194
DEATH IN LIFE .
to the vaults beneath the chapel. If at any to see that I fulfill the conditions of my hustime she fails to be within that chamber when band's will ; but let me be relieved from your the hour of eight in the evening arrives, or presence, which is hateful to me." She swept should leave it before the hour of six in the from the room with the haughty air of an inmorning, she will immediately forfeit all that I sulted queen, and Philip was left raging with have herein bequeathed to her, which will be- mortification and anger. And Vivienne, once in her own apartment, come the property of my nearest kinsman, Philip de Saint Evremonde, or his heirs. This the young marquise lay prostrate before the condition I annex for reasons which my wife shrine in her little oratory, weeping, tremwill understand , and in the belief that a pure bling, praying for strength and courage to conscience, and a devout spirit can make her pass through the ordeal before her. Elise and Marion, her favorite attendants, found her in happy even in that dismal chamber. '999 The voice of the notary ceased abruptly, and this frightful state, and it was many minutes Philip started from his seat. With a cry of before she could answer their frightened queshorror Vivienne had risen from her chair, and tions . At last, under promise of strict secrecy, then fallen back again ghastly pale, and with Vivienne confided to them the terrible provision closed eyes . But she had not fainted. The of her husband's will, and rising with inforced sound of Philip's hated voice, as he directed calmness, she began to make preparations for the notary to summon her attendants, recalled going to her gloomy resting-place. "Madame, you shall not go alone . We will her to herself. She opened her eyes, and her breath came in long, gasping sighs. stay with you," cried both the attached women. Vivienne shook her head mournfully. Oh ! it was so cruel, so terrible a revenge ! She must fulfill the condition, for her mother "I must remain there alone, " she said ; "that would die if she were removed from the cha- is the condition." " Then I will spend the night in the chapel. teau; and Vivienne knew from the pitiless , triumphant look in the eyes of the bad man I will sleep on the threshold ofyour chamber!" near her, that he would turn them both out to exclaimed Elise, vehemently. starve without scruple or regret. "No, Elise, " said Vivienne, with quivering Even in the first instant of her horror and lips. " I shall be safe there. Heaven will prosurprise, she determined that her dying mother tect me. On you, Elise and Marion, do I rely should never know the condition upon which to take care of my dear mother, and, above all, she was allowed to live on in tranquil ease and to conceal from her the cause of my absence. luxury. " I shall only have to bear it for a Tell her that I am very weary to- night, and little while," thought Vivienne. " Then my have gone to rest. I cannot see her now." dear mother will be at rest, and I shall seek "May we not go with you, madame, and make refuge in a convent. Only a little while ! Oh, that terrible place more fit for your occupaheaven! give me strength to bear it for my tion ?" asked Elise, and without waiting for an answer, she began to collect the rich shawls dying mother's sake." Then the young marquise rose from her chair and silken quilts that lay on the couch of the with quiet dignity, and turning to Saint Evre- { marquise. The great clock of the chateau boomed out monde, said calmly, " Monsieur, I am ready to fulfill the condition . It is hard- but I shall the hour of half-past seven. Vivienne started find strength for it." at the sound, and followed by her attendants, "Nay, madame, it is too hard ! " he cried, hurried through hall and passage till the chapelcatching her hand, and gazing into her face door was reached. passionately. "That such loveliness should be Darkness had long ago gathered in the silent condemned to a living burial is intolerable ! chapel, and the lamp that burned constantly There is a way to escape it. Become my wife-" before the altar shone out like a star amidst But Vivienne's hand was snatched from his black clouds. grasp, her eyes flashed, and her cheek crimFor a moment Vivienne prostrated herself soned with anger and resentment. near the altar, and her lips moved in prayer; "Monsieur, you insult me!" she cried, in then she opened with a trembling hand the clear, steady tones, without one shade of fear heavy door of the vaulted chamber, and stood or irresolution. "I would rather be buried again amidst its shadows, and its chill and alive in the vaults themselves than become your clinging vapors. "Madame! Madame! You will die here! Oh! wife . Monsieur, I desire that you leave my house. Appoint as many persons as you please is there no help ? Must you stay here ?" sobbed
