Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/339

 Almost heart-broken, and utterly discontented with herself and every one else, de Scuderi scarcely wished to live any longer in a world haunted by such abominable deceit and hypocrisy. She complained bitterly of her capricious destiny, which had granted to her so many years, during which her reliance on her own judgment in distinguishing between vice and virtue had remained unshaken, and now, in her old age, had at once annihilated, as if in scorn and mockery, all the beautiful illusions by which her spirits had been hitherto supported; for with whom had she ever thought herself more secure than with this unfortunate girl? While she was thus occupied, it chanced that she overheard some conversation between Madelon and la Martiniere. She could distinguish that the former said, in a low, soft voice, "Alas! and she too has been deluded at last by the cruel men! Oh wretched Madelon!—Poor, unfortunate Olivier!" The tone in which these words were uttered struck de Scuderi to the heart, and again she felt, involuntarily, an apprehension that there might be some hidden mystery, which, if revealed, would completely prove Brusson's innocence; and, tormented by this conflict of impressions, she could not help exclaiming,—"What demon has involved me in this affair, which becomes so intolerable that it will actually cost me my life!"

Just then Baptiste came into the room, pale and trembling, with the intelligence that Desgrais was at the door, and demanded instant admittance. Since the trial of the abominable la Voisin, the appearance of this officer at any house was the sure sign of some criminal accusation, and on this account the faithful porter had been so terrified. De Scuderi, however, smiled very composedly. "What is the matter with you, Baptiste?" said she; "perhaps you think my name has been discovered on la Voisin's catalogue?" "God forbid," answered Baptiste; "how can your ladyship speak of such a thing? But, still, the horrible man, Desgrais, talks and looks so mysteriously, and he is so urgent, that it seems as if he had not a single moment to wait your leisure." "Well, then," answered