第701页 / 共1118页

Lucy has no longer any need of me; she is under good protection;

and, after so many fatigues, I may claim the right to take some

repose.-But, should my lord be seized with the desire to know all

her story, and I be compelled to relate the affair of the

marriage! there would then be nothing wanting to complete my

misery. And if he should visit my parish! Oh! let come what will,

I will not torment myself beforehand! I have cares enough. For

the present I shall shut myself up at home. But I foresee too

well that my last days must be passed in trouble and vexation."

The little troop arrived before the services of the church were

over; and passing, as they had previously done, through the

crowd, they proceeded to the house of Lucy's companion.