master

had
was

hardly ready.
"

entered

the

flat

if his

bath

shall think from

take how
to

it

immediately,"
up Those I feel

he
;

said,
as

"

for

you all

cannot
over

knocked foot
smart
so

if bruised

head so-called

devils have

of

Englishmen,
me

and
state

that
;

society
so

put
so

into

this

they
stand

are

boring,
That

conceited,

nonsensical my

I can't

them.

is

why

I shortened

stay.

240 I

GUY

DE there

MAUPASSANT
a

only remained
a

week

And in that

if I had

not

met

with

splendid Belgian beauty

Such
a

insipid country.
am

profile !
Van

and
. . .

I
met

certain such
a

their nificent magbeen

great

painter,
creature

Dyck,
in his have ."

never

with ! Had the

whole been

career

it not of

for

her,

I should !
. .

back

at

end

forty-

eight
In He words

hours

1892,

I met
most

Lord

in his

the

Champs

"l3^s"es.
in I of the
was

deplored
of
a man

sincerely
feels he

friend's very

fate,
ill.

who

is himself kind

extremely
master.
"

touched

by

his

remembrance

my

Ah

! how
"

unfortunate such ! Rue my up

a

it

is/' added
fellow,
so a

he,
writer

as

he

was

leaving
almost

me,

clever

who

was

perfect
y"ih,
and

And

always
Boccador.
"

good-humoured
We
came

"

April days
great
ago,

here
to

two

master

orders

Kakl"ter which

put

the been

curtains

in

his

bedroom,

has

transformed.
"

That the
;

is the third he has

first

thing
his
two

that

must

be and

done,"
the

says

he.
are

On

day,
his

bed-chamber
rooms

study

ready
Notre

to

work while

in, and

finishes his in

C"ur

without who is

any

trouble,
up olive

directing hangings
in
are

upholsterer,
the of

putting
The

green

drawing-room.
tapestry
with

ceiling is

covered

by

piece hung
The chairs of old-

large figures, the

panels
and

also
trees.

with

tapestry

representing landscapes
the

carpet is salmon-colour,
are

arm-chairs,

sofas

and

all

of the

different Sixteenth

periods, principally, however,

style,
the and covered is
a

Louis fashioned

with

silks.

On

mantel-piece

splendid

IN block the The doors the of white Sixteenth curtains and silk.

THE

RUE it is

BOCCADOR clock very

;

241 of authentic low the

marble, time,
are

Louis

with

its two

candlesticks.

in excellent has

taste

gilding of
underneath

the

looking-glasses
The whole has
a

disappeared
refined

most

effect, and

my

master's There
a

drawing-room
is also

is

perfect.
in the

antique
and old

furniture dishes

dining-room
on

few

pictures
room

Rouen
a

hang

the

walls.
on

This the TAlma

is lit up from

by

large bow-window,
you Eiffel
can see

looking
the

avenue,

which the

pont
to

de the

and and

opposite
which my
a

Tower,
does
not

pointing
much

sky,

master storm.

admire,

excepting sight
the
at

during

He of

is

interested

by

the

of the

serpentine

flash

electricityrushing along
he remains this
a

iron this

ladders.

Sometimes

long time
and
out ;
a

large window,
passes in the

watching
enormous

phenomenon stretching
is

all that

space

1"efore him.
bath-room other of
rooms

My
with

master's

apartment
a

perfect
and

shower-bath,
South with open
can

fencing-room,

five

to the

sunlight, and
all the
a

independent
which
are

each

other. each
a

Leaving
other, he
line. while

doors,
of for

opposite yards
is
so

take It is he
a

walk

twenty-five
him,
as

in fond

straight
of

dream work.

he

walking
"

is at every

May
I

x8ih. know the

^A her
name

lady
;

comes

day

How

odd,
nounces pro-

hardly

when de

she

comes

in, she

just

of M.
she walks
master

Maupassant,
an

and, without
into
to
me

looking

at

me,

like
never

automaton

the the

drawing-room.
visits One
Q

My
almost
as

speaks

of

of this

unknown my
master

lady.
was

morning,

walking

the

whole

242

GUY of the

DE

MAUPASSANT
he
came

length

apartment^

to

speak

to

me

in

the

dining-room.
''

have

pains

in

aU

my

joints/'
a

said of

he.

"

To*

morrow,

I shall have

begin taking ready."

three the he had five
or

series

vapom'-baths.

Pray
But

everything taking
shortened

after
we

four

vapour-baths^
so

and

though
lasted

operation
to

as

each

only
them.

ten

minutes,
he been

give

up in

taking
his

Hardly
when in

had
a

minutes flew he
to

aim-chan;
He knew

second avoid

his blood

the

head.
to

it, so,

to

congestion,

returned up and has with

his

simple
his

shower-bath,
whole Notre Revue
a

always
with is
a

following it glove
master

rubbing

body
C"ur des

horsehair

eau-de-Cologne. given
it to it the
as

finished, my Mondes,

Deux He

which that M. will

will

first

publish
the
see

serial.
the
or

tells

me

Koning,
come

manager

of

Gymnase
two.
. .
.

theatre,

to

him

in

day

After

this

visit, during
of
of his asked
me

which

I heard my house.

the

loud

and told

imperious
me
''

voice

this

gentleman,
to

master

the He

reason

coming
to

the

has
a

recast to

entirely
the

to

my

taste,
of
a

and short It for

also

little M. X

according
has
;

his,

manuscript
one

play

taken he would
to

from

of
me

my
a

tales. month in
a

seems

easy

enough
but I

allow
'

this

work,
and

said be

him
"

Come

here

fortnight
On the

it will

ready."
manager

day
and
a

fixed, the
read voice he
came

came

to

fetdi carried
so

the it

Manuscript
away.
a

it !

aloud
Never
to

before had

he

What I

I heard which

strong

one

When

paragraphs

pleased

VICTOR

KONING and showed the But

. . .

243

him,

he

literally shouted
the had

manager's,
he
saw

perhaps
master

artist's,delight.
omitted
several he

my he

playwright's
the oS
a

touches

had

told

him
any
see

about,

mentioned
and
went

fact, without
enchanted.
stout

making
can

reproaches,
him
in the

I man, fat

still
a

anteroom,

short,
His my
;

with
red

red

"ice,
thrust

and the

jet-black hair.

large,

hand the

Manuscript
of
de my
"
"

of

master

deep
shook

into
hands
"

inner

pocket
with M. he
to

his

jacket

then

he

warmly
I

Maupassant.
master,
I think
to
an
"

hope,"
of you

said
that will

that
was

when the

am

Manager
"
"

theatre
not

it
me

ville Vaude-

refuse be for

give

some

good play
for the

of

yours,

which
and
a

will

excellent

thing

theatre, My

triumph
let

3rou." Teplying,
meant

master

him

depart without moustache,

which

but

he he

laughed
almost

under consented.
"

his

that

June.
advocate the
eat

The abundant

doctors

my

master

has

just
into

now

food,
of his
at

without

taking They
a

account

difficulties
a

digestion.
least up four in

want

him In

to

great
an

deal,
egg mashed the

times milk

day.
noon,

the

morning,
meat,
in
same

beaten

; at ; at

done under;

potatoes,
usual
all

cheese

four, custard
remains in the
to

the

evening,

dinner. this food

He

condition, taking
but does
not

which
as

is easy

assimilate,
He

get

better and

I should receives

wish. many

gives

several about His

dinner-parties
his

compliments
establishment.
are

pretty

and

very old

comfortable Rouen dishes

magnificent
indeed

much

admired,

they

are

coveted

by

one

244 of

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT collector but he will

not

his

guests^
at

great

sdl

them

any and
to

price.
with

They
detached

are

beautiful, exquisitely handles,

Next which my add
master
"

painted,
great
deal

their
dishes
too

value.
. . .

day,

examined
cannot

his take

and

saw

to

their !

fastenings

one

many
on

precautions June
in order C"ur
to

At
to
see

two

o'clock

the
to

7th, my
settle about
on

master

went

his

publishers
book. Notre

advertising
the 20th and

his there But with of

new

appears fill up

is I my

work

enough quite
He

several what is but

afteniaeos.
the I
see

cannot master.

understand talks
to

matter
none

me^

that

enthusiasm of
one

which of his

generally accompanies
works. says !
"

the

publication
"

At
"

last

"

You

can

conceive,"
part
"

he,

how

unpleasant

the

conmiercial
End

is to ^The
are

me

of June.
the

papers

are

fevourable up. It So is not he

no

to

Notre M.
same

C"ur,

editions

swallowed is satisfied. the last

far,
the

de

Maupassant
with gone
a

certainly

his into

health.

Still,for
;

month,
he has

has

not

society
cat to

in

the and

evening,
to

longer
he
to

little

fondle

touch. electric and

Therefore

amuses

himself of his
own

by
hair under walks

causing
in the
out to

the

sparks

fly

out

the

dark,
comb,

they

crackle about

loudly
his
rests
ears.

enough
He he

particularly
dinner,
comes

after bed
;

home,
all his and

before he

goes

notwithstanding
eleven up else three he
at
or

care,
two

sleeps badly. morning,

of camomile
seems

Between calls
me

night
four
me

in the
a

he

times
to

for

cup This

tea,

or

asks

cup time

him.

efficacious, for

almost

every

THE suc"ed it. unknown demeanour is in

UNKNOWN

LADY

245
or

we

getting rid

of

his

pain,

at

least

in

soothing
The Her

lady

has the

returned same, she

several
comes

times. in

always
is not
;
nor

and

departs
too smart

silently ;

she

of the does

demi-monde,
she

though
to

much

perfiuned

belong
like
to

that and geoise bourladies

distinguished
which
of
master

set, where
so

they
invited.

laugh
is
a

by

is
taste

much and

She the
at

good
been Convent

resembles whether SacrM^"ur.

severe

great
the She

who
or

have
at

well

educated of
or

Oiseaux,
has of served prethose

the the

the
even

well-bred

manners

places.
I
cannot

be

mistaken,
;

I many

know

the years

stamp
I have

of been

those able rank

religious houses
to

during

appreciate
where

it

by

stud3"ng

ladies

of

very
to

high
my

in houses I but have

I served

before
two
rare

coming
words

master.

hardly by

exchanged
whom that

with

this

lady,
been

I know

intelligencehas

moulded. She chic with very is

aim.
. . .

is

remarkably
tailor

beautiful
either real her she

and

wears

with
or

supreme dark hats grey,

are

her
a

costumes,
of

pearl

grey

waistband

gold

tissue. and small

Her if the cape

simple, matching
or

dress,
a

weather
on

gloomy

rainy,

carries

her

We settles de
near

reach down

Aix-les-Bains in This
on a

on

July

3rd.
to
a

My
the

master

pavilion
pretty

belonging
is
on

Hotel

l'Europe.
the hiU
one

nest

narrow

path
is
a

the
sees

side the

of

the

Revard.

There

fine

view,

Dent*du

Chat,

just opposite.

246

GUY above the

DE chain of

MAUPASSANT
of the

rising

mountains,
lac
at

snnounding Bourget.
hotel.
take goes much
at notes

the M. de he his

south-eastern

side takes here

du the
to

Maupassant
has work
to
a

his
to

meals

Since
for

not

come

write,

but

VAme the Villa

"trang"re^ every
des Fleurs
^

day

he
as

several
as

times he
can

observing
is

Russian

Princess

who

staying
in him

the

pavilion
. . .

the

Empress
One

Eugenie
he told
me

occupied
to meet

other in

times.
the
"

day
"

evening
as

in

this

nursery he

garden
me

of the

human Princess.

flowers

he

called

it, and

showed
at

After
. . .

losing
on

fifty francs
shore of the

the

racing
where

game, the of the

I left and
water
moon.

went

the

lake,
the I

gave

innumerable

reflections

of did
runs
was

image
follow

Long
turf
the that

the the

serpentine
contour

border of the
murmur

of

the
;

along
so

irregular
I could What The hear
a

lake of the

night

calm,
fed it. ! the

the

streams

which

charming

recollection
restful the

that

evening
the

left

me

beautiful
the grass

light, the
of all

quiet,
and the

rustle
sweet

of
scent

water,
of the have
a

mildness
heated
to

air, by

the
sun

day

How I had
on

I should

liked
boat

sleep

in the

open have

air, if only
rocked
not
me

possessed
clear
;

which
water
no

would ! But had

that

running
master return

I could
come

go

on

dreaming
I hastened

my
to

doubt

home,
Next
a

and

to

our

paviUon.
and

day, lunching Russian,

Princess's
the
next

with

the
to

couriers make The the the

knowing

little
the

managed
man-servant.

acquaintance before,
table of I
we

of had

day

made and

balls

roll
at

about

billiard

the
was

caf",

day

four

in

the

afternoon,

248
Whfle VAme

GUY

DE his grapes^

MAUPASSANT he

eating

began
room

to

tell
was

me

about
overcome

hts

"trang"re,but
the

in that
not

so

by

heat^
I
was

that

I could

recollect

what

he he and I

said told also

Seeing
me

suffocated the door of

by
the

the

temperature,

to

open

drawing-room
the North.

the
a

window

looking My
master

towards

breathed with his

little.

laughed

while

playing

grapes.
"

If

this

continues," Raymond,
We in
or
a

said and shall

he,
we

"

I will will off if

send go
to

word
sea

to
as

Bernard
soon
as

and

possible.
let you know

be

better

sailing

about. 3^11 there 3^0, like

to

I will
see

time.

But,

by

chance^
where mind

an

accident,
death and of tell
notes
or me

murder,
a

anjrthing death,
I

is
come

the

man,

violent

directly, because
on

should

take Two

some

that

subject."
this the

three from
a
a

days
walk

after
on

conversation,
Marlioz of
a man

I when

was

returning
saw, the

road,

I
to

behind
branch

bank,
tree.

the

body

hanging

of

"Why,"
wants

said

I, "that's

just

what

my

master

"

But

two
woman

gendarmes
;

arrived, immediately
cut

followed
was

by

they
man

the dead

rope,
....

the

body

still

warm, All But death it

but the
was

the same, of

was

I went
no

post-haste
he told
or me

to

tell my be
or

master.
a

use,
a

it must

violent else the

caused of
a

by body,
been

knife with

revolver,
!
. . .

crushing
We
master

bloodshed times
a

have

several for

up

the

Revard. and with

My
great

contemplates

long time,

RE-STARTING

FOR

CANNES and the

249 s"nery up around there hues

a

attention,
Aix-les-Bains.

all those One

master

mountains, day,
wants
we

remained

till that

night.
appear
sunset.

My
in

to

study
before

all us, the

the

the The into

vast

panorama is
on

by
sim

beautiful has appeared disup the of the

"

picture
a

perfect
the

valley
whole

right,

it still its

lights

the colour

lake of

in
a

its

length, giving
fire ; in ?
"

waters

blazing
are now

the shade.

high

sununits

moimtains
"

the

Night
master,

is
as

falling.
we came

Did

you

see

that you its

asked find

my the

down. novel. frame beautiful And

"Well,
Aix for and my

will

description give
me a

in

my

surroundings
I
am

will

splendid
was a

people.
and I feel his

satisfied.

It

sight
he

it is all

imprinted

here."

touched
"

forehead. is

July
between

22nd.
two

My

master

quite
he

merry tells
to-morrow

to-day,
me we

and
are

peals
Cannes
so as

of the
to

laughter, day
avoid after the

starting evening
"

for

by day.
of

the

train,
are

heat I

of did

the think
we

We

going
the take

via

Valence, Grenoble,
all the
now

the be

railway obliged
be my
more
more

of
to

Alps
slow I

by

but

should which would

trains have

time,
my
;

tiring.
are

all

documents there is
no

people
to

in I
see

their

proper

places

do.

everything friend,
the

quite clearly."
Princess's He

I that
out to

informed
we

my
soon

man-servant,

should
as

be him

off. up, and

to

appeared
him him I had the

quite put evening

to

so

to

cheer

I took showed which back

in the how

the game

Villa of

des

Fleurs,

play
with

the the

petitschevaux,
of

returned
two

firm

intention

getting

napoleons

250

GUY
a

DE few

MAUPASSANT

days before. When zay friend understood the system^ I began to play myself ; be followed my play. During an hour chance fetvoured elevoi capricious ; at us^ after which she became I said I had had enough of it. But he ins^ted o'clock, had replaced the on continuing;a strange pallor his eyes shone ruddiness of his complexion, like but I succeeded in lamplight.I saw he was caught, him away, he wanted to pay for anjrthing J getting and of great pricse. as long as it was extraordinary chose, I said to him, chance is an inconstant My friend," jade. When you have spent a pleasant quarter of an hour, the best thingto do is to take a modest of beer and go and dream in bed,thinking glass you are still /* winning. Next day,when I went in for lunch, I remarked that for the first time,there were on champagne glasses table. My Russian friend told me it was he who our that good French wine to all on account was offering of my departure, addingthat he had never been able last evening he had won to reckon up the napoleons at the horse racing game. All the servants to the guests at the belonging of these extraordinary hotel partook joyfully libations, mirth. and the end of the meal was marked by much knew ; the champagne But there was one a secret no the result of the good luck broughtby the rope was whose body I had discovered which hung the man
I had left there
"
"
" "

week

before

on

the MarUoz

road.

-"

CHAPTER

XVI

END

OF

JULY-NOVEMBER

189O

At

Cannes
"

^We and The

are

delighted
the Richelieu

to

get
^A
"

on

board

the

Bel

Ami
"

^The ^Master's

Ironclads niece"

favourable book Sur

breeze
"

two

lovers

in

the

VEau
"

^To
to

M. yarns

de

Maupassant's
"

great
of Grotto^-M. the Yvetot of M.
saves

joy, Brittany

good
"

Bernard

b^^ins
goes tells
on

tell

Impressions
Arthur's

Fran"ois Maupassant

pilgrimage
his days school-

de

about ^The
"

"

at

college"
de

Saint-Tropez
and Ami from At
"

strange
^Bemard's

meeting
presence
"

at of

sea

Maupassant
the Bel

his

father
"

mind of
;

striking
St

on

the

reefs

Departure
the The Crusaders lesson de about

Mireille's Gounod

compatriots
;

Raphael
"

"

Fr"jns,
^At

Alphonse
ants
"

Karr,
^At

etc.
. . .

Nice
of

"

given

by

the death

Lyons
lies
. "

"

Anniversary
tions Communica"

Herv"

Maupassant's
his end
"

^Here
"

^Who

knows

ON
announced station-master
out most

July
was

the

28th,
up the of of

the and

Cannes down

station-master the

walking

platform,
The had the he

awaiting
presence the arrival welcomed train
to

Marseilles
Bernard M. with de and

Rapide. Rajnoiond
whom

Maupassant,
a

deep

bow

as

got

of

the

my

master

was

pleased

and

spoke

kindly
came

him. the
two

Then

good
with

sailors
"

Bernard,

with voice"

his also than

dry

tones

Raymond,
my
master.

his

sonorous

welcomed

Their
easy
to
see

faces these

said
two

more

their

words
not

it

was

men

loved because

him,

because

he

was

their

captain,

but

252 he
''

GUY kind is not

to

DE them.
our

MAUPASSANT Bernard
would also
a

was

so

often comrade."

say,

Master The

only

captain,
is time open.

but

Splendide
there
a

Hotel short

My

master
on

prefeis
board

staying
the

before

settling

Bd-Atni. Next

morning,
the

he and

was

at
sea.

his window

by

seven

o'clock,

watching
"

sky

Fran"ois/'
I
am

said

he,

"

it is fine, I think

the

weather

is settled,
at

going
and

to

dress,
be
on

take

my

shower-bath nine. the

the

Baths,

I shall for the you may

board We
to

by half-past
shall the
as

Buy

provisions
do

day.
can

lunch harbour
soon as

on

Bd-Ami,
nine
on

what
as we

reach anchor

by
I

o'clock,
board."

weigh

get

The harbour.

breeze We
we

was

favourable,
about before
recess

and the

we

got easily
of

out

of and

sailed

bays

Napoule

Th"oule,

passed by
a

Doctor in the

Magitot's
mountain of dark
our

dwelling,
; we

half-concealed

could
trees.

just perceive My
hard
master

it behind lunched

thick then had

curtain
came

pine
It

;
we

turn.

blew the

from and

the

east,
bore dose

reached the open

the
sea.

point

of

Est"rel,
stood

towards
to

Raymond
shade of the

forward,
;

the
was

outrigger, in
seated
near

the

standing-jib
the of mizzen-mast. the way.
master to ;

Bernard

in the

stem,
so as

against
to

I remained

him,

be

out

My
fixed
steers
**

is sheltered boat. His

by
two

his

white
are

parasol, which
on

is

the

hands is

the

tiller, he

all goes

well, the
says

breeze
we are

steady.

think,"
an

he,

*'

running

eight

or

nine

knots

hour."

ON
"

BOARD

THE

BEL-AMI Bernard. and

253

I think
master

so

too,"
was

answers

My
moments

satisfied

happy;
his moved face

in

those showed
on

of and and
so as

pleasurable strength

emotion,
He
a

firmness

of will. gave

about

his the his

bench, helm,

occasionally
to

slight impetus
he could of

to

obtain

all the the

speed

get from
his

yacht,
bird,
as

and he

thus

increase

rapidity
to

great white

sometimes

liked
to

call it. I
was

Bernard horizon vessels and with which Bernard

were

began
the

talk,

and

searching
I
saw

the

telescope.
for
saw

Suddenly barges.
wrong,

two

lai^e
master

I took
soon

coal I
was

But

my

Bernard
a

saj"ng pointed
new

they
and

two

cruisers prow.

of

new

species, with
all talked of

plunging
of and

They
use,

these

vessels,

their what

great

their

speed,
from

hitherto them.

known, un-

people
of this for

could
new

hope
model,
and called

My

master

approved
to

ascribing great
defence. them Then

strength talking
monsters.

it, both
old

attack he

of

the

ironclads,

obstructive

Bernard the

was

somewhat of his

provoked,
time
to

he he

tried

to

defend
to

men-of-war but he
was

when allow

belonged
for the

the of and

fleet ; progress. drew

"

obliged
saw

march

My
into you,
"

master

Bernard

was

put

out,

me

the

conversation. you have

seen

And ?

Fran"ois,

the

old

clads iron-

"

Yes,

sir, fifteen
in Brest

years

ago.

went

on

board

the

Richelieu And
on

harbour." what I had heard

repeated

during

my

visit

this vessel.

254
**

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT
'"

Yes/' said my

master,
irondad the

the
a

cardinal
man

whose

same

was

given played
" . .

to
some

yoya
on

was

of many

trids,

he
ns.

King,

and

also, by rebound.

He

paused,

and

suddenly changed
it
seems

the
me

conveisatxsi.

''Why, dropping/'
"

Bernard,

to

the

wind

is

Sir, on
so

these
as

hot

days,

it is

quite

unusual

it should

be
"

steady
In that proper,
to
a

it is now/'
we

case,
we

won't

go

to

Agay,
the

and

when
so as

yoa
to

think
return

will sail towards towards stretch down

on

islands"
that

Cannes and
went

five, in order
my

may

take At When

walk

legs before dinner."

kitchen
the helm
to

three, I
I

into the
I
saw

make
was

tea.

got back
Bernard

deck,
to take

yacht
while

going

faster. drank
"

had

the

his master

his tea.
I could
"

not

drink
a

and

steer

at

the how
was are

same

time/'
we are

said

he,
I

it is such breeze and

are

handful.
as

See
as

fast
a

going
an

The ago,
we

is

strong
same,
more

it

quarter

of I

hour

all the

our

sails
ten

spread.
an

do

believe

rmming
a

than

knots
a

hour. I

It is You

splendid for
see,

boat

of this size. with

It is

fine boat

going
at

so

fast, and
all.
. .

every

sail

spread, it

scarcely leans My
master

." towards the open

sea.

steered this

He

was

delighted
his up
"

with
at

good
and

wind. my

Then
master

Raymond began
to

took walk

turn

the the

helm,
deck.

and

down

Fran"ois,"
dinner.

said Now

he,
we

"

I have
are

given

up

my

walk is

till after

too

far, and

really it

56
on a

GUY

DE and

MAUPASSANT
towers

built is As
a

height

above

the

open

sea.

It vievr.

most
came

peaceful
in
we saw

spot,
in the fair

with

magnificent
a

we

garden

little

girl
a

of f oizr
;

years her

old, with
eyes
are

curly
of
a

hair, tied

up her is

by

riband white is the

at

soft,

bright blue,
;

pretty
and

complexion
niece
and
a

is

slightly

roseate

she

lovely,
She her. is

god-daughter
small
comes

of my
cart

master.

plajnng
Her unde

pushing
calls then

wooden and

before

her, she
returns

says

prettily
herself

"

good-morning/'
between which the
two

to
runs

her

cart,
a

puts
narrow

poles,
part
Simone
not
come.

and the
to

along

path
de

bordeis calls does the

of

garden.
come

Madame

Maupassant
but she and

to

lunch,

she

answers,

Her

grandmother
at

goes her des

;

to fetch

her,

child At

is

quite
we

vexed left heat

leaving
Villa

game. Ravenelles
master

three The

the

for

the he

station. feels this

is terrible he

my his

confesses has and

at

it, but

says for

is satisfied the he

mother land

chosen
sea, next

dwelling,
and

air, between
also will

is

excellent,
autumn.

that

stay

Nice

Next
at sea,

day
the

we

again

set

out

on

the

Bel- Ami.
master

We

aie

weather
constant

is delicious.

My

regrets
invites boat. We

his her He

mother's
to
come

refusal,
a

every
on

time board there.

.

he his

and be and of
so

take

short
to

cruise have her

would
at sea,

happy
at

lunch in the

six

in

the

evening

we

anchor

harbour After Next mountain

Agay.
my
master

dinner

takes

his he he

walk goes likes

on

land. into visit the in his

morning,
to

very with the

early,
hermit

off
to

chat

THE

LOVERS But he

IN is

SUR

L'EAU

257
man

solitude. poetical
has
two

the disappointed, been

seen

and disappeared, months.

has not

for the last

On
to St

August the znd my master Raphael. In the afternoon

to go

goes in the morning he starts in the small-

boat

up

river that loses itselfin the the little

mountain.
"

It is an very

pretty," says he, when

he returns, shaded

"

and most

poetical ; the

sides of the river are

It is by trees ; and there are splendidmeadows. the branches but I shall not go there again, charming, down to the water, make it of the trees, spreading for boating." awkward stars are beginning It is a magnificent to evening, shine in the blue vault,which is misty towards the
east.
now

We moored the

are

seated

on

the deck
same

of the

Bel-Ami,

on the exactly

spotwhere,three years

ago,
masto:

little black
on a

Bel-Ami

lay

at

anchor.

My
and,

is seated

in chair, folding

the stem,

as he did three years ago, he looks at the mountain a coupleof and the ^-zag path where he then saw

lovers

walking, to him

they

had

seemed

the the

very

of picture and

happiness.He

looks towards

bridge
after of
was

the shore, where

these two

lovers walked

dinner ; then he their room,

the inn, the contemplates sh(Hie

a

window
soon

where

which light
-* *"-

put
"

out.

Bernard I des
sav

"

-^^

""

'

'

^="

"-

"did

lovers I idea

they 1

58
"'

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT Bernard
with
an

Yes,

yes and he

"

answers

approving

gesture
And Bernard without of his M.

great energy.
starts
on

his the

favourite
words
to
"

hobby
love tdl
"

"

cannot

hear

"

or

lovers

"*

wanting youthful
de

immediately days.
is
aware

some

adventure

Maupassant
This Morlaix
time

of this relates
to

foible
to
us us

and his

amused

by
with

it.
a

Bernard

flirtatiaii

cook,
was

explaining
a

the that

signals they
was

employed. placed
at

There the

flower-pot
taken away

^ther
to

window,

or

according
but

circumstances.

My
his

master

laughed,
utmost

Bernard

continued
*'

story with
he,
"

the

gravity.
are

Ah,
women

sir," said
I And
on a

the

Bretonnes

ful really wonderI remained it is the for

most

that

river, where

four

months I

paid-off boat, really

ever seen

picturesque
the
trees

have

in all my
two

journeys
covered

round with of salt

world,
many

it flows hundred
comes

between years like would

high
;

hills this

old
an

and

ribbon
river
to

water,
itself in the
a

which
in the

ordinary
you boat

bury

ground,

make of your

suppose
did
was

j^ursdf
not

forest, if the
fact that you that
as

quiver
are

recall the look

on

moving.
the

There

also
not
was

large viaduct
at

spans window ."

river, but
beloved

I did cook

it often, other Here the

the

of my

the

side.
. .

story-teller stopped.
was

Raymond
and
master
snores

stretched

out wants

forward.
to

He

sleeps
my he

slightly, Bernard
not
:
"

wake the

him,

will
me

allow

it.

To

change

subject,

addresses

FRAN"OIS
*'

AT who know

HUELGOAT

259
so

Fran"ois,
to

you
us

Brittany
about that

well,
of

you the

ought

tell

something

part

country."
"

I said
near

I had the

stayed

once

at

Huelgoat,
There is called I

beautiful

spot

Arr"e
one

mountains. of I which
was

saw

esque picturVirgin's
near

rocks,
house. On
a

group

the
a

f"te

day,
a

walking spring large

in

wood

Huelgoat, through entangled

the

following
underwood

pretty
;

that of

meanders the
trees

the

roots

on

its borders of As little if to

numerous

formed

natural cascades

dams,
which
of the

plying multifell

myriads
into still grass,
were

foaming
make the

the
more

valley.

aspect

place
in the

romantic,
motionless
a

painters, hiding
their

stood

before

easels,
I that

as

if

they

pla3"ng

game in

of hide-and-seek.
comers

came

across

them which

unexpectedly
was

along
of

pretty rivulet,
of the

shaded hues. still I

by

branches

light foliage

tenderest
"

was

walking
beheld the be

on,
on

not
a

knowing
at

exactly where
the

was,

when all

path
way.

right,

white posed sup-

coifs

coming
must

same

immediately
them

there

something
the behind
same

attracting path,
group

in that

direction.

I and
a

followed walked broad

without

being
women.

observed^
After group after

of young
a

taking
of

zig-zag lane,
trees.
on a

I reached

splendid
the

gigantic pine
climbed

Immediately
moimd covered for it

on

left^
moss,

having
the

with
was

I reached
a

goal
that

of

the

pilgrimage,
these young

really
There

pilgrimage
neither

attracted
nor

girls.
the who

was

chapel
a

saint, but
Breton

it

was

Grotio

of

Artus

(Arthur)^

famous

chieftain

fought

26o in the sixth his

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

the Anglo-Saxons, ing defendcenturyagainst

on, he

independence.Later country's

became and

the hero of the chivahic tales of the Round the

"

Table

Holy Grail.
I hid behind do
a

bush, to

see

what

these young

giiis
rather

would

in the

grotto. They

went

in,

or

in, bendingtheir heads very low under huge slipped of hjgfa stones ; then they passedthrough a species a platchimney, coming out on the roof of the grotto, form made of largeflag-stones. When apparently they were up there,theybegan to dance, to laugh,to as loud as they could. sing They vied with each other the loudest. as to which should sing time to come down ; I suppose they It was now did not care to come out by the same opening they had
"

taken to reach the roof of Great Arthur's each of them that formed and slid down
a

for grotto,
two stones

backwards

between

sort of funnel.

Then

they screamed,

till the birds themselves ceased they laughed, this extraordinary When descent was singing. over, the birds began to chirp again, probably teUing other had each all they seen." You alwaysmanage to be on the spot at the ri^t moment/' said my master^ laughing. We roared and woke Raymond ; and my master began also to tellhis yam. and studied at the Yvetot I was only fourteen, They gave us that abominable beverage college. ^ for this theycall abondance.' So as to be revenged treatment,one of us got hold of the storekeeper's
. . .

"

"

'

Wine

"

abundantly" watered."

iSTofe of Tr.

*
" . _ .^

THE

YVETOT

COLLEGE

261

the headmaster and the others were keys. When asleep, we boys took from the larder and the cellar the best wines the
we

and

we liquetus

could

hoisted where
was

whole, with infinite care,

a

then we find, to the roof, on

. .

made

tremendous

feast.

The
was

alaxm
one

given at four in the morning. As I

all I
was

of

and always took leaders, I shoulders, was sent away. the I

was

on responsibility my

not sorry, because

better off at the Rouen

. .

where college,

was

sent

afterwards.

."

My
"

master

then

passedto

another

How

beautiful

is the blue

subject I sea, to-night

And

how

illuminates that strangelythe crescent moon I us from the sea pointof land which almost separates And those thinly planted pines, they look like the silhouettes of warriors, of advanced sentinels of some will Now, my boys,if you like, we army corps I all go to sleep. ." Next morning the weather was extremdy fine. I love the sea," said he,with a radiant face ; on it I enjoy such thorough independence. When I hunt me am on no one can out. my boat, Nothingis as 80 our mornings, our evenings here. deli^tful
. .
,

"

"

Nevertheless

I often think of the

sea

at

of my "tretat,

with friends, often in awful sailors, weather. Nothing stopped us, we enjoyed climbing to waves on our so as fishing-smack, op monstrous to the or herrings, according go out to fetdi turbots,
season.
. .

excursions with the

."
seven

On

the

4th of August, at
master's breal

in the

morning,I

served my

262 of which and the

GUY window the

DE

MAUPASSANT looked the all he harbour of St the in

on

Tropez
east

bay,
master

just
tells
on

now

wrinkled

by
better

wind.
room
on

My
land

me

has

slq"t

his
"

than

the is that my

yacht. noisy
seem a

Really,
are
so

Raymond

too

sleeper,
to

his the

snores

powerful
and reach

they
ears

foUoi^

ribs
as

of the if

boat
were

with
some

their

vibrations,
wire
;

they
that

brought
but

along by

electric ."
. .

and He

is

anything
while
to out

agreeable.
and the
eats

walks
one

he the

talks,
other of

roll ; which

he is his

goes

from
then

end

room, and !
. .

long,
eyes.

looks
are

of

the those the

window,
poor Bd-Ami There
master

wipes
.

They
On the
we

very

red,
the of St

eyes

August
harbour

5th

leaves is
a

at

two east

o'clock

Tropez. My

good

wind,
to

glide along easily.

near as

teUs

Bernard
as

go

as

possible
the
course

to

Sainte-Maxime,
and
not
see

he

intends

to

land

in of

small-boat would

his

father.
. . .

Bernard like St in He

refuse,
coast

but of that
an

he the may
east

did

not

nearing Tropez,
those

the

north-eastern the

bay

of

knowing
when

difficulties

arise
wind. then

parts
to

man"uvring
the
sea

by
on

managed
towards
were

sail towards
the
coast.

the

right,

steered We which
on

then above of

opposite
the

the

Sainte
whereas

Maxime
the The

semaphore,
coast

rises
side

sea, of St

recedes is my lives
coast.
a

the

the

bay

Tropez.

keeper flags and

relation
master

of

Raymond's.
with
on

I hoisted this
a

all the

conversed hut

State

official,who point
master

in

perched things

high
told my

of he

the

Among

other

he

expected

264
He Then he

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT
with

spoke very

calmly, almost
to return

indifference.
for

begged Bernard him to take his walk.

The
a

earlyenoni^
me

day after this

the had

excursion

he told

to

order
. .
.

victoria with two

horses for three o'clock.

During
that he

drive,he begun
would be
a

said,without

any

pre"ice,
rather

to write L'Ame

and "trang"re,

thought it
We

good novel, perhaps

sensational.
Pin* gulfat a trot tillwe reached Bertrand. A few peopleare seated under the pine, others contemplate tiimed its gigantic We size. about for more than an hour, devious narrow following and then to cultivated fields or vine now pathsleading and There are also a good many bushes plantations. much uncultivated ground. Here we are at the end of our drive, of Pampelone. have reached the valley we There is a change of scene; Our all is cheerful. is put up at an iim,almost entirely hid under carriage this It is the same with every house on a fig-tree. all nestle behind orange-trees or country-side, pahntrees ; some about them are covered with vines hanging
. . .

skirted the

most

gracefully.
take
a

We pass
murmur

path leading up wooden under bridge

a

towards which

the west
unseen

and

waters

their song.

It is a rivulet entirely covered of

by

aquatic (akind of water plants there), they flourish well and One longed to pluckthem. another path which takes us
cove

its dwelling finding lily

are

On

tender green. the left we follow

a

which

bears the

name

of

to seashore, this valley.

to the

the

s._

ENJOYING
There my the
master
sea.

THE

SEA

265

stops

moment,

enjoying

the

sight
"

of How

beautifol
Here I

"

he

exdaims
the
sea

"

that
more

view

is

matchless!
more

find than

has
ever

charm, anywhere
motion.
on

poetical beauty
I Look this of thin white
at

I have of that

seen

else And belt

the wave, sand

grace
how I It

undulating
it dies away the

lightly
is
no

that the
two
one

longer

fight,
the that with

struggle
elements,

taking
but
a

place
sort
are

elsewhere of caress,

between
so

soft

might

think
. .

they
."

wonderfully

pleased

their

meeting.
On the Camarat

right
;
was

is the
we

terrace

anchorage,

sheltered

by
. .

Cap My
he

have

passed

it sometimes.
.

master

silent,his
of
Nature's

radiant

face

showed
He the

what

fdt

in
on

presence the of fine the

splendour. beach,
in

began

walking
of his and his the

sand

of the

direction

centre

valley, advancing

quickly, holding
hand
;
now

white

parasol during glasses,

a

tightly
short then my

in

his

right
he
on

then,
blue
to

pause, walk

would in

take

off He

and

silence.

seemed

have

forgotten

presence. his
to

I walked

occasionally by
great
his
so care

side, sometimes
speak,
not to

behind disturb
I had
were

him,
him

taking during

not

moments

of I He
was
was

inspiration, which
aware

witnessed
then and
not

often;
work. that detail eye

his

thoughts
up

hard

at

storing

impressions,
all he
saw

fixing
a

in

magical
was

memory
;

of his

single

forgotten
! I

nothing
"

escaped
a

that later

scrutinising peihaps,
he

of his

thought
a

In

year, pages

wiU

express

in

few

sublime

266 the such

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

poetry
a

of

this

scenery,
on

whidi
his

is

now

causiiig literary
the and

deep
and
the ."
. "

impression by
mind
those of

artistic he

and soothe

faculties;
heart Truth. When coachman
we

pages,
those who

wiU
love

and

Beauty

returned
not to

to

the
too

carriage, quick.
We

he

begged
reached the vale

the the of

drive

platform Pampelone
stood
on

on

that from in the of

height
the

vrinch of St

separates

bay

Tropez.
a

My long
had

master look

up the

victoria, throwing
the

whole

country-side

we

gone

through.
"

What I
"

delicious

sojourn

one

could

make

in

that

valley
He

he

exclaimed,
described
to

sitting
me

down

again.
of

then

the of of who La

discovery P"n"lope

"tretat

by
and

Alphonse by
of

Karr,

author
creator

Normande
poser com-

Ofienbach, Orphie
a
aux

the
was

operetta and
one

enfers^
be

of the

the road

first
to

to

cause

villa

to

built

half-way

on

Fecamp.
We the reached the northern in all its of

side;

before
under hue.

us

spread
red On
;
sun

bay

of St it with
a

Tropez
a

beauty,
the
same
was

tinting
other

faint of

light

the down

side,
on

forest

cork-trees looked

visible but tint

below,
on

the

shore,
took

they
a

grey,

the

tops,

the the In

horizon,
eye.

green

velvety

deli^tful

to

the

evening,
and

my

master

described
him
;

our

drive

to

his La
to

sailors,
Terrasse the
east

Bernard

told but

the that have

anchorage
it is

of

is

anjrthing
and

secure seamen

exposed
the

wind,

that

baptised

THE of

BAY

OF the

DEATH of the

267

cove
on

Pampelone
of the

by
vast

name

Bay

of lost

Deaths
on

account

number

of

boats

its

sands.
"

It

is

beautiful

but

treacherous,

then/'

says

my

master.

Next Ami
to

morning
by
nine "as
a

we

were

already
master

on

board
to to

the

Belout

o'clock,
far
as

my

wishing
said he

get

sea

possible/'
some

Bernard. in the his

Suddenly
fields.
.

trumpet,
.

distance
seated

soimded ofif,

My

master,

aft,

was

reading

paper.
"

Is St

Tropez
does
not

going
exist

to
a

fight

"

said

he, laughing.
about with the
a

"

There
even

single forage-cap
goes his

place, squash

the
on

rural

constable !
"

rounds,

hat

his head
drove
a

Omnibuses quays
were
"

up,

and of

remained
women

in
came
wore

rows

on

the

then

number in

along^ they
white breeze
sun-

dressed
which

light colours, and

as

bonnets,
blow
were

looked away.
on

if the

slightest

would that The

to

them

They
the

carried
of the

large parcels
omnibuses.
all rushed

placed

tops
and

trumpet

sounded

again

they
were

the
even

vehicles, outside, inside, they

next

everywhere, began
was

the

drivers.

Then

they
The

all song

to

sing

in

the

tongue
and
was

of MireiUe. like
a

sweet

though
in the
were

high,
least

Chant

du

D"part,
to

but
us

not

war-like.

Raymond

explained
to

these

workwomen

going
where This who the

off

pick
in

orange-blossoms
flowers is

at

Cogolin,

traffic

those

very

important.
my

unexpected began
to

and tell
us

pretty
about

sight
the

amused exodus

master,

268 of

GUY

DE go

MAUPASSANT
from harvesting
one

Normans, who
Si

land

to

another.

Raphael, Augustnth, 1890. ^Itis easier to readi this harbour, which is deeperin the sea than that of St Tropez. The heat is tremendous ; so the slightest bieeze is welcome,and one can the better enjoy it. In the earlymorning my walks into the master woods of Boulouris, hoping to find a little coolness there. He passes and repasses by the shady avenue St Raphael with Fr"jus. According to connecting air there,whatever him there is always some the this road by the weather may be. He has baptised of The Zephyrof Frijus. name He continues takinghis meals on board, but we at an hotel surroimded "dth pine-trees. pass the nights The garden follows the towing-path side along the seathe path, ; there is no beach here ; the garden,
"

and blows
trees

the water
a

are

all the

on

the

same

level. When
roots

it

littlefrom

south,the
are

of the

pinethe

the path bordering does

not
seem room

bathed

by
a

salt water, From view

are

which windows
ocean

to

harm
master

them. has

of his

my of the
on

of the ful beauti-

out at sea ; at a cable's length

a

there

porphyry rocks their shape resembles

the
sea

red colour; magnificent outline of two lions warning them.

so

not to encroach

that in oppressive the evening we we are loth to leave the deck,where have spentpart of the day under the tent. Raymond the I2th the

On

day

has been

has
to

found

time

and chat,

for his siesta ; now he tells us a yam about

he the

is inclined
sursailor,

270 of the

GUY

DE which is

MAUPASSANT makes

woodwork^
At
"

disagreeable
and the
"

crackling
white
tc

noise.
bird St

last^ all

repaired^
toward
not

grea.t
We
return

is

fljong speedily
;

its nest.

Raphael
the

the

sun

has of the

yet disappeared
Moorish
mountains. says that heat
are
:
"

entirely
Mj

behind

chahi
at

master^
"

looking

the

Argens
is the

Valley,
view of the

How

interesting twilight
over

valley
mists
connected

just
are

when

is

falling, Many

and

floating
with in it. former

it !

recollections
now

Those

marshes,
a

kitchen harbour.

gardens,
The

were

days

Roman it ; and of

Crusaders and took

thing some-

often

started
wars

from
the with

after

the several

Eastern times write the old

Italian

Kings
their all I the can't

France One

refuge

there fine

fleets.

could of

with
;

reminiscences undertake
a

city My
with

of head

Fr"jus
now

but

everything. yard
It is filled

represents
for
several that

builder's work.

materials

years'
Goimod

here^

in

this
et

pretty

frame,

composed

Rom"o

JuHeite."
On
cast

reaching
the the anchor.

the

harbour

Bernard
executed and

gave

the

order

to

Raymond

this

manoeuvre

with the

necessary with her

nor

promptitude extraordinary
stem at
seven

regularity,

and

Bel-Ami,

suppleness,
feet the from distance the

turned quay, of the

roimd,
neither

placing
more

less, just

at

length
On
to

of

the

plank.
the
to

August
a

20th M.

my

master

went

to

Maison tells
a me

Close
we

pay

visit for

Alphonse
the first

Karr.

He is

shall wind.

start

Nice

day

there

favourable

AT

NICE One that

on

271
cannot

Augu^
harbour
as

22nd,

Nice.
as

"

breathe

in
:

Nice M. de say

freely
walks the the

in about

of

St
;

Raphael
the
seem

Maupassant
he He
44

deck does

sailors

is

taking
at not
can

watch,
mountains.
to
see

and

not

satisfied.

looks I do eyes my

want

what

is

near

me/'
that the

says

he. me, This

44

My

seek of
too

afar smell much

something
cannot

pleases
same.

but harbour

sense

do

reeks

of

trade

for

man

of

my

temperament."
He de his that limches
at

the and him

Villa
his

des

Ravenelles

with

Madame when

Maupassant,
mother her

usual she

good temper
so

returns

tells health

feels

well

in
can

her

garden,
out withto

is much and

stronger, she
sees

sleep
be

taking
read. In the

chloral,

sufficiently to

able

afternoon He is dose

he
to

stops
the

on

the of

path
an

opposite

the

kitchen. there armed these is

a

trunk

old he

tree, where
calls he
me;

large
his
at

ant-hill;

suddenly
and

with insects

eye-glass work,
and

lens,

watches way

admires

their

of

living.
"

There is with
to

are

no

sovereigns

among and any the the

them,"
each

says does

he

''

work

distributed

carefully,
is
never

its each the

part

pride,
its
own

there

disorder;
build about
torn to

keeps

business;
to

workers

galleries, and
their eggs,
return

have whose

feed

females
have

lay

and

wings
short

they

ofi But

when that

they
is not

from

their
are

honeymoon.
to

all, the
what

males do you

put
think

death that ?
"

after

single

interview,

of

a72 He insects watched

;

GUY all did but have

not

DE

MAUPASSANT "volutions
to

the
seem

of

these of these

laborioos

he

approve liked
ants to

speedy
witnessed

executions,
one,

he

would beheld

have the

have

and the

to

carrying

tbe

bodies them
to

into become

mortuary
munmiies.

chamber,

wheie

they leave

Little

Simone,

my
on

master's
to

godchild,
which her

comes

op launches go
more

to

him,

she

jumps

her

swing,

she
to

quite violently. gently,

On he is afraid second

Her

godfather

tells

of her of
our

falling.
stay
and
at

the

day
after

Nice, the
in the for my

Bel-

And

weighs
behind
as

anchor Cannes

lunch

is moored is best

evening
master,

jetty.

That

the

place
"

boasts The

of excellent
reason

water.
our

Lyons.
November

of my He

visiting

Lyons
died

in here

1890
a

is that ago.

master's

brother^
in
a

prematurely beyond
the

year

lived
span the
master

pretty

viUage
rivers

bridges
the

which
town.

two

laige
the

flowing through
affection

My
He

had it to he

deepest

for his brother.

proved
advice

him, in many
gave A him.

circmnstances,
It is
comes

by

the and

paternal
we

only eleven,
to

have
us

lunched.
to

carriage
of
a man

fetch
at

us,

and

conveys

the is

house

who but

works my
master

monuments.

All
more

already

settled;
about
cross

wishes of the
too

for the

information We then

the the that

perpetual
river and I

grant
reach

ground.

country.
much of

Probably,
what I
saw

during
on

drive,
for He what my is

spoke
master

the

road,

is not and find.

interested,
his eyes
seem

and

hardly
to

rephes.
afar off is

thoughtful, they
do
not

seek
;

Then

I remain

mute

there

HERV"

DE the
on

MAUPASSANT'S of the

TOMB

273 Thus the

nothing
carriage

but rolls

deep silence
for de
me

country.

an

hour.

Suddenly
a

M.

Maupassant
a

puts
the

the

glass

down

gesture

shows

house

on

left surrounded

by

'"

It is in that

dwelling/'
that later the
a

says

he

in

tone

he

tries to

keep
Ten then

steady,
minutes
we

'"

my
we

poor reach

brother
a

died/' church Herv"'s

;

pretty country

enter

cemetery
black marble and the The
. . .

containing
tomb age
on

M. which

sepulchre.
letters
rest

It is the for and my

golden
remains

mark

name

of he

whose

there

ever.

monument

is in

very

good

taste,

imposing
head I

by
saw

its very the

simplicity.
panorama less motiona

Raising
beneath and
or

beautiful remains

this

cemetery.
I take him
me,
a

My
few
at

master

silent.
to

steps, and
scenery taken
a

risk
;

word does hue

two
seem

make
to

look his

the has

but

he

not

hear

face with but

that violent

violet

which He does

always
not

betrays"
shed

him,
his

emotion.
is
vulsed, con-

tears,

countenance

and
a

my

heart
a

is wrung

by

his

sufferingwithout

word,
That

without tomb

sob.
as

is form

it should allow the

be,"
rains

says from

he

at

last
to

it

its rounded

will

heaven

purify it."
The
to
me

hand

holding
out

his

stick

moves

nervously.
enclosure
;

try

lead

him

of the

mournful

he

follows

without into the

speaking,
comer.

jumps
He

into

the
seems

carriage, and
to

sinks
out

always

be

looking

afar, but
We
s

he

sees

nothing.
way
we
came.

return

the

When

he

sees

his

274 brother's word:

"

GUY

DE he

MAUPASSANT

house,

repeats

several

times

the

same

It is there with

!
. .

/'

Then,
the

an

impetuous
of the

flow

of

words,
the
one

he he

tells
moanis

me

principal episodes
I find
so a

life of

for, and

resemblance
in that which many he his

between

these He
to

two

beings, yet
his

different

points.
refused

praises
in for

brother,
a

r^retting
career
on

go have

diplomacy,
useful. flowers in my I
see

gifts would
on

been

M. and
summer

Herv"

insisted,
in his he

instead,

cultivating
uncovered

standing
sun,

gardens,
had each

his head sunstroke.

the

twice On

Again, carriage
It is the

master two

is silent.
...

side

of

the

long light lines running

from towards the

between
a

high

walls.
as

Rhone
to

milder

climate,
it down. and
tea.

if it tried

escape

fog weighing

My
hotel. and
"

master

is still him
room

quite absorbed,
very hot
to
""

we

reach walks

the up

I down I
saw

give
his

some

He of his

and

begins
said have he.

talk

brother.
to
;

him
his end
me,

die,"
was

According
a

the but

doctors,
he
me
'

to

come

day

sooner

waited

for

he

would

not

depart

without

seeing Perhaps:
I had I dear

again,
Let
us

without

saj"ng
'.
. . .

good-bye.
Who knows very the of

meet him
as

again
he used
me

? loud
'

When

embraced

said
to

twice do
a

Guy
of

Guy
when with the he

'

he

in game poor had he

garden play.
...

Verguies
I

he my

called

for

wiped
which A

handkerchief
blue
me

his colour think touched

dimmed

eyes,

of

beautiful
made and led

disappeared.
me

sign
my Ah
I

to

wanted it with

to

lower

hand,

then

he

his

lips.
...

TOUCHING

NARRATIVE

275

poor and from

fellow,

how he

sincere

his

friendship
when he

was
. . .

really
us

was

very

young

was

taken

"

My

master's He did

sorrow

was

very

deep

at

that

moment.

not

go

out

that hiU of

evening,
Fourvi"res

and

next

morning
returned
to

...

after

visiting

the

little

we

Paris.

CHAPTER

XVII

FROM

NOVEMBER

l8gO

TILL

THE

END

OF

OCTOBER

189I

The

lady
Court
"

with Severe of The

"

the

pearl-grey judgment
"

silk
on

dress
"

Invited of the

to

the

Italiaii cla^wrs

the the article

idleness C"te

higher
The

Plan
"

work

Flight
$

to

d'Axur-The

m3rsterioiis
"

villa

Figaro*
increase" of
a

last

"

Angelus
about the gew-gaws

Alarming stage
"

symptoms
exactions to of music and Roman the Aries TUian's f
"

Disappointment
^M.
"

"

^Tfae

star

Piot

Verdier
"

^No

^Journey
a

in

search

of at
on

Mireille" Florence

The

counterpart
Walks in the Gard
"

in

convent

Lady
Details Tour

"

Avignon Angelus
"

No
"

the

composition
The cannot de any house" Luchon
"

of
on

^Nlmes oi

Magne"
One

Bridge sleep

the at

^Eulogiwn
Treatment smells do

hygiene"
at

Toulouse"

attempted
agree Divonne" with

Bagn"res
master

Sulphurous they
the and did 1
"

not

my The

more

than War
on

in

Sidly

At
"

haunted

mice

^Uneacpected
accident
"

physical
The
romance

improvement
of

Sunstroke
"

bicycle
Madame

Andr"sy

and

the

beautiful

^Trout
"

fishing.

WE
only
mustard
wall close the and

are

settled

again
of the

in

the

rue

Boccador
dress and After
master

The

lady

pearl-grey
is
come

golden
we

waist-band tried

again.
my

had

everything,
at

got

to

sleep

this
were

morning
on,

three. seated

While

the the head halflittle

poultices
to

I and

was

against
my

the

window, curtain,
struck I

there,

leaning
the

against
hours

large
hours dock.

counted

quartets,

so

distinctly

by

the

travelling

278
fellows of them is from of

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT it is ranks That

good
to

family
leave

extremely
of the old

rare

that
;

one

tries sheer had

a

the

idleis

and

that

laziness. certain
Now

racial
was

aristocracy^ destroyed drawing-room advocating

them and

which the

historical I can't

value,
"iter

by

guillotine.

(in good
idleness

society)
for the
'

without

hearing youths
'

groups and them I up

golden
thus

advising
to
see

against activity,
poverty.
current

consigning
in
to

ruin
a

Everywhere rising
who and about know habits
a

the

world

violent of

swallow
to

all membeis themselves

society
the Work I do work.

don't

how

defend from

by
work. lasts !

wholesome is such
not

resulting
as

steady
as

delightful thing
but I of said

long

health
not
me.

know,
The
want

really
it I is

think innate worked there

I could with because

are

give

up

times SomeI wanted I love have

I may money.
to

have is not

only

It

quite true,
AU and
sort

things
I shall

write

about. the novels

out
a

the

same,

when
am now

finished
shall and
to

tales of

busy
of my

with, work,
how for
me,

draw review

general analysis
I think
a

the

great writers
It will for I be the

I have

known

understand.
of
me,

restful young
"

occupation
I think

and
tire

great interest
and the that

it will

not

shall that

have have

the
most

great

pleasure

of
to

re-reading
my
''

things

contributed

intellectual As
an

satisfaction. I intend think will

appendix,
which I

giving
be

my

opinion
in

on

the

evolution among the

produced
the

France

different

classes

during

twentieth

century."
End

of February.

"

^My

master

suddenly

resolves

that

THE shall
start

BEL-AMI Nice where

AGAIN the boat is

279

ive

for for

awaiting

us,

quite equipped
It xny and
are

sailing.
all

is in
master

garden
takes de
a

planted

with

orange-trees
the His
to

that

flat, half-way

between

harbour

Madame rather of the Ten

Maupassant's
which he

house.

first

nights

good,

attributes best away of

on

the

hood neighbour-

orange-trees,
later
we

soothing draughts.
the is Bel
on

days

sail
a

Ami, board
;

All the

that guns,
more

is necessary the

for

long joiuney
a new

American
than the We and in

rifles, and
the
course

compass,

much has have

a

important
it to make renewed.

old
out. to
sea

one.

My
The

master

studied been
east

lights also by

go the

out

one

morning
Bd
near

stiff his

wind,
the where

afternoon

the

Ami the

finds

friend

Ville.de my the

Marseille lands.

again
He moored white

Cannes shore

jetty,

master

follows
near

the the

alongside
which
masts

pleasure-boats
a

beach,
Their be

resemble

town

of

little

houses.
;

spring
. .

up
.

like

miniature

spires

they might

chimneys. My
the the
nest master

still walks his

along

the

beach,
in
a

and

just

before

baths,

figure disappears
road,
I
on

garden, bordering gilt

balconies in author towards
a

Croisette of green. his

of
can

villa
see

with the

still

illustrious

putting
the He low
was

hand

the

banister
we

and
can

climbing
see

story,

from revisit
so

which the
so

the

horizon.

going
so

to

lady

of the

pearl-grey dress,
. . .

always
After

calm,

silent,
rest

enigmatical.
Bel Ami hoists the

two

days'
a

the

its colours pressure

we

they fly, making

the

curious

noise

under

of

wind,

as

if

sajnng

good-bye.

Quickly

pass

28o

GUV

DE

MAUPASSANT

by Cap Roox, Agay, St RapbaS, all those pretty where, during places past years, our yacht rested so

jdeasantly.Next day we gave a passingsainte to and in the eveningwe reached the old Porqnerolles, Marseilles harbour, and I ask mysdf if the Bel Ami knows againits quarteis. Anyhow, the most canning inhabitant of Maiseilles would not now rea^nisethe ez-Ztfigora. Every morning tcx a week I walk with my master to the Prado by the rue de Rome, then to the Comiche
which
we

travel
sea

over

frcon end
was

to

end, before that

so

beautiful

which

always of

imposingan

-aspect. Often we lunch at the Restaurant de la R"serve,after which we walk out to the public paric.
M. de

Maupassant

seems

tired ; the

Bel Ami

is

ready to start former [dans ;

since
our

for Seville and but the GoUe

according to Tai^jieis
ever are

du Lion is territde : and agitated,

a

arrival its waters

in the

authorities announce papers, meteorol"^ical

lengthy

period of bad
harbour
water

weather.

all these Notwithstanding Bel Ami

one

the disagreeable warnings,

day leaves the

of Marseilles ; in those treacherous forms

enormous

and

the parts, waves. Hy threatening

master

givesthe order to sail towards the coasts of Provence, abandoning,I think,with scnne vexation, the idea of those of Spain.
Here
our we are

back

in

Garibaldi's with

country ; in

largeapartment
de Nice de
streets

surrounded
seems

sweet-smelling
often hmch
at

shrubs, M.
in the Madame

Maupassant

bored ; the crowds We

tire him.

and ilaupassant's,

the then, fcdlowing

LAST the When

ARTICLE barboiir
the where the allows
a

281

seashore,

we

reach

Bel of

Ami

is
we

ready
man"uvre

for

sail.
before

weather

it,

Villefranche,
is

giving day
more

glance

to

Beaulieu,
For the

which of and

growing
we

every

beautiful.
to

sake
;

variety,
when and

sail another
master

day

the

Cap

d'Antibes
the lies

my

has

again

admired
"

de

Lerins
a

in

the

distance
with in white

Cannes,
;

which
square red the

forms
tower

green
on

circle

spotted

its old

Mont

Chevalier with
a

ruins, bright with aspect created

shining tiles, yet

assaults
at

mournful and

by

of

past centuries
feet,
we

of the the

miserai, which
open
sea,
so

dies
as

its very

turn

towards of Mass"na.
master

to

anchor

before

the the

city

To-day, long time finishing

Who would that for

during
to

sail, my
hehn. Un

allowed is because the

me

for he

keep
article have

the
:

That

is

his

Empereur,
him

for
so

Figaro.
at

thought, seeing
the last article any tale I he

quick
write

his

work,
paper, he

it it

was

would

for that that he

at
one

was

without short

trouble From

apparently
that
moment

composed
aside his

this l'Ame

put

and "trang"re, his

only

worked

single composition,
One and ill,
so

Angeh"s.
he
me

night
would made in him. had his

in
not

April
allow
a

called
to

me

to

him. for in
a

He minute

felt
;

leave

him
tea
sun

him

cup

of

camomile
the

his
I
was

spiritstill
;

kettle
near

bedroom. But in

When

rose

the

morning
and he
we

he

fdt

better the the

his

faintness air
as

disappeared,
That

spent
me

day
heat

in the
was

usual.
on

evening
I
;
a

told prepare

coming
our

and
to

that

might
few

ever3rthing
he said

for

return

Paris

days

later

good-

282

GUY
to

DE and

MAUPASSANT
we

bye

his

mother,

took

the

Rapide

in

the

evening. My
weeks necessary for
a

master
we

has have

been

quite

reasonable in

during taking

the aU

six the

just spent
to
care

Paris,

time

for
new
a

his

health

without He
;

infringing
is therefore looks
two

single day
and is He

the
even

regulations.
little lunch
stouter

better,
healthier. MM.
"

his

face of the

offers of says the

in

honour

Coquelin
I

Com"die-Fran"aise.
"

think,"
which and

he,
suit

I have

found and

the

subject
suit
to

of their have

play

will I

them

both,
them
men

also

theatre,
their submit sense." In often blamed this

have Those
to

invited
two

expressly
are

opinion.
a

sincere,
in their

can

sketch

them,

trusting

good

sentence

he him

alluded

to

the Some

disappointments
writers have and efiForts of them

afforded my for what my of

by
for
not

actors.

master

foUowing

their

advice their

writing against
knew the
acts

the

stage,
called had

they
his
not

multiplied prejudices
been He very
wrote
;

they
master

few

that world

well
a

treated

by

the He
was

footlights.
had
to

play

in three with
was

in 1886.

begim
take her

by settling everything
the

the well

lady

who

leading part.
her talent
were

He

acquainted
made

with for her. it

style,
The

; the

play
out

really was
and Then

parts
to

all

copied

distributed,
the

was

time
terms

b^gin
manager

rehearsing.
could
a

lady
She

exacted asked for than the

sum

the

not
sum

accept.
which offered
came

each half

representation
the of

to

more

receipts, my
his author's

master

to

give

up

total

rights

284

GUY of

DE

MAUPASSANT
must

simplest you'll put

On worsted
warm

articles^they
monogram

be the

plain,no

gew-gaws will da"

the

under M. of
a

fold, that
Verdier
colour my
;

the

22nd and

October,
drawers which

Piot drab

brings

socks

they

are

English
his de card F

articles
to

please

master.

He
:

gives
Chald

the

shirtmaker
;
are

bearing
is where be
sent.

his the

address flannd

Is"re,
has

Cannes ordered M. de

that
to

waistcoats On towards
to

he the the follow

June

zjih

Maupassant mountains,
of baths
at

takes

journey
wards after-

C"vennes
a

intending
Luchon.

course

We
"

reach We
are

Aries. here in Gallic of !

"

Rome,
I

this town

is celebrated
see

for

the

beauty
faces
are

its women,

hope

to

here

some

handsome We

in

an

hotel,
way.
to

on

square
the

which
we

is not go

markable re-

in
the

any up

In

morning
"

into St

street,

the my
we

church-"loors
master
see

we

visit
the

Trophime,
In and the
narrow are

of

which
street

admires
whose

fa"ade.
cloaks

women

large

coife Neither

flapping
the

in the

wind. Aries
crown

celebrated
nor

cap,
that

nor

its

black

velvet

ribbon,
these
women

the that because

white

surmounts

it,

give
"

queenly aspect
of its

master

expected.
says it
. . .

It

is

pretty
is

simplicity,"
about

he.

"

But it

there is

nothing
Mistral

aristocratic
wrote

yet

here

MireiUe."
our

Thus
set

the eyes

day
on

passed
the

away

without

having

hoped-for beauty.
next

At
us.

nine Where

morning
not

"

M.

Oscar As

"

is there leave

to

guide hotel.

to, I do

know.

we

the

A he the makes Arena

JOURNEY
ascend

TO

ARLES
street

.285
and
us

us

by

winding
he

we

reach

in

few

minutes;
to

tells

about

it,

always
Then
a

coming
we

back

the

Romans.
on a

find
of

oursehres

height

on

which

rises of

kind

quaint
a

public

square. houses

This
are

part

Aries down
to

is in

very any

sad

state, the

tumbling
made

without

attempt
as

apparently
if
one

being
in
a

repair
not

them.
at

It looks the

were

deserted
times some-

city,

all like been

morose

celebrated
the he

town

which

has
master

called
as

French

Pompeii.
the sad

My sight.
M.

looks
a

contemplates

About Oscar

hundred-and-twenty
at
a

jrards
studded

further,
with

knocks

varnished
surmounted

door

large

black-headed like
a

nails,

by
I says in
a

capital shaped
A

pointed
is

arch;
our

modem, guide
We which
can are

think.
a

grated
and
are

peep-hole
we are

opened,
to

few

words,
We
a

allowed
a

go
room

in.

convent.

led
A

to

circular

does

duty walk,
makes open

as

parlour.
to
us.

very

old

sister, who
bows very

hardly
She

comes
a

My

master

low. and

show

of

taking
her. How

him Both

by

the

hand,

pushes

door

before

disappear.
did the
we

long
say,

they
time
went

remain

away? slowly.

I When and

cannot

exactly
master

passed
out

my walked of

returned,
down
a

immediately,
street,
leave of the
at

quietly
which Now my his
'*

very M.

steep
Oscar

the
us.

bottom

our

guide
follow
cannot

took

of

we

the

delta

Camargue,
from

and

master

restrain

himself

expressing

delight.
What
I have
seen

in

that

convent

is

more

beauti-

286

GUY artistic

DE than than
seen

MAUPASSANT

fui,
It

more

anything
Titian's surpasses

have

yet
at

beheld Floienoe. thing. every-

is

perhaps
I have ."
. .

finer

Lady

What

just

everything,

We

spent
the is In

the

morning
of

of the
the first

20th

at

Tarascon.

We

visited
which castle.
on

crypt
most

Romanesque
then
to

churdi,
Rene's music
were

interesting,
afternoon des
we

and

King
some

the

listened

the

Cours

Papes

at
some

Avignon.
very and young

There and

numerous

pretty
made
some

women,

"esh,
to

who
master

up

pleasing sight,
remarks him. said
;

suggested
the music

my

happy
bored

but

began

again,
"

which

That it
. .

music,"
."
nerves are

he,

"

is

too

noisy

"

don't

like
'*

His

too

sensitive the
:

just now,"
"

thought
has written

I,

as

we

walked
comme

towards la Mort is
a

Rhone,

for

he

in

Fort
'*
'

Music the

mystery
and

that the
a

penetrates
soul with of sound
a

the real
we

body,
and listen

maddens

nerves

poetical fever, by mingling

to

wave

with
After

the

clear

air
at

we

breathe."

glancing
and

the the

Pope's Palace,
ancient
to

we

crossed of

the

Rhone

visited We

city

Villeneuve

d'Avignon.
the the We river which

returned flows
can so see

Avignon,

after
and

recrossing
from away.
on a

majestically, meandering
:

which,
tax Doms square

bridge,
beheld
on a

one

along,
des the

large chapel left, which

Notre rises

Dame above

terrace

our

and

the
"

Pope's
Let
us

Palace. go

in,"

says

my

master,

**

sometimes

inside

AT those old
as

N"MES
there
are

287

monuments

things
etc."
we

worth

looking

at^ such
After

painted glass windows^

round the

going
the

church,
and

saw
a

hall

on

the

left, near
a

entrance,

there, in
saint. that

glass shrine,

life-size recumbent

female
at to

My
shows
"

master

looked

it with

attention
a

he

always

when That of
to
an

wanting statue,"
Italian

understand
he in In
a

thing thoroughly.
tone,
we
"

says artist.

loud

was

the know

work how

France,
finish."
to

do

not

produce
out, he
the Nevia

such

artistic
some

Going
looks

gives holy

silver and he has Pius

the

woman

who

after saint
to
we

water,

she

tells

him

the
was

pretty
offered As

F"licit"

just
the my

admired

this church
returned left towards Gothic go back
to

by Pope
the the

Ninth.
master

station,
narrow

looked
one

right
can

and

streets

in which the

perceive
says
"

monuments. to
**

In

evening

he

we

can

Ntmes. when M. Dumas be des asks

me

Later I

on,"
found
'

said my

he,
woman's

where
to

face,
at

it will Dame
not
a

amusing
Doms,
in of that I

tell him

In

shrine I

Notice I have

Avignon. figure
saw

.'
. .

confess my of

found

all

want

for

type
face

of

woman.

Still diamond

in have

that
to

expression

the
some

uncut

polish.
be

perceived
for

artistic

details
that I
as

which

will
to

of

use

carving
as

my
near

subject,

hope

make In

very my

striking, Angetus
of I

perfection
to

possible.
power detail the of will reader.

intend I
am

give all

the

expression
be I cared feel

which
most

Capable,
without
to

every

for very

minutely

tiring
this

well-disposed

write

288

GUY the I be

DE

MAUPASSANT I possess

book,
which will

subject of which
have conceived

completely^ feunlity.
career, I

and It
am

with
of my

smprising literary
such ask

the

crowning-piece
its

convinced
in the

qualities
reader

will he

awaken will

enthusiasm
if he is

artistic of

that
or

himself

in presence

reality
isi.
"

fiction."
master

Ntmes,

July
Roman
on

^My

photographs
and
we

the the The

vellous mar-

principal
Tour

monuments,
the

ascend

Magne,
we

top
the
not

of

Mont

Cavalier. is

panorama
;

see

from
did

platform
know how

really
to

my it.
.

master

leave

off

admiring
At broad

eight
white of

next

morning leading
to

our

carriage rolls
Pont Nimes dust du

oa

the Some

road

the
to

Gard.
for
a

battaUons advance

artillerygoing
a

review,
can
see

in such

thick

cloud

of

that but

we

nothing.

My

master

coughs

slightly,

does the
cannm

not

complain
crossing
reach
our

; all his
our

attention Two of the of

out
come on

is attracted

by
paces

path.

hundred
Pont du

before
we

we

the left
master

restaurant

Gard^
in

hear

on

the

cries

frightened
of the the the can, have
we

fowls
and of

the
runs

bushes.

My
the

jumps
whence

carriage
screams

towards
birds.
a

spot

the
we

poor
see

I follow

him,
as

and
as

edge

of the
a

path
hen

fox

flying
master

hard

he
to

carrying
his gun.

away.
.

My

is sorry reach the To the

not

"

We works France. several the

bridge,
have
to

admire bestowed

the
on

majesty
this is
a

of

the of of

Romans dimb

part
choice

the I

top
take
a

there
one

winding

paths.

of
set

these, canying
of
films and
a

photographic

apparatus,

ROMAN

HYGIENE

289

before my master ; I reach the platform telescope who probably difficult had chosen a more path. When
he
saw

was

in

advance, he made

an

evident effort

to reach He takes

the

the Louis

summit, not an easy matter, I craifess. the side of a photographof the bridge on XIV. footbridge ; then we go from one end
narrow

to the other of the

bridgewhich
this torrent. woods.
was

connects

passage on the top of the the two uncultivated banks of

we

From What my

there

look told

over me

the surrounding
at that moment

master

most

which

He enumerated interesting. took place that bridgeabout on

soon as

the

episodes
praised
drawn

the end of the

fourth century,as
the of this utility the Eure
a

it was

built ; then he
waters

the aqueduct,bringing

from

at N"mes.

"What

lesson!"

he

exclaimed, "nothing
when it was
a

was

questionof works, they pubhc health. Besides their prodigious comtructed baths everywherewhich were open gratuitously Ah I they were to alL I practical people It is
to

impossible

the Romans

sad to think
water

that

goodly process
us

of

regeneration by
our race

they had shown

have been much

should

be lost ;

would We where

improved by it." then went to Toulouse, spent half a day at Cette,

we

put up at the Hotel Tivollier

rue

d'Alsace-

Lorraine.

earlymorning my master alreadyis at his bedroom at the sky and asks ; he is looking I think the will be fine. I answer if that me day this I can't about knowing nothing r^^ion givehim in a northern country but that if I were my opinion,
In the window

290 I should such

as

GUY tell him this

means

DE that

MAUPASSANT

dry morning
the
a

without

any up

dew,
the

one,

with

rising rainy

sun

drinking

mists, My
"

generally
then I do the my asked
not

afternoon.
seen

master

if I had know of I had

man

the but I

CapitoL
like neither

No,

sir ;
or

why,
this
to

the

people

things youth
of
nerves
a

country.
stand Toulouse way in this and !
"

Perhaps
three such
a

it is because years the

in

during
;

presence
that my does

from gave

boaster, My
are

quite sleep

master too

not

well

hotd,

there

many

mosquito-nets,
the

curtains

hangings.
he he travels thinks his wait

So, notwithstanding
all

tremendous de

heat,
where

day

to

reach
to

Bagn"res
take
an

Luchon,

it is better
treatment
a

apartment
ask if he will

during
had
not

the

time

lasts.
see

I then

better

little to
"

if the you
are

climate

suit

him. he
"

think
to

right," repUed
treatment

it will

also

be

wiser We

see

if the

suits three then

me.''

made of

excursions

during

days, visiting
the

the

waterfalls
and united the

Juzet, Montauban,
du C"ur.

Lys
finds

Valley
these
a

cascade
names

My

master

auspicious, and
about de take my them.

lau|^s, adding
We finish faUs
our

few

pleasant
by
the

remarks

round
a

Cascade We which
"

l'Enfer,
the

which

from and

great
the

height. glacier,
has
seen

left-hand
admires ones."
some

path

reach

master

while

saying

he

more

imposing
us

The

guide
so

follows
we

with

difficultyduring
to

the is

ascent,
offered
to
see

when
;

get
the

back coachman

the
are

inn

drink

him
us

he

and

quite surprised
at

leave

without

taking

anything

the

bar.

292

GUY
soft the violet the

DE

MAUPASSANT

with On
and

groundwork path,
I found in

spread
clover
even

over

them.

edge of

with

four,

six

eight

leaves, always
to

numbers,
luck.

wfaicfa

according
M. take it
out
seems
on

country

people, brings good

goes thrice
a

de
his

Maupassant
shower-bath.

day
way

by

the

road

to

But him
and
;
a

the few

is monotonous,
trees

lengthy
the blue horizon

to

walnut

stand the

look
Blanc when

picturesque against
is visible
on

deep
but

sky.
away,
on

Mont and the

at

distance, Divonne,

it is far

the

road

to

it

disappears
On
the

left.
my
master

fourth

morning
his

is

ready

at

seven,

he

goes

off to

take

shower-bath,
has

I know

that He well

during
tells
me

these he

four

nights, he

slept
in the

but

little.
I
can
a

hears

strange
wide
me,

noises

night,
on

believe
chair

it, since
that hurts
nervous

awake,
I also is

and hear

seated noises
now

ricketty

cannot

explain.

My

system
but
nor

just

rather about me,

highly strung
and neither

certainly,
my We
master
are

I have I know

my

wits what this

we

is

commonly being
like
not to

called
haunted take

fear.
or

indifferent
all last of the

about same,
as

house

not,
rest.

but

should could

some

So

ni^t

we

sleep, and

whole

groups

mice,
before

like us,
some

reconnoitring patrols, passed

the

continually
them,
we

light having
ambuscades
to

no

effect catch

on

organised
creatures.

these

impudent
Armed weapons
we

with invented

the

provision
my
master

net

and the

few

other

by

for

circumstance,
beasts. fate of

captured

thirty-two

of

these

little
to

They
the

were

immediately

condemned

the

AT

DIVONNE

293 instead of the

martjnred they
"

St the

Lawrence. honour
were
"

Only,
of but I.
a

gridiron,

had If

bon-fire.

Piroli it I
master
a

here,

how

she

would

have

enjoyed My
for the
not rats

thought
was

only
rat

half-pleased by
been

this it

result,
appears

single

had

taken,
noise.
"

and

cause

this

inexplicable following

The I
went

afternoon with I told my

the Divonne

burnt

sacrifices his I
was

"

master

to

by

favourite about and he

path.

him

how

superstitious
made could

four-leaved

clover.
so

This
fast
a

him

laugh,

b^an
But
at

walking
the end out above

scarcely
he slowed

follow down

him.
and

of his the He

few

minutes,
towards
a

stretched

hand

large figure

of Christ

placed
""

cemetery.
was

Certainly

the

most
on

intelligent, the
this
was

most
one

perfect Man
reflects when whom
'

that all He

ever

appeared
And Him He ! for

earth, when

on

did.

only thirty-three
the used He
'
. .

they
I

crucified
but

Napoleon
genius,
God
or

First,
to

admire,
Man

only
"

his He and

say
not
"

In

all that is

did,

^were

were

there Here
so cows as

something
he

mj^terious
we

inexplicable
to

."

stopped,
for graze.

were

obliged
of
scone

stand

aside
red

to

allow to

the

passage

splendid

going
We reached with my

Divonne,
a

where We
were

my

master

hired there that

half very

chalet

kitchen. master's looks

even

settled is
on

evening,
the he

bedroom
west
;

the

southern the

side,

dining-room sleeps,better,

all

is for

best, and

from

the

first

night.
habitation,
my

After

quiet fortnight

in this

pretty

294
master
seems

GUY
to

DE have health.

MAUPASSANT
recovered his usual

good-humour,

and

his His

former doctor

lunches and
to

with

him

one

day
I must

their

versation con-

is merry the doctor added

animated.
his

confess wit

that and
a

professional merit,
much the easy
to

tactful The the

philosophy,
man

which
over

pleased
artist
see

my

mast^.

medical

had it The
was

the how

authority
beneficial

of his

scientist, and
was.

treatment

shower-baths of

of

that
;

icy

water,

coming
retreat chain of

down in
a

the
comer

mountains

France
lost of the in

that the

isolated
immense
;

apparently
on

mountains,
food
; all

the

edge
to

Lake the

of Geneva health

first-rate celebrated

combined

restore

of the his
;

oarsman

of Sartrouville, he
or

he

gets stouter,
the whole

complexion
he
calls
me

is

good,
once

sleeps nearly
twice. goes
went

night

only

Occasipnally day
before
;

my

master

off
to

on

tricycle.
chateau

The
at

yesterday, to-day,
he

he

Voltaire's where

Femey
de R

will he

go

to
me

Pr"gny,
a

Baroness noon, after-

lives, and

gives lady

holiday
him,

for the he will

saying
and

that

if the

invites

remain

dine
I went

.with her.
to

take

walk luck
so

on

the

road

to to

Gex. smile
on

But
us,

notwithstanding
since my
master

the
was

which

seemed

much

better, and

all the

ness happi-

promised
and my would
master
was

by

that go

sjrmbolical clover,
I
came

I felt nervous

not

far.
at
a

in

at

half

-past four;
was

appeared
evidently
was

the
flow he
to

same

time, his face

to

red,
The
on

there
Baroness his

of blood had the

the the

head.

away,

and

taken

journey

tricycle from

Divonne

gates of Geneva

under

OVERWHELMED

BY

HEAT that

295

burning

sun,

absolutely tropical in
without

valley.

He any heat of he and

would

return,
while

stopping,

without

taking
by
the

rest, and
he turned

coming back,
fell from the
a

overwhehned machine under his

on

giddy,
After courage

and
a

hurt

two

his
has there in
must

ribs.
the he

resting
to

Uttle
on

farm

shed,

get

to not

tricycle again,
account

is, quite miserable,

because caused which
to

of

the

pain

his

side, but
have
to

of

the

shock

this

fall may

(which
municate com-

been

by
had work

sunstroke)
been with

his brain, been

latterly so
the

clear
ease

that
at

he

had

able

greatest

his
The

Angelus.
doctor that is there, his chest he be
sees

the

ribs up.

are

hurt,

and

orders
seems

bandaged
this

My
doctor's

master

quite
he has
a

comforted bad

after
;

good
times
on

visit,
his is
to

but

night

several

he

unlooses which

bandages,
not
so

and

I have About

to

put
in

them the

again,
he

easy.

five

morning

gets

sleep.
The
a

next

night
the dock the called

was

little calmer. when in the I I

was

dozing
the

on

chair

in

dining-room
strike bad
me, two

heard

little

travelling
"

morning.

That's he then

hour,"
of
me,

thought.
All heart kinds
as

And ideas

course.

of mournful if under the

tortured
of
some

my

beat

impression
I had the

great

disaster;
misfortunes

hardly
never

awake,
come

presentiment

singly.
On the the

15th

at

nine door.

in the A !

morning, lady gets

She

carriage stops
Alas is to ! my her

before

garden
comes

out.

presentiment

true

explains it

296

GUY
to

DE

MAUPASSANT
we

journey
visit.
Six take

Switzerland

owe

the

honour

of

her

days
the

later,

brougham
but down

is

again
my
a mass

at

the

door when Such

to

visitor
the horse

away, falls the that

fancy
like

dismay
!

suddenly
accident
the very

an

might
worst

delay thing
get

unknown could

lady's happen
to

departure,
my
master.

Luckily
master

they
wbs so

the
to

horse

up,

and

the goes

lady
back

my
to

glad

part

with,

Geneva.
Now he may On master's peace bestow
must
on

be
us

restored
some
more

to

the

tired

writer

so

as

masterpie"s.
was a

August

the

23rd
the
a

there
doctor

change
here in the

in

my this
state

condition;
and found That
some

lunched

morning,
of
seen

great improvement

the
to

ribs. for

is

point which
; for

will
now

not

have

to

be

days, luckily

there

is another

vexation. Two had made

not
a

people
been
most

had there

hired for

the three

rooms

next

ours

they

days
noise,
"

when

at

night, they
no

unbearable
not to

^merry-making
M. de

doubt,
then go with
"

but tells
me

be

endured he
as

I been

Maupassant
at

that open
rooms

often

has
to

obliged
from

night
smeZb

to

into

the

air, so

get away

the

which Those

in hotels barracks

reek. where
we

large
from

try

to

sleep, only
often I allow

separated
you
soon

strangers
the
most
on

by

simple door,

to

hear
a

extraordinary things.
that very

shall which
de

write obtained
at

tale
most

subject,
at

for
...

curious
"
" .

evidence

the

hotel

Noailles

Marseilles.

298
in the

GUY
beautiful six in the

DE

MAUPASSANT of
comes

Andr"sy evening
on a

avenue
man

lime-trees. in
a

wards Tofetch other

boat

to

the

lady

reading

the

island. sit with I tdl

see

followed;
at
a

couples, friends
the
at
a

evidently,
Chantry. enough
tells
me

them

table

in
me

restaurant

the

waiter

to

put

table

near

to

the is

lady.
the wife of the then
are

"The

host At back

she
am

dark the about

gentleman.
man

first, I
and

rather
me

put
hears

out,

comes

tells

he

th^

to
"

be

separated.
unknown Then There

The

lady

is

pretty,

lively, like
about handsome will What has
to

Paris
come

gamin.
to
me.

melancholy
are

thoughts
and who

her

two

young

people,
be

already unhappy marriage

Would

tired
for

of the

each
rest
as

other,
of their

probably
a

days.

comedy
it !
two

is, such
be

conventionality
and
more

made allow ? with

it not
to

simpler
and

just
their

beings
"

obey
weeks

Nature

follow
was on

instincts
terms

few

later, I
loved of the

good
..."
are

all

these The sinks

people
first

who

water.

days

September
the mountains.
on

over,

and make

the

sun

early behind climbing,

for
one

We
to

amends
;

by

morning
sunrise dear off
we

the
a

heights
pretty

while

waiting
Versoix) vaUey,

the

follow flow

river

(the
the thus

its cool

waters

rapidly

towards and

canying bright
fishermen hands the

occasionally large stones,

with in the their
water

showing
Barefoot

trout
are

silvery reflections.
;

they

seize

with

their

fish, but
under
can

these

sometimes and

escape, under my

sailing away
the first

just

the

surface,
The

hiding

pebble they

find.

sport amused

TROUT

FISHING

299

master,
delicate
"

who fish This

had

long
taken.

wished

to

see

the

way

these

were

pretty
and for the

scene/'

says

he,
me

"

lit I

up shaU

by

the
treat

sun

on

mountain

plain,
Gaulois*'

gives

ideas

in

an

article
We written

are

leaving
the
sonnet

Divonne,
he

my wished

master

tdls

me

he for

has M.

to

compose

Gounod.

CHAPTER

XVIII

FROM

THE

END

OF

SEPTEMBER

189I 1893

TILL

JULY

3RD,

The

clear-sighted
^A
"

sympathy
consnltatioii

of

Professor

G.
"

^The
. . .

fatal ^At
"

visit the

very

serious de

"

Departnre Daremberg by
sad

for

Cannes ^The fatal Le

"

"

Chalet

l'Is"re

"
"

Doctor

"

illiiess i"

progresses

slowly
"

Haunted
"

thoughts
"

Moine of

Fecamp Memory
-A
"

^Part very

of clear
"

sole Increase

in

the of Last ^M. de

long

Symptoms
The

ataxy

"

brain-fatigne" famUy Maupassant

^A
"

mosquitoes
The his ^The
"

sad

New from

Year's the of East

Day"
"

meeting"
cuts

fatal throat idea house ^What

telegram
He
"

is

aware
on

his

condition haunts

terrible the

watch ^At
"

of of Dr

revenge Dr Blanche

the
at

Germans

patient hope
terror of of I
"

the

Passy
takes
sense"

"

^Momentary place"
Mad

cure

"

Blanche of

feared

persecution
is
on

"

Flashes of
a

good
in

How

Fate

decides M. de

It

aoooont

sojourn
in
a

Switserland

that

Maupassant

ends

his

days

madhouse.

SEPTEMBER
to

i"*,

1891."

We

are

delighted
in

return
rue

to

the

comfortable
M.
at not

apartment

the

Boccador. his

de

Maupassant being
familiar able
to

presses ex-

regret
travels,
the

take he

with

him

when he
"

he

all

the of

things
and

loves,
every
can

which

is in
all

habit

seeing
he,
"

touching
nowhere

day,
I find the

above

my

bed,"

says

for

its

equal/'
he
comes

On excellent Professor watched

19th

back has

to

dinner,
to
see

apparently
an

in

spirits.
of the his

He

been

eminent has

Medical health.

Faculty,

who

for

years,

over

DOCTOR
"

G
"

'S SYMPATHY

301
me

Doctor

says I have

he,

"

has found what

good
that

condition ;
;

told him
me,

in very I think of treatment

a

Divonne

he
me

agrees the

with

it is the

suits

best.

Of

which

this result is

proof." This professor, a most

my master's

kind-hearted

man,

had

been with
a

friend for years ; he treated him

affection, fatherly seemiogto look on him as without any experience. A srear ago, my master
to

boy
went

Cannes

without

me,

and

told

me

an

incident that

happened there.
"

cme

coming home," eveningto that dull

was

said he,

"

with

Dr
a

G sort of

hotel situated in

hollow

between The

the road to Grasse and the boulevard

du Cannet.

dark,the air of that valley is oppressive, and smells of the marshes, a kind of

nightwas

wretchedness there ?

floated in the air.

;

Why
as

were we

we were

staying
walking good
had

I do not know turned

anyhow,

conversation Doctor been And

a

on my of what the author something

health.

I told the
of Bel-Ami

in his

youth,what

an

I told him

all I feel now.

I was. oarsman intrepid Then he,speakii^ like

one things

father to his son, said the kindest

so coupledwith advice, severe

could

hear

but

so

that clear,

the

most

indif"erent of minds shook

tears

could

not

fafl to be

impressed.When we I observed that lai^

cheeks of the
man

hands

before

separating,
the thin
me so

were

down rolling had moved

whose

kind words

with deeply ; I felt the spontaneous desire of wiping those tears, the noblest my wet eyes had ever my lips beheld.
. .

."

302 He
"

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

paused.
That is the

only instance/' added

I have felt the /'
. .

he,
wish

"

in of

the

wbok

course

of my
a

life,that
man's of

throwing

myself into
On the the

anns.

20th

September, (of
which

at

two

in

the have

afternoon,
not

electric for the who

bell several door has she

the

wires in face harm

enters
an

been way. the

renewed I open
woman

months)
find

rings

uncertain
to

and

myself
such and

face
to

with
masta.

already
passes, her

done

my

As
room

usual,

rigid,

the

drawingthe

without

marble I go
to

countenance my fatal
room,
cross

showing
and

slightest change. Ought

the her since bow I I not
to
warn

unhappy.
her with

this

visitor, reproach
with such ceremony receive
now

crime
to

she

is

committing
without
consented

unconcern,

put
But.
. .

the

door

any
to

?
.

my down

master to not

her, I could
confess of still be how

only

her.
...

I may had
master
seems

de^ly
that

regret

having
1

the

courage would

sending living.
not

vampire
In this On eminent Doctor After Doctor the

away

My
he

evening,

tired

and

does

mention

visit. October the

17th,
who

at
so

eleven

in the
to

evening,
master,

the

Professor D
some

is

kind
he

my

sends

to

him,

for

is
on

suffering greatly.
both

cordial
and sinks

conversation I continue into

a

sides, the
in the
to rest

leaves,
He

watching

till four I go

morning.
a

deep sleep, then

little. He is not he has

so

well all he D

on

the

19th

of

October the
to

might
ment. treatalso

say

lost

had

gained by
has been

Divonne
see

Doctor

him,

A Professor the G" after

SERIOUS
who has

CONSULTATION

303
a

"

requested

consultation

for

day
As

to-morrow.

I go

into

the

bedroom,
the

I look

at

the

masterpiece representing

of
a

Rodin

which

decorates Chimera

chimney,
ofE the
an

wicked-faced

carrying
is

mifortmiate paper
;

victim
with read health.

on

this for

group the

placed

covered
are

the

notes

doctors' their

perusal

they
my

to

them,
. .

and

decide

diagnosis

of

master's

It

is three pass into

in

the the

afternoon,

the

doctors where A

are

there.

They
them later did de all

from the

drawing-room
with the hour. my
master.

I conducted few
;

study

minutes whole M.
at

they
not

return

into
an

drawing-room
I

the

last

half

study
he

with does

anxiety
not
seem

Maupassant's frightened by
is that what

countenance;
the of has He I leave

diagnosis, but
one

he

looks

bored,
I

his

complexion
to

of

his

bad he

days.
is

venture

ask

him

happened,
walks him

preoccupied
up and

and down

hardly
the

answers.

unceasingly
to

apartment,
Half
an

himself.
an

hour he

later, I bring him

seems

egg
me

beaten
to

up away

in

tea, which
a

to

like

he

tells he

carry from

whole

series

of

perfume

bottles

has

taken

his

dressing-room.
"All these

scents,"

says

he,

"have

done

me

the

greatest harm."

During
has
not

dinner,

he

says

this

meeting
about his

of

the

doctors in the and talks

given

him

much

hope
Paris

health for Then

future, besides
that of
we
are

which
to

is not for

good

him,
he that

going

start

Cannes. he

his

physical

strength, saying

hopes

will

304 suffice
rest.
. . .

GUY
to set

DE

MAUPASSANT

him

up

again, adding
all to
to master
see

he
more

wants

perfect
wicked

and who
now

above harmful poor

no

that

lady,
And
makes

is

so

him.
. . .

my

opens

his heart
to
me.
. .

to

xne,

he the I

species
I feel the the way

of short such

confession for

For
.

moment, have
not

pity
to

him"
the

such

sorrow,

that

courage last of month

an

express

slightest reproach
often gone
out

During
of the

certainly, ordinary

I had

servant,
an

by

giving

him and hints

advice

whenever
to
a

there

was

opportunity,
my

according might
them That
some course

circumstances
far
;

sometimes

go

little too
not

but

he, who

had

understood

well, did

reply.
his heart
were
was

evening, however,
words of in
an

full,he allowed

to

escape

(which by
which

an

avowal)

in
I

the
was

answer

he

acknowledged
I had

right
on

the

discreet
so

recommendations
a

ventured him all of all

giving
to

for

long

time.
was

I tried necessary the

to

remind
to

that

prolong
and

life, it
over

avoid

dangers,

watch

health,

greatest

possessions.
On 22nd I
am

the he

20th
settled

my

master

wrote

to

his

mother,

on

the

accounts

with M.
are

his

publishers. gives
one me

busy packing.
articles of which which
at

de
to

Maupassant
travel

the
two

different
dictionaries

slowly,
two

or

he

possesses
a

copies (he by

has

already
authors,
them We
to

some

Cannes)
wishes
to
us a

few read

rare

works before

classical

which

he

to

again

returning
. . .

his mother
with
a

whom

they belong.

take and

special bag
All is

containing
ready by
the

scripts manu-

few

letteis.

28tb"

3o6
winter.

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT
takes them
to

My
does

master

about of is
use

for
to

safl for

or

drive, he
are

all he As

can

be he

them"
his

they

old

people.

to

him,

busy
at

with

Angehts,

working
We
are

obstinately
at

but of

slowly
November

it.
;

the

end

my

master

plains com-

of looks

pains
his

everjniehere.
is he
at
or

It

is

strange
;

1
even

For
what some-

he

wen,

countenance

pladd
a

he

is
at

stouter.

Often douche
two

takes the three

;

bath

home,

and is
me

every

day
and

his

Baths. times

His he

appetite
has told he his his here his

good
I have
not

regular,
too

put
the

much away.

salt

but he

neverthdess

does
usual hriend

push
at

dish

Now

rarely
;

sees

doctor Doctor
season,

Cannes,

Doctor

Gimbert is and

as

Georges
it is to

Daremberg
him he goes the

already
confides his
can

for

the

ailings.
seems

Altogether,
to
me

excepting My
before I
"

nights,
master

condition
never

good.

poor three

get
If he
me

any

regular sleep
to

in

the
sure

morning.
he he will call

gets
two.

sleep before,
December 6ih.

am

always
^This who
over

at

afternoon
came

takes
to

sail

with

Doctor

Daremberg, talking
tried

to-day
young

lunch. I

They
noticed details without

laughed,
the
to

their recall
to
see

days.
certain
answer

Doctor M. de

to

suddenly
if he
manner.

Maupassant,
and in
a

would

hesitation
never

direct

And

my

master

failed

in his

replies.
Since
a

December
we

15^.
least

"

the
to

b^^izming
Nice
to

of

the
at

month,
Madame
panying accom-

go

at

twice

week

lunch
on

de

Maupassant's.
him,
"

My
as

master

insists the meal. cook

my

so

to

prepare mother's

It

is not

that

my

does

not

know

LE her you

MOINE I

DE accustomed suits the me."

FECAMP
to

307 your

trade, but
understand Decetnber

am

cooking,

and

what 16th. and

"

In

evening, keeps
to to

he his

walks

about

his

tiny garden,
Sometimes
many buds.
...

always
closer

carnation-bed. them in

he

leans

admire there with I need

are

detail,
of

are

akeady
I
am

out, in
a

and
comer

thousands

Bernard,
not

cleaning
so,

the
too

tricycle. My dangerous
On
a

master

says for I

do

it is

steed

this
go
;

hilly country.
my

Christmas
the wind When asks has I

Day,

sailing with
so

master,
for the

but
seamen.

dropped
come

it is he
me

holiday

home,
late is for

has
to

already returned,
prepare his he

and I

if it is not

too

bath,
dines

make

haste,

the

bath

soon

ready

and

with In is to
comes

appetite
the

afterwards. Bernard

evening,
at

accompanies
My
to master

Raymond
hears them
to

who and them. intends

sleep
into

the the

Chalet.
kitchen then Le

say
us

good-night
the first tale and
,

M.
to

de write

Maupassant
will be in the
a

tells

he he

Moine words.

de

Fecamp
In
a

sketches he for

his had

subject
seen a

few

loft,
in

at

Fecamp,
retreat

monk,

who

had

Uved

that

years.
"

I heard
''

many the Monk how him

woman

curious
who
two
am

details

about

him,"
his

added

he,
I
saw

from that

brought
I
am

provisions.
sure

on

occasions,

he

does I my hear

not

suspect
to

going
new

to

touch

him and
we

up. when

intend tale

show about of

under this

colours,

is told
more

celebrated

fellow,

shall

nothing
We

the with

Est"rel

hermit." about these

all

laughed

him

strange

beings

3o8
who leave like you

GUY the the

DE

MAUPASSANT
haunts of
men,

customary
hermits of

to

live

in

desert
"

Egypt.
M. of
our

Do

recollect/'
ceremonies
me

said

de

Maupassant

to

me,

"

the

nocturnal also

Divonne which

neighboms
will
not

they
lost." On

furnished

with

facts

be

the

26th
to

in

the

afternoon,
a

my the I
was

master

told
to

me

he
He

was

about back
me

take
ten

walk

on

road

Grasse. He
once,

was

in

minutes

;
on

dressing.
me

called
so as

loudly,
tell A
me

insisting
he
a

seeing
on

at

to

what

had

seen

the

way

to

the had I

cemetery.
been the he

shadow,
of felt

phantom
sort

! of he

Certainly,
hallucination. would
not

he

victim
had

some

gathered
When and
a

frightened,
the

but he

say

so.

lunching
me

on

27th,

coughed
that

slightly; assuredly passed My

into

told

with of and does the that

not

the sole he

utmost

gravity
eating
die
to

fragment lungs,

he

was

had it I

his

might
me

of take

scanty

knowledge
I The the

allow
to

this very later made I

a

seriously.
hot he
tea.

simply
result

advise
was

him

drink
an

some

satisfactory,
to

hour and

took

path

leading
on

the the
one

harbour,
Bel- Ami. !
^

pleasant thought
five,
after

excursion it would
in be

board the last

little

He tired.

came

in at He
was

about better

good

spirits,but
well rubbed
as

feeling
down
;

being
took

rested

before

dinner,

and

his

meal

usual.

In

August by
of Count then

1893,
M.

"fttf

M. de

de

Maupassant's
who

death,
resold

the

Bel-Am

was

bought
the

Frederic

Neufville,
About 1900

it in it at St

July

1S95

to

Barth"l"my.
a

I found

Nazaire"

having

become

simple

fishing-boat.

SYMPTOMS
In the had
some

OF

ATAXY
me

309 my
out master

evening,Raymond told
trouble in

heid

he boat, evidently

in and getting had no longer the he lifted them

of the small of bis

or high,

command
too

l^s.

Now

and down

then
too

put them
On Madame from and the
:

to me

about
we was

plained rapidly.He already comthis difficulty in moving.

up had

28th there

lunched

at

Nice

as

mual

with

to rranark,except that nothing master

never

the hotise to the station my

that in the in evenii^, for my

spoke,

bis room, orders.

"

he

only said
gets

the few words December

necessary

in ihe eoentng. igth,five

My

master

into his bath. Dr

At that very instant in comes his friend him that my is in master Daremberg I inform
"

his bath.
"

I don't care," answers

see

he

merrily,
in the

"

am as

justas
in his

pleasedto
And
"

Maupassant

water

drawing-room."
he ^teis the bath-room.
"

he exclaims, don't take your Now, old fellow,"

out

hands and
we

of the water, the heart's in the ceremony I How

are

right place,
you ?
"

don't want

Two

resoimd in that unfurnished peals of laughter

the Doctor took I accompaniedhim leave,

place.
When the
"

to

gardai-door.
Your
a a

master." said he, "is of but he is attacked by constitution,

may
me

very

strong
that

malady

spare the brain. Stillhe has justrelat his travels in Tunisia with extraordinary
not
names

the dates, the mentioning

of the

he people

3IO

GUY

DE for

MAUPASSANT

without that
came

hunting

them,

Mrith

no

hesitation.
any trouble for
a

AH
;

spontaneously,
a man

without

he

spoke

like

who

has

nothing

to

fear

very my

long
good
On

time.

Therefore,

patience,

and

courage,

Fran"ois."
December
and boreaUs. the the

30th

there of

spread
the

over

the
a

Est"iel

mountains
aur"ra

all the

west master

sky
me

magnificent
take with

My

made
Littr"'s in all its M. de

him
we

path skirting
the with life.

Madame

garden.

There,

beheld

phenomenon
the view.

grandeur, nothing
seemed

interfered
to

Maupassant

enjoy
'*

never

saw,"
the Heavens I

he

exdaimed,
! It
seen

"

so

fairy-like
of the

an

aspect
orange blood-red

in

is like

none

pink'tis

auroras

have

elsewhere.

Look,

"

True, the sky

eyes
to
on

was

so

red few

it

was

impossible
My

to

fix one's tried

it
me

even

for

minutes.
how these and the

mast^

make

understand
with

wonderful

lights
fluid

(connected
near

electricity
arose.

magnetic

the On the

poles)
last

day

of December When he

he had

told taken

me

he his ^g
was

had and

slept
his
to

better

than tdd

usual.
me

tea, he

his he

friend, M.
would

Muterse,

coming
so

lunch,
and

and
his At

that

dress and

quickly,
before
sat

as

to

go

take

shower-bath
half

return

his
to
soon

guest's
table,
asked

arrival.

past twelve,
had
a

they

down

but
leave him.

my
to

master

headache,
as

and

go

to

his

room,

conversation

fatigued

Towards

three, my

master

is better

we

go

together

THE

MOSQUITOES
Bellevue. who
comes

311

towards

the

Villa

We
to

stop
char for There
to

where
us

Rose

stays
then

(the
at

woman

by day),
we

the
on a

Villa

Continentale.
which
are

make
our

inquiries
we

subject

has

do

with
or

rest,
rid
to

ask

how

mosquitoes
at

attracted

got
used

of. be

For

instance,

the

Villa

Continentale,
noisome

we

literally devoured
in
we

by these
we

insects, and
is

here

this
never

little chalet
see one.

inhabit

(which

quite close),

And,

yet exactly
at

as

at

the
we

villa, we
have the
even

have
a

ditch

with

pebbles
and
never an

the

bottom,
well of

wash-house but
we

uncovered

in

garden

have

beheld
Year's him nine has there fed
as

one

these

terrifying
"

insects. is up for his

at
we
seven.

New I

Day
his hot

1892.
water

^My
for
to

master

bring
the he
me

shaving,
go and
see

are

to
;

take but tells does

o'clock
some

train

mother He
.

difficulty in shaving
is
a

himsdf
and that

mist

before
to

his go
to

eyes, his
a

he
I eggs

not

well well that

as

enough
I
can.

mother's.

help
and I

him his

He him the

takes

couple
feels the
sun

of

tea,
his
room.

does open,

good,
air

he and

better. flow

throw the

window

into The

postman
"

comes,

he

reads he

few

letters
Then the

of

good

wishes,
come,

alvrays
master

the

same,"
goes

says.
to set

sailors them.

my them every

downstairs the
same

receive
sentence

hear

pronoimce year. fellows

are

they
of cerity, sinlove
to

repeat
these

But have

here,
an

at

least, the
of

voices

good they

accent
a

inimitable

addressing
interested

kind

patron
I also

they
went

"

^without

any

motive.

312 shake hands

GUY with

DE

MAUPASSANT
comrades both

my

by

sea

aat

land.
It is ten
"

he

asks

me

if I
"

am

ready
we

to

start.

Because,"
think take I
am

sighs he,
ill."

if

don't

go,

my

mothez-

will We

the

train
out

during
on

the
sea,

short it is
a

journey

M.

de

Maupassant
under He sail.
over

looks

the

beautifully
east

blue

the observes And the

purest
this absorbed papers him. de

of

skies, with
weather the

good
be tells

wind for
a

bright by

would he
see

perfect
me

view,

to

glance likely

and

tell

him

if I

anything

to

interest At Madame

Maupassant's
he his
eats

I with

cook
a

and

serve

the There his

lunch,
were

apparently
his

good

appetite.
and of. has
was

mother,

sister-in-law, his niece

whom has he been is very
too

aunt,
a

Madame

d'Hamois,
when his
so

fond

Many sought

time,
this

heart
as

full, he
She
to

lady out, gifted

him.
came
we

to

confide

in her. her

naturally
and console The
to
so

in

way

that

enabled

pity

carriage
station
to

to

fetch
a

us

at

four of

on

our

way grapes

the
as

bought
the usual

large
grape his

box
cure.

white At the

continue

chalet,
a

M. shirt

de
on

Maupassant
to

changes

clothes,
and with

puts
as

silk usual

be

more

comfortable,
a

dines
cream,

eating
vanilla
Till of the

the

wing

of

chicken, endive
a

and
water.

souffl", with
ten,
he walks

glass

and

half

of mineral
to

from

the

drawing-room
to

the

end

dining-room,
of
a

occasionally coming
has
two

the

kitchen,
he

the

door

which
or

been
to

left

open. and

Sometimes
to
me.

throws

word

Raymond

314

GUY
master

DE

MAUPASSANT

'
bat When did the
not vittex
a

My

poor

was

quite
doctor.

calm

single word
left he
a

before
me

the he

latter
"

bad such gstn^

told
"

how

regretted having
us so

done He

thing
hand

and
to

causing

much
me

worry.
;

his
our

Raymond
for of
as

and what

to

he

wanted
;

to

forgiveness
the

he

had

done his

he

fal eyes

"

j "

"

Ti^."

all

depth
upon
us

his

misfortune;
were

large
some

fixed
of

if he

requesting
of

woixis

consolation,
In
moments

if

possible,
these
them

hope.
that time it
seems

like

(so painful
a

we

could
our

not

undergo

second the

without that ? I

losing
enables continued
master

reason)
us

whence

comes

strength
itself

to to

struggle
try
and

against
comfort

evidence
my poor J

wounded could him find.

some

with

all the them

soothing expressions
twenty
times,
to

repeated
he At

they
the his

did
most

good, hopes.
he

dung
last

desperately
his
head

insane

of

drooped,

eyelids dosed,

slept. Raymond

leaning
he had

on

the

foot all
to

of the

bed,

was

totally
was

exhausted,
as

done him

he take

could;
a

he

pale
which

death.

I advised then

little rum,

he his
our

did, and
eyes

terrible

sobs

burst We

from
both

him,
watched he had of

though
over

remained
master
one

quite dry.
;

good
on

never

stirred, for
;

put

hand him

of did

my
not

arms

was

so

afraid had

waking
the the

that

we

even

speak.
dark,
. .

We
we

turned
on

lamps

down,

and

in

the

reflected

irreparable misfortune.
How many the

thoughts
latter

passed
of that

through night
I

my

brain

during

part

Sometimes,

HOPES
I wished all
to
was

FOR and

RECOVERY
my Then life at I
to
an

315

over,
. .

end,
to to

it

was

so

difficult since
my

live.
.

tried

hope

again,
the
not

master

was

able he had

reason, ;

realise
vras

senselessness

of what I

done

his dint

mind of
to

dead;
I and

so

might
myself
state

still I

hope.
should

By
be

argmnent,
cure

persuaded
that it the

able in

him,
I

his
was

would he

improve
should talked Maine
to

time.
leave in
us,

told

myself only
terms

impossible
before,
his he

thus
to
us

when,
lucid his
me

day

such
and

about

work,
I this

his

de do

Fecamp
all that
one

Angelus. lay
of
to

Anyhow,

resolved

in

fight against
de be

evil, which,

when

thought

M.

Maupassant's
cured. he

powerful constitution, assuredly

might
When

awoke,
Bernard

at

eight,
came;

was

convinced
was

he

would
at

get

better.
of
our

he had
to
see

terrified
most
was

the

sight pale
it it
was

patient,
his I asked

he

become if he wished

awfully
no,

; I touched

hand him

feverish,
to

cool. the beat

if he

take

his him

tea,
an

was

hour. up in in

He
tea
a

hardly replied ;
which he of

I offered

egg he

accepted.

By

twelve,

was

still
to

state

complete
his

prostration,

different in-

everything;

calmness

frightened

me.
. . .

The open
on

telegram
the

that

came

on

that

fatal the

night

remained
name

table

; it was

signed by My
not

Christian relative it.

But Is of

of

the

ill-omened
it and
at

lady.
it,did

master's

who I had
one

opened
shuddered believe forces ?

read the

understand
that

sight
In

of

signature.
action
of the
most

to

in

fatality?
Why
did the

the

secret

hostile terrible

good wishes

3i6
enemy
moment

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

of my
when

master's existence reach him his mind splendid

was

just at

th^

threatened?

It is a

mystery !
the next, my
master
as

During all that day, and

mained ifexhausted. He sat up at
"

o'clock in the evening. eight said he with feverish excitement, Fran"ois," is declared."

''

onlyto start the next day. How," said he, astounded by my resistance, you want to delay wher it is urgentthat we my departure, should immediately take action ! It has alwaysbeen understood between us that we should stand together
" ''

war you tired ? We are off, I answered that we were

to avenge at any

our

country! You know

we

we
"

must

try for it,

should

and price,

shall succeed !
me swear

True, he had made

there be
war

to follow him
; we
were

Germany against
me

to go

together

and defend the eastern frontier.

jomneys, he always gave

to take
enormous care

Duringour numerous his n"litary certificate

of, for fear this should be lost in the

It
was

was

of papers he possessed. quantity and late, getting my poor master persisted

irritatedby my

delay. The
not admit

situation

was

coming be-

he could difficult,
our

that I should vent prethe R ose, charwoman, departure.Luckily,

influence over appeared. She had a most surprising She was with a tall woman him, so much authority. marked features like those of a Neapolitan, with curly hair. All she said impressed him, he followed greyish her advice without Next

it. disputing
nurse, sent

day

the male

from

Dr

Blanche's

1^-

TO
t

DR

BLANCHE
and I
was

AT able
to

PASSY
to

317 Cannes. I

asylton,
called
at

arrived,
our

go

butcher's and
to

to

apprise
him

him the took

of my mournful up the

ing approachnews.

departure,
He
...

give
a

was

cutting
it down several with

up

sheep,

bill I

was

to

pay.

put

and

remained His
to

perfectly
wife him
"

dumbwhat

foundered
was
"

for
matter

minutes.

asked
to

the

him, trying
he

recall

reality.
cannot

Nothing,
what

nothing,"
has

answered,
told
a me.

but

believe
I
saw

just

been times But

That in the and

gentleman
direction of walk
was a

going by
harbour,
that
to

several

day,

the
was

has.
. . .

his brisk

steady
it his

of
see

man

full I

of have he ."

life, and
read
was a

health,
some

delight
and what The

him.

of

tales,
Ah !

loved
a

him

dearly,
. .

great

writer.

misfortune.

good

fellow's
to

heart eyes,

was

too

full, he
not

put

his his

handkerchief
tears

his

and

could

keep

back.
have
"

"We

been is the

married
first time

fifteen I have

years,"
seen

said

his

wife,
I

and

this

him Rose As

weep."
and
to

think
are

it is the with my

sixth

of

January.
who is calm. like
an

the
me,

keeper
I
am

master,
I
move

not moment

quite conscious,
I

automaton,

but

the I
am

glance

at

the he

patient, reality re-appears.

may
war
...

constantly
about

fearing
to

return

to

our

cussion dis-

going

the

it

is

strange

hallucination.
Now
we are

in
are

sleeping
to to

car,

attached

to

the
at

Paris

Rapide
where

we

going
is
on

Dr

Blanche's and

house

Passy,
cured.
no

my is

master

stay,

perhaps
couch,

be

He

lying

there

the

central

showing

318

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT lamb. the The Est"rel

on

agitation,and
we
are

quiet

as

train

rushes

"kaog
I opes
caxxnot
aa

going
and

through
put my

moiintams.

standing,
I

ha^d
thrown that

the into
not

door,
space fall

it flies !
out

just

escape how

bemg
it wa$ the

Out

I
!

even

tell had

I did and
was

IVhea sdf-

dosed

door,

r^^aining
:
"
"

my

possession, the
"

keeper spoke
had
an

to

me

You

have you
to
were

escape
to

I
no

said doubt your

he,
because care/'

"

it

was

written

not

die,

3^001

master,
I
was

get well

again, requires
these

struck

by

words,

and

felt

my

courage

revive.

Passy,
first he

January
my
master

the

yth.
"

^During
he
seems

the very

whole

of and

that

day

rests

tired

yet
. . .

has Three

slept during days

after
came

the
our

greater part of the

arrival eleven
at

journey.

this

private as3dum,
in the

Dr M.

Blanche de

at
was

o'clock his

morping.
After

Maupassant

b^;im)ing
and
sat

breakfast. hands remained different with

saying
the

good-morning
doctor meal. He

shaking
down,
and
on

him, present

celebrated
the

during

spoke

subjects,
answered

putting unexpected
them

questions.
the purpose. and the

My

master

all, quite
knew Dr

to

I must

add in

that
esteeuL

he

already
"Your
*'

Blanche,
said ask

held

him

high

master,"
all that my let
..
"

doctor which is

when
a

he

left,

does

you

him,

good
all

thing. hope
is

He
not

answered
lost I

questions quite correctly,

us

wait." comforted
man, me,

This this

hopeful
excellent made

speech

and whose

blessed

white-haired
me

worthy

countenance

trust

him

at

once.

320

GUY
of his

DE

MAUPASSANT

despaired
mental
"

illustrious

patient's recovering

\"\
hopt]
bel
mac

balance. is not
so

If he

well/' thought
leave him

I,
here I

''

if there ? We

is

no

of much

curing him,
better suffice

why
in
to

should

the watch he

country,
over

and

another

would

him,
shows other

since any
to

though

he

has

hallucinations, True,
the he did

never

opposition.
go away it/'
pletely com-

tell he
no

me

the

day

but

next

day

longer thought
"

about

June

17th, 1892.
agrees with

Madame
me.

de She would

Maupassant
like
a

different

sort

of

arrangement

for

her been

son's tried

well-being.
. . .

July
on

15/A.
"

^All has of my

with and

this of been

intention his aunt, full of

the

part

master's who welfare.

mother has

Madame

d'Hamois,
about his the

always
But,
to
man our

solicitude
it is

great
must

r^iret
remain

impossible,
up, the
me

unfortunate

shut

buried

alive. I
was

On
received
"

day

told

of

this
:

decision, my

master

with when all

are
so

these

words shall
we

Fran"ois,
I have

return

rue

Boccador,
? And The
me

where

require
as

for
as

dressing
my books. for shall

my food would be

manuscripts
you know

there,
well

well
to

how

prepare here I

strengthen
cured I find As
rue was

me,

whereas

never

I"

obliged
word in

to

listen

to

this without
it
not

being

able

to

reply.
that

Was
we

heart-breaking?
soon

usual, I promised
Boccador. with the I must
same

should
the doctors
one

return

to

the

say

always
them

treated
one

me

kindness,

of

day

FLASHES

OF
to

GOOD

SENSE of

321 I had been in

questioned
lif
.

me

as

the

length

time

de
"

Maupassant's
said
you, ."
. . "

service.
after poor
a

Yes/'

he my

short

conversation,
what

"

understand have ?

fellow, but

would

you

September. returning
the
to

^Now his

my
.

master

no

longer speaks day

he asks
me

of for

home.
. .

One had
so

ivory carving

he

mysteriously given
which of of both he

away, does
to

and
not

smiles, notwithstanding
know what has him become
to

declares
he of

he
turns

it.
the

Then truth amiable

Baron,
said.^

taking
This

witness
was

what

he

keeper,

who

and

yield*
become

ing, understanding
a

his the

profession perfectly, had

favourite
"

with

patient.
M.

Certainly, Fran"ois,"
he recollects
as

de

Maupassant's perfectly,

memory and many

is

good,

that

detail
have the

other

things
"

you go of
are

may
into it.

observed."

October.
weather

^We

garden
days fogs
M. and
on

every

time

the and

allows
;

The

grow the

shorter shores of

darker Seine. his time

I up
a came

there It is not in the

already to-day,

the

fine

de

Maupassant plays

spends

drawing-room
and

billiards. I took I
am are

home,

being
master's is think
near

alone

in the

evening,
I pause
His
as

volume I

of my

works.
me.
. . .

reading,
so

fancy

he I

writings
is about

like

himself,
my

he I

is there
see

and

to

pronounce life into

name;

his

gestures
to
me

putting
with

his

tales, he
he
had

is when

present
he

the
of his

hearty
readers.

laugh

spoke

to

me

See

Chapter

XI.

322

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT

Yes, alas ! I live the old days over

me distinctly my master giving
''

again,I
'

his usual order.

to

this afternoon you will cany my aitkk Fran"ois, the Gil Bias, I hopetheywillbe pleased, since they
"

"

love merry ones ! Then he would have child

burst of hearty like laughter,

with havingaccomplished its task. pleased On Easter Monday (April yd, 1893). I was in tfae He has gro^m gardenwith my master and the nurse. much thinner during that longwinter, and his walk is lesssteady. We sitdown on a bench under a chestnut, the rays of the sun glimmer the young leaves. through all,my master still enjoys the Notwithstanding
"

revival of Nature, he looks at the fresh green

out stretching

lawn

before

us

; it is such

rest for one's

eyes.

I make

him admire the with

beautyof a young

shmb
are

alreadycrowned
almost white.
"

leaves variegated
"

that

Yes/' he

cannot

prettytree,but it be compared with my white "tretat poplais,

answers,
a

that is

when particularly When in this

the east wind blows."

garden,enclosed by severe-looking

walks we have taken walk, I think of the numerous in the pure free air, I seem on the mountains, together to see us both on the top of Moimt Renard, when he

would
Rosa.

out to point showing me

me

with his

cane

the Swiss and

tains, moun-

Chamonix, Zermatt
on

Monte

I also recollectthat it was

with
not

certain embarrassment

spot he told me, a r^ret he did betra}"ng

that

had been broken that his intended marriage confess,

RESl

"TOO
ofi Ah

MUCH
account

OF
of these how

AN

ARTIST"

323

partly
I had been

on

travels

in

Switzerland.
would been

he !

but

married,
the

different
who No
was

his fate
to

have

I know

lady

have

his wife, her have steadied

out.

is great. intelligence

doubt

sh^ would
his

her

husband,
poor
to master

have

prevented
would
not

wearing
become

himself

My

have

paralysed, destined
but his he would have his

end

his

days

in

lunatic

asylum,
of
near

become works I

the would

most

fertile writer
been
so

time;

and
! One

have this

perfection
mine
"

day

mentioned

impression

of

to

Dr

Blanche.

Guy
of

de
an

Maupassant,''
artist
to

answered I
"

he,

"

was

too

much For

marry I

the but

moment

thought

the

doctor

was

perhaps
recollected

right,
how the that
to

after my

reflecting a
master was,

little,when
how I
came

kind

easily
to

influenced the

by

suggestions
a woman

of

the

heart,
to

conclusion

appealing
mind,
.
.

the

delicacy
have

of his

feelings,
she

his

splendid
with him

would

done

what

chose

"

Of
escapes

what his

use

was

it to That

look of

backwards M. de

No

one
was

destiny.
a

Maupassant
his fate

altered
he
was

by

meeting
to

which
the
our

determined

when-

about
we

take from with

usual

step.
we

As

returned

walk,
kinds of

passed
birds.
about interested

before

the it is

aviaries, filled
Baron
feathered who

all

Here,
all

converses

with
he these is
so

master

these He
;

creatures

much
of the

in.

is well-versed M. de

in

matters

the

poultry-yard
listens

Maupassant
to

recognises

fact, and

with

pleasure

his

explanations.

324 When

GUY

DE

MAUPASSANT
he evening than gave
me

hand,
nevo-

I left my master in the sadder and seemed even left the

his bad
:

nsaal.

As

I happened befcne,

^d
my

I fed

moie

placewith a heavy heart deeplythe hoirois of that tomb

was

where

dear master

biiiied alive.

It is the end. On

passed away July 3rd, 1893,M. de Hai^iassant gloomy retreat,alas

task is ended. I far from
me.
. . .

in that

My

I have

told the little X know

about M. de

book, the
may

Maupassant. May thissincere and homble with my faithful echo of a long intimacy
few useful details to those who full light the works and the

a master, give departed

endeavour to

in {dace

of that peisooality

wonderful writer.

lia":
"

Si:

^l

3'