Page:Novels of Honoré de Balzac Volume 23.djvu/315

 of July, when the doctor had checked Ursule’s nervous fever, and just when she was plucking up courage once more, a rope-ladder was found fastened to her window. The postilion who had driven the night mail declared that a little man was about to climb down just as he was passing; and that, in spite of his desire to stop, his horses—having started down the incline of the bridge at whose corner Ursule’s house stood—had carried him well on beyond Nemours. One opinion originating in the Dionis circle attributed these manoeuvres to the Marquis du Rouvre, then in great difficulties, Massin having bills of exchange upon him, and who, by the speedy marriage of his daughter to Savinien would, so it was said, preserve his château Du Rouvre from his creditors. It was said that Madame de Portenduère was delighted at anything that could expose, discredit or disgrace Ursule; but, in the presence of this early death, the old lady found herself almost vanquished. The Curé Chaperon was so keenly affected by this last trick, that he felt sufficiently ill to remain at home for a few days. Poor Ursule, who had suffered a relapse from this odious attempt, received a letter from the curé through the post, which they had not refused upon recognizing the handwriting:

“MY CHILD,

“Leave Nemours, and so defeat the malice of your unknown enemies. Perhaps they are trying to endanger Savinien’s life. I will tell you more when I am able to go and see you.”