Classic Audiobook Collection - The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Farjeon ~ Full Audiobook [mystery]

Starting point is 00:00:00 The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargin. Section 1 Book 1 The Trial of Gautran Chapter 1 Only a Flower Girl The feverish state of excitement into which Geneva was thrown was not caused by a proclamation of war,

Starting point is 00:00:23 a royal visit, a social revolution, a religious wave, or an avalanche. It was simply that a man was on his trial for murder. There is generally, in Geneva, a rational, if not a philosophical foundation for a social upheaving. Unlike the people of most other countries, the population did not care to play a blind game of Follow My Leader. They prefer to think for themselves, and their leaders must be men of Mark. intellect is passionately welcomed. Pretenders find their proper level. What then, in a simple trial for murder, had caused the excitement? Had the accused moved in a high station? Was he a poet, a renowned soldier,

Starting point is 00:01:12 a philanthropist, a philosopher, or a priest loved for his charities and the purity of his life? none of these he was gautran a woodman and a vagabond of the lowest type it would be natural therefore to seek for an explanation in the social standing of his victim a princess probably or at least a lady of quality on the contrary a common flower girl who had not two pair of shoes to her feet seldom had a trial taken place in which the interest manifested had been so absorbing while it was proceeding the questions which men and women asked freely of each other were what news from the court-house how many days longer is it likely to last has the monster confessed what will the verdict be do you think it possible he can escape why did the famous advocate undertake the defense in fashionable assemblies and in cafes where the people drank their logger and red wine in clubs and workshops on steamboats and diligences in the fashionable assemblies in the fairs where the people drank their logger and red wine in clubs and workshops on steamboats and diligences in the fields and vineyards. On high roads and by-roads, the trial of Gautran formed the principal topic of conversation and debate, to the almost utter exclusion of trade and science and politics,

Starting point is 00:02:47 and of a new fashion in hats which was setting the women of adjacent countries crazy. So animated were the discussions that the girl, lying in her grave, might have been supposed to be closely related to half the inhabitants of Geneva, instead of having been, as she was, a comparative stranger in the town, with no claim upon any living Genevese on the score of kinship, the evidence against the prisoner was overwhelming, and it appeared as though a spirit of personal hatred had guided its preparation. With deadly patience and skill, the prosecution had blocked every,

Starting point is 00:03:28 loophole of escape. Gartran was fast in the meshes, and it was observed that his counsel, the advocate, in the line he adopted, elicited precisely the kind of evidence which, in the judgment of those who listened to him now for the first time, strengthened the case against the man he was defending. "'Ah,' said the observers, "'this great advocate shares the horror of the murderer in his crime and has undertaken the defense for the purpose of ensuring a conviction, a conclusion which could only occur to uninformed minds. There were others, among them, the prosecuting counsel, the judge, and the members of the legal profession who thronged the court, who, with a better knowledge

Starting point is 00:04:18 of the advocate's marvelous resources and the subtle quality of his intellect, were inspired with the gravest doubts as to the result of the trial. This remarkable man, who gazed before him with calm, thoughtful eyes, whose face was a mask upon which no trace of inward emotion could be detected, was to them at once a source of perplexity and admiration. Instances were cited of trials in which he had been engaged, in the course of which he had seemed to play so directly into the hands of his antagonists that defeat was not dreamt of until they were startled by the discovery that he had led them into an ambush where, at the supreme moment, victory was snatched from their grasp. And when it was too late to repair

Starting point is 00:05:10 their error, they were galled by the reflection that the advocate had so blinded their judgment and so cloaked his designs that he had compelled them to contribute large. to their own discomfiture. It was in the acknowledgement of these extraordinary powers that the doubt arose whether Gautran would not slip through the hands of justice. Every feature of the case and the proceedings, whether picturesque or horrible, that afforded scope for illustration by pen and pencil, was pressed into the service of the public, whose appetite for such fare is regarded as immoderate and not. over nights by special correspondence and artists. Descriptions and sketches of the river and its banks, of the poor home of the unfortunate flower girl, of the room in which she had slept, of her habits and demeanor, of her dress, of her appearance alive and dead, and, as a contrast, of Gautran and his vile surroundings, not a detail was allowed to. to escape. It was impossible, without favor or influence, to obtain admission to the court in which

Starting point is 00:06:29 the trial was held, and, could seats have been purchased, a higher price would willingly have been paid for them than the most celebrated actress or prima donna could have commanded. Murders are common enough, but this crime had feverishly stirred the heart of the community, and its strangest feature was that the excitement was caused not so much by the murder itself as by an accidental connection which imparted to it its unparalleled interest. The victim was a young girl, 17 years of age, who, until a few months before her cruel and untimely death, had been a stranger in the neighborhood. Nothing was known of the story of her life. When she first appeared in the suburbs of Geneva, she was accompanied by a woman much older than herself, and two facts made themselves immediately apparent, that a strong attachment existed between the newcomers and that they were very poor.

Starting point is 00:07:35 The last circumstance was regarded as a sufficient indication that they belong to the lower classes. The name of the younger of the women was Madeline, the name of the elder, Pauline. That they became known simply by these names, Madeline and Pauline, was not considered singular by those with whom they consorted. As they presented themselves, so they were accepted. Some said they came from the mountains, some from the plains.

Starting point is 00:08:09 But this was guesswork. Their dress did not proclaim their canton, and they brought nothing with them to be betray them. To the question asked of them, What are you? Pauline replied, Cannot you see? We are common working people. They hired a room in a small cottage for three francs a month and paid the first month's rent in advance,

Starting point is 00:08:37 and their landlady was correct in her surmise that these three francs constituted nearly the whole of their wealth. She was curious to know how to tell you. how they were going to live, for, though they called themselves working people, the younger of the two did not seem to be fitted for hard work, or to be accustomed to it. For a few days, they did nothing, and then their choice of avocation was made. They sold flowers in the streets and cafes of Geneva, and gained no more than a scanty living thereby. The woman in whose cottage they lived, said she was surprised they did not make a deal of money, as much because

Starting point is 00:09:20 of Madeline's beauty as of their exquisite skill in arranging their posies. Had Pauline traded alone, it is likely that failure would have attended her, for notwithstanding that she was both comely and straight maid, there was always in her eyes the watchful look of one who mistrusts honeyed words from strangers, and sees her. a snare in complimentary phrases. It was otherwise with Madeline, in whose young life, nature's fairest season was opening, and it would have been strange indeed of her smiling face and winning manners had not attracted custom. This smiling face and these winning manners were not an intentional part of the trade she followed. They were natural gifts. Adoration pursued her,

Starting point is 00:10:14 not only from those in her own station in life but from some who occupied a hire and many an insidious proposal was whispered in her ear whose poisonous flattery would have beguiled her to a ruin if she had not had in pauline a staunch and devoted protector it is hard to say whether she could have resisted temptation for her nature was singularly gentle and confiding but her faithful companion was ever on the alert and no false wooer could cope to win his way to madeline's heart while pauline was near one gave gold for flowers and was about to depart with a smile at the success of his first move when pauline with her hand on his sleeve stopped his way you have made a mistake she said tendering the gold the flowers you have taken are worth but half a franc there is no mistake he said airily the gold is yours for beauty's sake i prefer silver she said gazing steadily at him for fair dealing's sake he took back his gold and gave her silver with a taunting remarked that she was a poor hand at her trade she made no reply to this but there was a world of meaning in her eyes as she turned to madeline with a look of mingled anxiety and tenderness and yet she desired money yearningly desired it for the sake of her young charge but she would only earn it honestly or receive it from those of whom she had a right to ask she guarded madeline as a mother guards her young and their effect

Starting point is 00:12:09 for each other grew into a proverb. Certainly no harm could befall the young flower girl while Pauline was by her side. Unhappily, a day arrived when the elder of the women was called away for a while. They parted with tears and kisses, never to meet again. Chapter 2 The Arrival of the Advocate. Among those whom Madeline's beauty had attracted was a man in a common way of life, Gautran, a woodman, who followed her with dogged persistence. That his company was distasteful to this bright young creature could not be doubted, but he was not to be shaken off, and his ferocity of character deterred others from approaching the girl when he was present. Many times had he been heard to say,

Starting point is 00:13:05 Madeline belongs to me. Let me see who is bold enough to dispute it. And again and again that it would go hard with the man who stepped between him and the girl he loved. Even Pauline was loath to anger him and seemed to stand in fear of him. This was singular enough, for when he and Madeline were seen together, people would say, There go the wolf and the lamb! this wretch it was who stood accused of the murder of the pretty flower girl her body had been found in the river rhone with marks of violence upon it and a handkerchief tightly twisted round its neck the proofs of a cruel murder were incontestable and suspicion fell immediately upon gottran who was the last person known to be in madeline's company evidence of his guilt was soon forthcoming he was madly brutally in love with her and madly brutally jealous of her on the night of the murder they had been seen walking together on the bank of the river

Starting point is 00:14:18 gotran had been heard to speak in a high tone and his exclamation i will kill you i will kill you was sworn to by witnesses and the handkerchief round her neck belonged to him a thousand damning details were swiftly accumulated all pointing to the wretch's guilt and it was well for him that he did not fall into the hands of the populace so incensed were they against him that they would have torn him to pieces not in all geneva could there be found a man or a woman who by the holding up of a finger would have besought mercy for him regret was openly expressed that the death punishment for murder was not lawful some satisfaction however being derived from the reflection that in times gone by certain heinous crimes had brought upon the criminals a punishment more terrible than death they should chain the monster by the waist said a man so that he cannot lie down and can only move one step from the stake gautran deserves worse than that but while he lay in prison awaiting the day of trial there arrived in geneva an advocate of renown who had traveled thither with his wife in search of much-needed repose from years of continuous mental toil this man was famous in many countries he was an indefatigable and earnest worker and so important were his services deemed that phenomenal fees were frequently paid to secure them but notwithstanding the exceeding value of his time he had been known to refuse large sums of money in cases offered to him in order to devote himself to others which held out no prospect of pecuniary reward

Starting point is 00:16:20 wealthy and held in almost exaggerated esteem both for his abilities and the cold purity of his life it was confidently predicted that the highest honors of the state were in store for him and it was ungrudgingly admitted so far above his peers did he stand that the loftiest office would be dignified by association with his name the position he had attained was due as much to his intense enthusiasm in the cause he championed as to his wondrous capacity for guiding it to victory as leader of a forlorn hope he was unrivalled he had an insatiable appetite for obstacles criminal cases of great moment in which life and liberty were in imminent peril and in which there was a dark mystery to be solved possessed an irresistible fascination for him. Labor such as this was a labor of love and afforded him the keenest pleasure. The more intricate the task,

Starting point is 00:17:31 the closer his study of it, the deeper the mystery, the greater his patience in the unraveling of it. The more powerful the odds against him, the more determined his exertions to win the battle. His microscopic, penetrating mind detected the minutest flaw, seized the smallest detail

Starting point is 00:17:54 likely to be of advantage to him, and frequently, from the most trivial thread, he spun a strand so strong as to drag the ship that was falling to pieces to a safe and secure haven. His satisfaction at these achievements was unbounded, but he rarely allowed an expression

Starting point is 00:18:15 of exultation to escape him. His outward tranquility, even in supreme crises, was little less than marvelous. His nerve was of iron, and to his most intimate associates, his inner life was a sealed book. Accompanied by his wife, the advocate entered Geneva and alighted at one of the principal hotels, four days before that on which the trial of Gautran was to command. Chapter 3 The Advocate's wife insists upon having her way. Their arrival was expected. The moment they were shown into a private room,

Starting point is 00:18:59 the proprietor of the hotel waited upon them, and with obsequious boughs welcomed them to Geneva. A letter has been awaiting, my lord, said this magnate, the whiteness of whose linen was dazzling. had been considering all the morning whether he should address the great advocate as your lordship or your eminence or your highness and had decided upon the first since yesterday evening the advocate in silence received the letter in silence read it then handed it to his wife who also read it with a careless and supercilious air which deeply impressed the landlord will my lord and my lady said this official honor us by remaining long in our town the best rooms in the establishment are at their disposal the advocate glanced at his wife who answered for him we shall remain for a few hours only despair was expressed in the landlord's face as he left the room overwhelmed with the desolation caused by this announcement

Starting point is 00:20:14 the letter which he had delivered to the advocate ran as follows comrade whom i have never seen but intimately know welcome were it not that i am a cripple and physically but half a man represented fortunately by the upper moiety of my body i should come in person to shake you by the hand as it is i must wait till you take up your quarters in christian almer's villa, in our quiet village, where I spend my days and nights, extracting what amusement I can from the foibles and weaknesses of my neighbors. My father was steward to Christian Almmer's father, and I succeeded him, for the reason that the office, during the latter years, and after the death of the elder Alma, was a sinecure. Otherwise, another steward would have had to be found, for my labors lay elsewhere. But since the day on which I became a mere bit of animated lumber, unable of my own will to move about, and confined within the narrow limits of this sleepy valley,

Starting point is 00:21:27 I have regarded the as an important slice of good fortune. Albeit there was nothing whatever to do except to cause myself to be wheeled past Christian Almers' villa on fine days, for the purpose of satisfying myself that no thief had run away with its rusty gates. Then came an urgent letter from young Almer, whom I have not beheld since he was a lad of nine or ten, begging of me to put the house in order for you and your lady, to whom I, as an old gallant, am already in spirit devoted. And when I heard that it was for you the work was to be done,

Starting point is 00:22:09 doubly did I deem myself fortunate in not having thrown up my stewardship in my years of active life. All then is ready in the old house, which will be the more interesting to you from the fact of its not having been inhabited for nearly a generation. Comedies and tragedies have been enacted within its walls, as you doubtless know. Does Christian Alma come with you? And has he grown into the long? likeness of his father? Your servant and brother, Pierre Lamont. Who is this Pierre Lamont? asked his wife. Once a famous lawyer, replied the advocate, compelled some years ago to relinquish the pursuit of his profession by reason of an accident which crippled him for life.

Starting point is 00:23:03 You do not wish to stop in Geneva, then? No, said the beautiful. beautiful woman who stood before him his junior by five-and-twenty years there is nothing new to be seen here and i am dying with impatience to take possession of mr almer's villa i have been thinking of nothing else for the last week captivated by the name it bears perhaps the house of white shadows could anything be more enticing why was it so called i cannot tell you until lately indeed when this holiday was decided upon he sighed as he uttered the word holiday an indication that he was not accepting it in a glad spirit i was not aware that almer owned a villa hereabouts do not forget adelaide that he cautioned you against accepting an offer made in a rash moment what more was needed to set me longing for here is a very beautiful book said mr almer full of wonderful pictures it is yours if you like but beware you must not open it think of saying that to a woman you are a true daughter of eve almer's offer was unwise his caution still more unwise the moment he warned me against the villa i fell in love with it i shall discover a romance there

Starting point is 00:24:48 i too would warn you against it you are but wetting my curiosity she interrupted playfully seriously though master lamont in his letter says that the house has not been inhabited for nearly a generation there must be ghosts there she said again interrupting him it will be delightful and master lamont's remark continued the advocate that there have been comedies and tragedies enacted within its walls is not a recommendation i have heard you say edward that they are enacted within the walls of the commonest houses but this particular house has been for so long a time deserted i am in ignorance of the stories attached to it that they are in some sense unpleasant is proved by almer's avoidance of the place what occurs to me is that were it entirely desirable Almer would not have made it a point to shun it. Christian Almer is different from other men. That is your own opinion of him.

Starting point is 00:26:08 True, he is a man dominated by sentiment, yet there appears to be something deeper than mere sentiment in his consistent avoidance of the singularly named House of White Shadows. According to Master Lamont's letter, he has been to some trouble to make it agreeable to us. Indeed, Edward, you cannot argue me out of having my own way. If the house is gloomy, Adelaide, I will brighten it. Can I not? she asked in a tone so winning that it brought a light into his grave face.

Starting point is 00:26:49 You can, for me, Adelaide, he replied, but I am not thinking of myself. I would not willingly sadden a heart as joyous as yours. You must promise, if you are not happy there, to seek with me a more cheerful retreat. You can dismiss your fears, Edward. I shall be happy there. All last night I was dreaming of white shadows.

Starting point is 00:27:18 Did they sadden me? No. I woke up this morning in delightful spirits. Is that an answer to your first? forebodings? When did you not contrive to have your own way? I have some banking business to do in Geneva, and I must leave you for an hour.

Starting point is 00:27:39 She nodded and smiled at him. Before he reached the door, he turned and said, Are you still resolved to send your maid away? She knows your want so well, and you are so accustomed to her, that her absence might put you to inconvenience. Had you not better keep her with you till you see whether you are likely to be suited at Almers' house?

Starting point is 00:28:06 Edward, she said gaily, have I not told you a hundred times, and have you not found out for yourself a hundred and a hundred times again, that your wife is a very willful woman? I shall love to be inconvenienced. It will set my wits to work. But, indeed, I happen to know that there is a pretty girl in the villa, the old housekeeper's granddaughter, who was born to do everything I wish done in just the way I wish it done.

Starting point is 00:28:40 Child of impulse and fancy, he said, kissing her hand and then her lips in response to a pouting invitation. It is well for you that you have a husband as serious as a man. myself to keep guard and watch over you. What is the thought that has suddenly entered your head? Can you read a woman's thoughts? she asked in her lightest manner. I can judge by signs. What was your thought, Adelaide? A foolish thought. To keep guard and watch over me, you said. The things are so different. The first is a proof of love, the second of suspicion. A logician, too, he said with a pleased smile. The air here agrees with you. So saying, he left her, and the moment he was beyond the reach of her personal influence,

Starting point is 00:29:39 his native manner asserted itself, and his features assumed their usual grave expression. As he was descending the stairs of the hotel, he was accosted by a woman, the maid he had advised his wife to keep. "'I beg your pardon, sir,' she said. "'But may I ask why I am discharged?' "'Certainly not of me,' he replied stiffly. "'You are my wife's servant. She has her reasons.' "'She has not made me acquainted with them,' said the woman discontentedly.

Starting point is 00:30:18 Will you? He saw that she was in an ill temper, and although he was not a man to tolerate insolence, he was attentive to trifles. I do not interfere with my wife's domestics. She engages whom she pleases, and discharges whom she pleases. But to do right, sir, that is everyone's affair.

Starting point is 00:30:43 I am discharged suddenly, without notice and without having committed a fault. Until this morning I am perfection. No one can dress my lady like me. No one can arrange her hair so admirably. That is what she says to me continually. Why then am I discharged? I ask my lady why, and she says, for her convenience.

Starting point is 00:31:10 She has paid you, has she not? Oh, yes. and has given me money to return home. But it is not that. It is that it hurts me to be suddenly discharged. It is to my injury when I seek another situation. I shall be asked why I left my last. To speak the truth, I must say that I did not leave, that I was discharged. I shall be asked why, and I shall not be able to say. Has she not given you a character? Yes, it is not that I complain of.

Starting point is 00:31:50 It is being suddenly discharged. I cannot interfere, mistress. You have no reasonable cause for complaint. You have a character, and you are well paid. That should content you. He turned from her, and she sent her parting words after him. My lady has her reasons. I hope they will be found to be good ones, and that you will find them so.

Starting point is 00:32:18 Do you hear? That you will find them so. He paid no further heed to her, and, entering his carriage, drove to the Rue de la Corrateri, to the business house of Jacob Hattrich, and was at once admitted to the banker's private room. End of Section 1. Section 2 of the House of the White Shadows. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen.

Starting point is 00:33:05 Section 2. Book 1, Chapters 4 and 5. Chapter 4. Jacob Hartrich, the banker, gives his reasons for believing Gautran the Woodman guilty of the murder of Madeline. Jacob Hartrich, by birth a Jew, had reached his sixtieth year, and was as hail and strong as a man of forty. His face was bland and full-fleshed, his eyes bright, at times joyous, his voice mellow, his hands fat and finely shaped, and given to a caressing petting of each other, denoting satisfaction with themselves and the world in general.

Starting point is 00:33:49 His manners were easy and self-possessed, a characteristic of his race. He was a gentleman and a man of education. He gazed at the advocate with admiration. He had an intense respect for men who had achieved fame by force of intellect. Mr. Almmer, he said, prepared me for your arrival, and is anxious that I should forward your views in every possible way. I shall be happy to do so, and, if it is in my power, to contribute to the pleasure of your visit. I thank you, said the advocate, with a courteous inclination of his head.

Starting point is 00:34:32 When did you last see, Mr. Almer? He called upon me this day three weeks, for a few minutes only, and only concerning your business. He is always thoughtful and considerate. I suppose he was on his road to Paris when he called upon you? No, he had no intention of going to Paris. I believe he had been for some time in the neighborhood of Geneva before he favored me with a visit. He is still here.

Starting point is 00:35:03 Here, exclaimed the advocate in a tone of pleasure and surprise. At least in Switzerland? In what part? I cannot inform you. But from the remarks he let fall, I should say in the mountains, where tourists are not likely to penetrate. He paused a moment before he continued. Mr. Almur spoke of you in terms it was pleasant to hear as his closest, dearest friend. We are friends in the truest sense of the word.

Starting point is 00:35:39 Then I may speak freely to you. During the time he was with me, I was impressed by an unusual strange-ness. in him. He was restless and ill at ease. His manner denoted that he was either dissatisfied with himself or was under some evil influence. I expressed my surprise to him that he had been for some time in this neighborhood without calling upon me, but he did not offer any explanation of this neglect. He told me, however, that he was tired of the light, the gaiety, and the bustle of cities, and that it was his intention to seek some solitude, to endeavor to rid himself of a terror which had taken possession of him. No sooner had he made this strange declaration than he strove, in hurried words, to make light of it,

Starting point is 00:36:31 evidently anxious that it should leave no impression upon my mind. I need scarcely say he did not succeed. I have frequently thought of that declaration and of Christian Almer in conversation. connection with it. The advocate smiled and shook his head. Mr. Almer is given to fantastic expression. If you knew him as well as I do, you would be aware that he is prone to magnify trifles, and likely to raise ghosts of the conscience for the mere pleasure of laying them. His nature is of that order which suffers keenly, but I am not disposed on that account to pity him. There are men who would be

Starting point is 00:37:14 most unhappy unless they suffered. My dear sir, said Jacob Hartridge, I have known Christian Almor since he was a child. I knew his father, a gentleman of great attainments, and his mother, a refined and exquisitely beautiful woman. His child life probably made a sad impression upon him, but he has mixed with the world, and there is a bridge of twenty years between then and now.

Starting point is 00:37:44 a great change has taken place in him and not for the better there is certainly something on his mind there is something on most men's minds i have remarked no change in mr almer to cause me uneasiness he is the same high-spirited gentleman i have ever known him to be he is exquisitely sensitive responsive to the lightest touch those who are imbued with such qualities suffer keenly and endued and joy keenly. The thought occurred to me that he might have sustained a monetary loss, but I dismissed it. A monetary loss would rather exalt than depress him. He is rich. It would have been a great happiness for him if he had been poor. What are termed misfortunes are sometimes real blessings. Many fine natures are made to halt on their way by worldly prosperity. Had Christian Almur been born in the lower classes, he would have found a worthy occupation. He would have made a name for himself, and in all probability would have won a wife

Starting point is 00:38:55 who would have idolized him. He is a man whom a woman might worship. You have given me a clue, said Jacob Hartrich. He has met with a disappointment in love. I think not. Had he met him? Had he met him? with such a disappointment, I should most surely have heard of it from his own lips. Interesting as this conversation was to both the speakers, it had now come to a natural break, and Jacob Hartridge, diverging from it, inquired whether the advocate's visit was likely to be a long one. I have pledged myself, said the advocate somewhat wearily, to remain here for at least three months. rest is a necessary medicine the advocate nodded absently pray excuse me while i attend to your affairs here are the local and other papers

Starting point is 00:39:55 he left the room and returning soon afterwards found the advocate engaged in the perusal of a newspaper in which he appeared to be deeply interested your business said jacob hartridge will occupy about twenty minutes there are some trifling formalities to be gone through with respect to signatures and stamps if you are pressed for time i will send to you at your hotel with your permission i will wait said the advocate laying aside the paper with a thoughtful air jacob hartrich glanced at the paper and saw the heading of the column which the advocate had perused the murder of madeline the flower girl you have been reading the particulars of this shocking deed i have read what is there written but you are familiar with the particulars everybody has read them i am the exception then i have seen very few newspapers lately it was a foul and wicked murder it appears so from this bare recital the foulest and most horrible within my remembrance. Ah, where will not the passion of men lead them? A wide contemplation. Were men to measure the consequences of their acts before they committed them, certain channels of human events, which are now exceedingly wide and turbulent,

Starting point is 00:41:31 would become narrow and peaceful. It was a girl who was murdered? Yes. Young? Barely seventeen. pretty very pretty had she no father to protect her no nor mother no as far as is known a flower girl i gather from the account yes i have occasionally bought a posy of her poor child did she trade alone she had a companion an elderly woman who unhappily left her a few days before the murder deserted her no it was an amicable parting intended to last but a short time i believe it is not known what called her away this young flower girl was she virtuous undoubtedly in my belief she was most modest and childlike but susceptible to flattery you hesitate why do you not judge human passions by human standards she was young pretty in humble circumstances her very opposite her very opposite would be susceptible to flattery, therefore she.

Starting point is 00:43:02 Why, yes, of course. I hesitated because it would pain me to say anything concerning her, which might be construed into a reproach. In such matters, there is but one goal to steer for, the truth. I perceive that a man, Gautran, is in prison charged with the murder. A man? exclaimed Jacob Hartrich, with indignant warmth. A monster, rather.

Starting point is 00:43:32 Some refined punishment should be devised to punish him for his crime. His crime! I have then been reading an old paper. The advocate referred to the date. No, it is this morning's. I see your point, but the proofs of the monster's guilt are irrefragable. what proofs the statements of newspaper reporters the idle and mischievous tattle of persons who cannot be put into the witness box it is well that you express yourself to me privately on this matter in public it would not be credited that you were in earnest then the facts are lost sight of that the man has to be tried that his guilt or innocence has yet to be established

Starting point is 00:44:24 the law cannot destroy facts the law establishes facts which are often in danger of being perverted by man's sympathies and prejudices are you acquainted with this gotran i have no knowledge of him except from report and having no knowledge of him except from report you form an opinion upon hearsay and condemn him off-hand it is a very knowledge of him except from report you form an opinion upon hearsay and condemn him off-hand it is justice itself therefore that is on its trial not a man accused of a frightful deed he is already judged it is stated in the newspaper that the man's appearance is repulsive he is hideous then you have seen him no calmly consider what value can be placed upon your judgment under the circumstances you say the girl was pretty her engaging manners have tempted you to buy posies of her not always when you needed them in making this statement of a fact which trivial as it appears to be is of importance i judge a human action by a human standard thus beauty on one side and a forbidding countenance on the other may be the means of contributing nay of leading to a direct miscarriage of justice this should be prevented justice may have a clear course which must not be blocked and choked up by passion and prejudice the opinion you express of gauntran's guilt may be entertained by others to whom he is also a stranger my opinion is universal the man therefore is universally condemned before he is called upon to answer the charge brought against him

Starting point is 00:46:25 amidst this storm in the wild fury of which reason has lost its proper functions where shall a jury be found to calmly weigh the evidence on either side and to judge with ordinary fairness a miserable wretch accused of a foul crime gotran is a vagabond said jacob heartrich feebly feeling as though the ground were giving way under his feet of the lowest type he is poor necessarily and cannot afford to pay for independent legal aid it is fortunate he will meet it is fortunate he will meet with his deserts more surely and swiftly you can doubtless call to mind instances of innocent persons being accused of crimes they did not commit and being made to suffer there is no fear in the case of gottran let us hope not said the advocate whose voice during the conversation had been perfectly passionless and in the meantime do not lose sight of this principle. Were Gautran the meanest creature that breathes, were he the most repulsive being on earth, he is an innocent man until he is declared guilty by the law. Equally so were he a man gifted with exceeding beauty of person and bearing an honored name. And of those two extremes,

Starting point is 00:48:02 supposing both were found guilty of equal crimes, it is worthy of consideration. whether he who walks the gutters be not better entitled to a merciful sentence than he who lives on the heights. At this moment a clerk brought some papers into the room. Jacob Hartridge looked them over and handed them, with a roll of notes, to the advocate who rose and prepared to go. "'Have you a permanent address?' asked the banker. "'We take up our quarters at once,' replied the advocate. at the house of white shadows jacob hartridge gazed at him in consternation christian almer's villa he made no mention of it to me

Starting point is 00:48:51 it was an arrangement entered into some time since i have a letter from master pierre lamont informing me that the villa is ready for us it has been uninhabited for years except by servants who have been kept there to preserve it for falling into decay. There are strange stories connected with that house. I have heard as much, but have not inquired into them. The probability is that they arise from credulity or ignorance, the foundation of all superstition. With that remark, the advocate took his leave. Chapter 5. Fritz, the Fool. As the little wooden clock in the parlor of the inn of the seven liars struck the hour of five, Fritz the fool ran through the open door, from which an array of bottles and glasses could be seen, and cried,

Starting point is 00:49:51 They are coming, they are coming, the great advocate and his lady, and will arrive before the cook can toss me up an omelet. And having thus delivered himself, Fritz ran out of the inn to the house of the white shadows, and swinging open the gates, cried still, more loudly. Mother, Denise, Dionetta, my Pearl of Pearls. Haste, haste! They are on the road, and will be here a lifetime before old Martin can straighten his crooked back. Within five minutes of this summons, there stood at the door of the Inn of the Seven Liars, the customers who had been tippling therein, the host and hostess and their three children, and ten yards off at the gates of the villa, Mother Denise, her pretty granddaughter, Dionetta, and Old Martin,

Starting point is 00:50:48 whose breathing came short and quick at the haste he had made to be in time to welcome the advocate and his lady. The refrain of the breaking up song sung in the little village school was dying away, and the children trooped out and waited to witness the arrival. The schoolmaster was alone there, with the look of relief. on his face, and stood with his hand on the head of his favorite pupil. The news had spread quickly, and when the carriage made its appearance at the end of the lane, which shelved downward to the house of white shadows, a number of villagers had assembled, curious to see the great lord and lady who intended to reside in the haunted house.

Starting point is 00:51:35 As the carriage drove up at the gates, the courier jumped down from his seat, next to the driver and opened the carriage door the villagers pressed forward and gazed in admiration at the beautiful lady and in awe at the stern-faced gentleman who had selected the house of white shadows for a holiday residence there were those among them who poor as they were would not have undertaken to sleep in any one of the rooms in the villa for the value of all the watches in geneva there were however three persons in the small concourse of people who had no fears of the house these were mother denise the old housekeeper her husband martin and fritz the fool mother denise the oldest servant of the house had been born there and was ghost and shadow-proof so was her husband now in his eighty-fifth year whose body was body was like a bent bow stretched for the flight of the arrow his soul not for a single night in sixty-eight years had mother denise slept outside the walls of the house of white shadows nothing did she know of the great world beyond and nothing did she care a staunch faithful servant of the almer family conversant with its secret history her duty was sufficient for her and she had no desire to travel beyond the space which encompassed it for forty-three years her husband had kept her company and to neither as they had frequently declared had a supernatural visitant ever appeared

Starting point is 00:53:22 They had no belief whatever in the ghostly gossip. Fool Fritz, on the contrary, averred that there was no mistake about the spiritual visitants. They appeared to him frequently, but he had no fear of them. Indeed, he appeared to rather enjoy them. They may come and welcome, he said. They don't strike, they don't bite, they don't burn.

Starting point is 00:53:51 They reveal secrets. which you would like nobody to find out if it had not been for them how should i have known about karl and mina kissing and courting at the back of the schoolhouse when everybody was asleep or about dame walther and her sly bottle or about wolf constance coming home at three in the morning with a dead lamb on his back ah and about many things you try and keep to yourselves i don't mind the shadows, not I. There was little in the village that Fritz did not know. All the scandal, all the love-making, all the family quarrels, all the secret doings. It was hard to keep anything from him, and the mystery was how he came to the knowledge of these matters. He is in affinity with the spirits, said the village schoolmaster. He is himself a ghost with a fleshly embodiment.

Starting point is 00:54:55 That is why the fool is not afraid. Truly, Fritz the Fool was ghost-like in appearance, for his skin was singularly white, and his head was covered with shaggy white hair, which hung low down upon his shoulders. From a distance he looked like an old man, but he had not reached his 30th year, and so clear were his eyes.

Starting point is 00:55:20 and complexion that on a closer observance he might have passed for a lad of half the years he bore a shrewd knave despite his title of fool pretty dionetta did not share his defiance of ghostly visitors the house of white shadows was her home and many a night had she awoke in terror and listened with a beating heart to soft footsteps in the passage outside her room and and buried her head in the sheets to shut out the light of the moon which shone in at her window fritz alone sympathized with her two hours before midnight he would say to her then it was you heard them creeping past your door you were afraid of course when one is all alone i can prescribe a remedy for that not yet dionetta by and by till then keep all men at a distance avoid them there is danger in them if they look at you frown and lower your eyes and to-night when you go to bed lock your door tight and listen if the spirits come again i will charm them away shortly after you hear their footsteps i will sing a stave outside to trick them from your door then sleep in peace and rely on fritz the fool very timid and fearful of the supernatural was this country beauty whom all the louts in the neighborhood wanted to marry and she alone of those who lived in the house of white shadows welcomed the advocate and his wife with genuine delight fool fritz thought of secretly enjoyed pleasures which might now be disturbed

Starting point is 00:57:17 martin was too old not to dislike change and mother denise was by no means prepared to rejoice at the arrival of strangers she would have been better pleased had they never shown their faces at the gates the advocate and his wife stood looking around them he with observant eyes and in silence she with undisguised pleasure and admiration she began to speak the moment she alighted charming beautiful i am positively in love with it this morning it was but a fancy picture now it is real could anything be more perfect so peaceful and quaint and sweet look at those children peeping from behind their mother's gown she can be no other than their mother dirty but how picturesque and the woman herself how original it is worth while being a woman like that to stand as she does with her children clinging to her why does mr almer not like to live here it is inexplicable quite inexplicable i could be happy here forever yes forever do you catch the perfume of the limes it is delicious delicious it comes from the grounds there must be a lime-tree walker there. And you, she said to the pretty girl at the gates, you are Deonetta. Yes, my lady, said Deonetta, and marveled how her name could have become known to the beautiful

Starting point is 00:59:01 woman whose face was more lovely than the face of the Madonna over the altar of the tiny chaplain which she daily prayed. It was not difficult to divine her thought, for Deonetta was nature's child. You wonder who told me your name, said the advocate's wife, smiling, and patting the girl's cheek with her gloved hand. Yes, my lady. It was a little bird, Deonetta.

Starting point is 00:59:32 A little bird, my lady, exclaimed Deonetta, her wonderment and admiration growing fast into worship. The lady's graceful figure, her pink and white face, her pearly teeth, her lovely, laughing mouth, her eyes, blue as the most beautiful summer's cloud, Dianetta had never seen the light before. You, said the advocate's wife, turning to the grandmother, our mother Denise. Yes, my lady, said the old woman. This is my husband, Martin.

Starting point is 01:00:11 come forward martin come forward he is not as young as he was my lady i know i know my little bird was very communicative you are fritz the fool said the white-haired young man approaching closer to the lady and consequently closer to dionetta fritz the fool but that needn't tell against me unless you please i can be useful if I care to be, and faithful, too, if I care to be. It depends upon yourself, then, said the lady, accepting the independent speech in good part, not upon others, mainly upon myself, but I have springs that can be set in motion, if one can only find out how to play upon them. I was told you were coming. Indeed, with an air of pleasant surprise. By whom and when?

Starting point is 01:01:14 By whom? The white shadows. When? In my dreams. The white shadows? They exist then. Edward, do you hear? It is not so, my lady,

Starting point is 01:01:32 interposed Mother Denise, in ill-humor at the turn the conversation. was taking. The shadows do not exist, despite what people say. Fritz is over-fond of fooling. "'It is my trade,' retorted Fritz. "'I know what I know, grandmother.' "'Is Fritz your grandson, then?' asked the advocate's wife of Mother Denise. "'Heaven forbid!' exclaimed Mother Denise. "'What is not?' remarked. fritz sententiously maybe bear that in mind grandmother i may remind you of it one day the advocate upon whom not a word that had passed had been lost fixed his eyes upon fritz and said

Starting point is 01:02:24 a delusion can be turned to profit you make use of these shadows the saints forbid they would burn me in brimstone yet with a look both sly and vacant, it would be a pity to waste them. You like to be called a fool. It pleases you. Why not? Why, rather? I might answer in your own words,

Starting point is 01:02:54 that it can be turned to profit, but I am too great a fool to see in what way. You answer wisely. Why do you close your eyes? i can see in the dark what i choose to see when my eyes are open i am their slave when they are closed they are mine unless i dream the advocate gazed for a moment or two in silence upon the white face with its closed eyes raised to his and then said to his wife come adelaide we will look at the house they passed into the grounds accompanied by mother denise martin and dionetta fritz remained outside the gate with his eyes still closed and a smile upon his lips fritz said the host of the inn of the seven liars do you know anything of the great man fritz rubbed his brows softly and opened his eyes

Starting point is 01:03:59 take the advice of a fool peter shelt speak low when you speak of him you think he can hear us why he is a hundred yards off by this time fritz pointed with a waving finger to the air above him there are magnetic lines neighbors connecting him with everything he once set his eyes on he can see without seeing and hear without hearing you speak in riddles fritz put it down to your own dullness peter shelt that you cannot understand me master lamont now what would you say about him that he lacks brains a long way from it master lamont is the cleverest man in the valley not now said fritz pointing with his thumb over his shoulder in the direction taken by the advocate his master has come master lamont is a great lawyer but we have now a greater one who is a more skillful cobbler with his tongue than hans here is with his all he can so patch an old boot as to make it better than a new one and look as close as you may you will not see the seams listen master shelt when i stood there with my eyes shut, I had a dream of a stranger who was found murdered in your house. An awful dream, Peter.

Starting point is 01:05:38 Gather round, neighbors, gather round. There lay the stranger dead on his bed, and over him stood you, Peter Schelt, with a bloody knife in your hand. People say you murdered him for his money, and it really seemed so, for a purse stuffed with gold and notes was found in your possession. You had the stranger's silver watch, too. Suspicious, was it not? It was looking so black against you that you begged the great man who has come among us to plead for you at your trial. You were safe enough then. He told a rare tale. Forty years ago, the stranger robbed your father. Suddenly he was struck with remorse.

Starting point is 01:06:27 and seeing you out gave you back the money and his silver watch in the bargain he proved to everybody's satisfaction that though you committed the murder it was impossible you could be guilty don't be alarmed madame schelt it was only a dream but are you sure i did it asked peter shelt in no way disturbed by the bad light in which he was placed by fritz's fancies what matters the great man got you off and that is all you cared for look here neighbors if any of you have black goats that you wish changed into white go to him he can do it for you or an old hen that cackles and won't lay go to him she will cackle less and lay you six eggs a day he is of all the greatest ah said a neighbor and what do you know of his lady wife what all of you should know but cannot see though it stares you in the face let us have it fritz she is too fair christine to a stout young woman close to him give thanks to the virgin to-night that you were sent into the world with a cast in your eye and that your legs grow thicker and cricketer every day. You will never drive a man out of his senses with your beauty. Fritz was compelled to beat a swift retreat, for Christine's arms were as thick as her legs,

Starting point is 01:08:11 and they were raised to smite. Up the lane flew the fool, and Christine after him, amid the laughter of the villagers. End of Section 2. Section 3 of the House of the White Shadows This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. Section 3. Book 1, Chapter 6 and 7. Chapter 6. Mistress and Maid In the meantime, the advocate and his wife strolled through the grounds. Although it was evident that much labor had been bestowed upon them,

Starting point is 01:09:09 there were signs of decay here and there, which showed the need of a master mind. But as these traces were only to be met with at some distance from the villa itself, it was clear that they would not interfere with the comfort of the new arrivals. The house lay low, and the immediate ground surrounding it were in good condition. There were orchards stocked with fruit trees and gardens bright with flowers. At a short distance from the house was an old chalet which had been built with great taste. It was newly painted, and much care had been bestowed upon a covered pathway which led to it from a side entrance to the house of white shadows. The principal room in this chalet was a large studio, the walls of which were black.

Starting point is 01:10:02 On the left wall, in letters which once were white, but which had grown yellow, with age, was inscribed to the legend, The grave of honor. How singular, exclaimed the advocate's wife. The grave of honor. What can be the meaning of it? But Mother Denise did not volunteer an explanation. Near the end of the studio was an alcove,

Starting point is 01:10:29 the space beyond being screened by a dead crimson curtain. Holding back the curtain, a large number of pictures were seen piled against the walls. Family pictures? asked the advocate's wife of Mother Denise. No, my lady, was the reply. They were painted by an artist who resided and worked here for a year or so in the lifetime of the old master. By the desire of the lady, the housekeeper brought a few of the pictures into the light.

Starting point is 01:11:03 One represented a pleasure party of the old. ladies and gentlemen dallying in summer woods another a lady lying in a hammock and reaching out her arm to pluck some roses two were companion pictures the first subject being two persons who might have been lovers standing among strewn flowers in the sunshine the second subject showing the same figures in a different aspect a cold gray sea divided them on the near shore of which the man stood in an attitude of despair gazing across the waters to the opposite shore on which stood the woman with a pale grief-stricken face the sentiment is strained observed the advocate but the artist had talent a story could be woven out of them said his wife i feel as if they were connected with the house upon leaving the chalet they continued their tour through the grounds already the advocate felt the beneficial effects of a healthy change his eyes were clearer his back straighter he moved with a brisker step mother denise walked in front pointing out this and that martin hobbled behind and dionetta encouraged thereto walked by her new mistress's side dianetta said the advocate's wife do you know that you have the prettiest name in the world have i my lady i have never thought of it but it is if you say so

Starting point is 01:12:49 but perhaps said the advocate's wife with a glance at the girl's bright face a man would not think of your name when he looked at you i am sure i cannot say my lady he would not think of me at all you little simpleton i wish i had such a name they ought to wait till we grow up so that we might choose our own names i should not have chosen adelaide for myself is that your name my lady yes they could not have given me an uglier nay said dionetta raising her eyes in mute appeal for forgiveness for the contradiction it is very sweet repeat it then adelaide may i my lady of course you may if you wish to let me hear you speak it adelaide adelaide murmured dionetta softly the permission was as precious as the gift of a silver chain would have been my lady it is pretty shall we change asked the advocate's wife gaily can we inquired dionetta in a solemn tone i would not mind if you wish it and if it is right i will ask the priest No, do not trouble. Would you really like to change? It would be so strange, and it might be a sin. If we cannot, it is of no use thinking of it.

Starting point is 01:14:34 There is no sin in thinking of things. If there were, the world would be full of sin, and I, Dear me, how much I should have to answer for. I should not like everyone to know my thoughts. what a quiet life you must live here dionetta yes my lady it is quiet would you not prefer to live in a city i should be frightened my lady i have been only twice to geneva and there was no room in the streets to move about i was glad to get back no room to move about simplicity that is the delight of it. There are theaters and music and light and life. You would not be frightened if you were with me. Oh, no, my lady, that would be happiness. Are you not happy here? Oh, yes, very happy. But you wish for something? No, my lady. I have everything I want. Everything? Positively everything? yes my lady there is one thing you must want dionetta if you have it not already may i know what it is

Starting point is 01:16:02 yes child love dianetta blushed crimson from forehead to throat and the advocate's wife laughed and tapped her cheek you are very pretty dionetta it is right you should have a pretty name. Do you mean to tell me you have not a lover?" "'I have been asked, my lady,' said the girl, in a tone so low that it could only just be heard. "'And you said yes? Little one, I have caught you.' "'My lady, I did not say yes.' "'And the men were contented? They must be dolts. Really and truly you have not a lover?' "'What can I say, my lady?' murmured Deonetta, her head bent down. "'There are some who say they love me.'

Starting point is 01:17:00 "'But you do not love them?' "'No, my lady.' "'You would like to have one you could love?' "'One day, my lady, if I am so fortunate.' "'I promise you,' said the advocate's wife with a blithe laugh, that one day you will be so fortunate. Women were made for love, and men, too, or where would be the use.

Starting point is 01:17:29 It is the only thing in life worth living for. Blushing again. I would give my jewel case to be able to blush like you. I cannot help it, my lady. My face often grows red when I am quite alone. And thinking of love, added the advocate's wife, for what else should make it red.

Starting point is 01:17:53 So you do think of things. I can see, Deonetta, that you and I are going to be great friends. You are very good, my lady, but I am only a poor peasant. I will serve you as well as I can. You knew before I came that you were going to be my maid? Yes, my lady.

Starting point is 01:18:16 Master Lamont said it was likely. Grandmother did not seem to care that it should be so, but I wished for it. And now that she has seen you, she must be glad for me to serve you. Why should she be glad, Deonetta? My lady, it could not be otherwise, said Deonetta very earnestly. You are so good and beautiful.

Starting point is 01:18:44 Flatterer! Master Lamon! is he an old man yes my lady there are some old men who are very handsome he is not he is small and thin and shriveled up those are not the men for us are they little one but he has a voice like honey i have heard many say so that is something in his favor or would be if women were blind so from this day you are my maid you will be faithful i am sure and will keep my secrets mind that dionetta you must keep my secrets have you any said dionetta and shall you tell them to me every woman in the world has secrets and every woman in the world has secrets and every woman in the world must have someone to whom she can whisper them. You will find that out for yourself in time.

Starting point is 01:19:50 Yes, child, I have secrets. One, a very precious one. If ever you guess it without my telling you, keep it buried in your heart, and do not speak of it to a living soul. I would not dare, my lady. They walked a little apart from the others during this dialogue, the concluding words brought them to the steps of the House of White Shadows.

Starting point is 01:20:19 "'Edward,' said the advocate's wife to him as they entered the house, "'I have found a treasure. My new maid is charming.' "'I am pleased to hear it. She has an ingenuous face, but you will be able to judge better when you know more of her.' "'You do not trust many persons, Edward.' not many adelaide me she asked archly implicitly and another i think certainly one other i should not be far out if i were to name christian almer it is to him i refer i have sometimes wondered she said with an artless look why you should be so partial to him. He is so unlike you. We are frequently drawn to our unlikes,

Starting point is 01:21:21 but Alma and I have one quality in common with each other. What quality, Edward? The quality of the dog, faithfulness. Almer's friendship is precious to me, and mine to him, because we are each to the other faithful. The quality of the dog. How odd that sounds. Though when one thinks of it, there is really something noble in it, and friendship, it is almost as if you've placed it higher than love. It is far higher. Love too frequently changes as the seasons change.

Starting point is 01:22:04 Friendship is, of the two, the more likely to endure, being less. liable to storms. But even a faithful friendship is rare. And faithful love much rarer, according to your ideas. Yet Mr. Almer, having this quality of the dog, would be certain you believe to be faithful both in love and friendship? To the death. You are thorough in your opinions, Edward? I do not believe in half-heartedness, Adelaide. The arrangements within the house were complete and admirable, for the advocate's wife, a boudoir and reception rooms, into which new fashions had been

Starting point is 01:22:54 introduced with judgments so good as not to jar with the old furnishings which had adorned them for many generations. For the advocate, a study, with a library, which won from him cordial approval, a spacious and commodious apartment, neither overloaded with furniture nor oppressive with bare spaces, with an outlook from one window to the snow regions of Mont Blanc, from another to the city of Geneva, which was now bathed in a soft, mellow light. This tender evidence of departing day was creeping slowly downwards into the valleys from Mount and City, a moving picture of infinite beauty. They visited the study last.

Starting point is 01:23:44 Adelaide had been loud in her praises of the house and its arrangement, commending this and that, and that, and declaring that everything was perfect. While she was examining the furniture in the study, the advocate turned to the principal writing table, upon which lay a pile of newspapers. He took up the first of these and instinctively searched for the subject, which had not left his mind since his visit to the banker, Jacob Hattrich. The murder of Madeline, the flower girl.

Starting point is 01:24:20 He was deep in the perusal of fresh details, confirmatory of Gautran's guilt, when he was aroused by a stifled cry of alarm from Adelaide. With the newspaper still in his hand, he looked up and asked what it alarmed her. She laughed nervously and pointed to an old sideboard, upon which a number of hideous faces were carved. To some of the faces bodies were attached, and the whole of this ancient work of art was extravagant enough to have had for its inspiration the imaginings of a madman's brain. i thought i saw them moving said adelaide the advocate smiled and said it is the play of light over the figures that created the delusion they are harmless adelaide the glow of sunset shone through a painted window upon the faces which to a nervous mind might have seemed to be animated with living color look at that frightful head said adelaide

Starting point is 01:25:31 it is really stained with blood and now observed the advocate the blood-stain fades away and in the darker light the expression grows sad and solemn i should be frightened of this room at night said adelaide with a slight shiver i should fancy those hideous beings were only waiting an opportunity to steal out upon me for an evil purpose a noise in the passage outside diverted their attention gently fritz gently cried a voice unless you wish to make holes in the sound part of me the advocate moved to the door and opened it a strange sight came into view chapter seven a visit from pierre lamont dreams of love at the door stood fritz the fool carrying in his arms what in the gathering dust looked like a bundle this bundle was human a man who was but half a man embracing fritz with one arm tightly clutching the fool's neck the figure commenced to speak the moment the door was opened i only am to blame learning that you were in the study i insisted upon being brought here immediately immediately. Carry me in gently, fool, and set me in that chair. The chair indicated was close to the writing table, by which the advocate was standing. Fritz made me acquainted with your arrival,

Starting point is 01:27:15 continued the intruder, and I hastened here without delay. When I tell you that I live two miles off, eight hundred feet above the level of this valley, you will realize the jolting I have had in my wheeled chair. Fritz, you can leave us, but be within call, as you must help to get me home again. Is there any need for me to introduce myself, he asked. Master Lamont, said the advocate. As much as is left of me, but I managed to exist. I have proved that a man can live without legs. You received my letter? yes and i thank you for your attention my wife said the advocate introducing adelaide attracted by the dulcet voice of pierre lamont she had come out of the deeper shadows of the room

Starting point is 01:28:17 dionetta had spoken truly this thin shrivelled wreck of mortality had a voice as sweet as honey i cannot rise to pay my respects to you said pierre lamont his lynx eyes resting with profound admiration upon the beautiful woman but i beg you to believe that i am your devoted slave adelaide bent her head gracefully and smiled upon the old lawyer one of my great anxieties is to know whether i have arranged the villa to your satisfaction christian almer was most desirous that the place should be made pleasant and attractive and I have endeavored to carry out his instructions. We owe you a debt of gratitude, said Adelaide. Everything has been charmingly done. I am repaid for my labor, said Pierre Lamont, gallantly. You must be fatigued after your journey.

Starting point is 01:29:22 Do not let me detain you. I shall remain with the advocate but a very few minutes, and I trust you will allow me to make a night. another and longer visit. We shall always be happy to see you, said Adelaide as she bowed and left the room. You are fortunate, comrade, said Pierre Lamont, both in love and war. Your lady is the most beautiful I have ever beheld. I am selfishly in hopes that you will make a long stay with us. It will put some life into this sleepy valley. Is Christian Almmer with you? No, but I may induce him to come. It is to you, said the advocate, pointing to the pile of

Starting point is 01:30:09 newspapers, that I am indebted for these. I thought you would find something in them to interest you. I see you have one of the papers in your hand, and that you were reading it before I intruded upon you. May I look at it? ah you have caught up the scent it was the murder of the flower girl i meant have you formed an opinion upon the case scarcely yet it is so surrounded with mystery in my enforced retirement i amuse myself by taking up any important criminal case that occurs and trying it in my solitude acting at once the parts of judge and counsel for the prosecution and defense a poor substitute for the reality but i make it serve not to my satisfaction i confess although i may show ingenuity in some of my conclusions but i miss the cream which lies in the personality of the persons concerned this case of gotran interests and perplexes me were i able to take an active part it is not unlikely i should move in it i envy you brother i should feel proud if i could break a lance with you

Starting point is 01:31:38 but we do not live in an age of miracles so i must be content perforce with my hermit's life what i read does not always please me points are missed almost wilfully missed as it seems to me strong links allowed to fall disused false inferences drawn and in the end a verdict and sentence which half make me believe that justice limps on crutches fools fools i cry if i were among you this should not be but what can an old cripple do grumble yes and extract a morsel of satisfaction from his disd discontent, which tickles his vanity. That men's desserts are not meted out to them, troubles me more now than it used to do. The times are too lenient of folly and crime. I would have the old law revived, to the doer as he hath done, thus saith the thrice ancient word, so runs the Agamemnon. If my neighbor kill my ass, i would knock his on the head and this gotran if he be guilty deserves the death if he be innocent deserves to live and be set free

Starting point is 01:33:08 but to allow a poor wretch to be judged by public passions heaven send us a beneficent change the voice of the speaker was so sweet and the argument so palatable to the advocate and so much in accordance with his own views that he listened with pleasure to this outburst he recognized in the cripple huddled up in the chair one whose preeminence in his craft had been worthily attained i am pleased we have met he said and the eyes of pierre lamont glistened he soon brought his visit to a close and while fritz the fool was being summoned he said that in the morning he would send the advocate all the papers he could gather which might help to throw a light on the case of gautran you have spoken with fritz he tells me i have he appears to me worth studying there is salt in the nave he has occasionally managed to overreach me fool as he is he has a head with brains in it farewell now although the old lawyer while he was with the advocate seemed to think of nothing but his more celebrated legal brother it was far different as he was care carried in his wheeled chair to his home on the heights. He had his own servant to propel him.

Starting point is 01:34:43 Fritz walked by his side. You were right, Fritz, you were right, said Pierre Lamont, and he smacked his lips and his eyes kindled with the fire of youth. She is a rare piece of flesh and blood, as fair as a lily, as ripe as a peach ready to drop from the wall. with passions of her own fritz her veins are warm to live in the heart of such a woman would be to live in perpetual summer what say you fritz nothing that is a fool's answer then the fools are the real wise men for there is wisdom in silence but i say nothing because i am thinking a mouse in labor beware of bringing forth a mountain it will rend you to pieces fritz softly hummed a tune as they climbed the hills

Starting point is 01:35:47 only once did he speak till they arrived at pier lamont's house it was in reply to the old lawyer who said it is easier going up the hills than coming down that depends said fritz upon whether it is the mule or the man on his back pierre lamont laughed quietly he had a full enjoyment of fritz's humor i have been thinking said fritz when the journey was completed ah ah interrupted pierre lamont now for the mountain upon the reason that made so fair a lady young and warm and ripe, marry an icicle. There is hidden fire, Fritz, you may get it from a stone. I forgot, said Fritz,

Starting point is 01:36:45 with a sly chuckle, that I was speaking to an old man. Rogue, cried Pierre Lamont, raising his stick. Never stretch out your hand, said Fritz, darting away, for what you cannot reach. Fritz, Fritz, come here.

Starting point is 01:37:05 You will not strike? No. I will trust you. There are lawyers, I would not, though every word they uttered was framed in gold. So you have been thinking of the reason that made so fair a lady marry an icicle? Yes.

Starting point is 01:37:27 The icicle is celebrated. that is of no account he is rich that is good he is much older than she he may die and leave her a young widow that is better then she may marry again a younger man that is best master lamont you have a head and your own love affair frit is that flourishing eh have the pretty red lips kissed a yes yet the pretty red lips have not been asked i bide my time my peach is not as ripe as the icicles i'll go and look after it master lamont it needs careful watching there are poachers about fritz departed to look after his peach and pierre lamont was carried into his study, where he sat until late in the night, surrounded by books and papers. The advocate was also in his study until two hours past midnight, searching newspaper after newspaper for particulars and details of the murder of the unfortunate girl whose body had been

Starting point is 01:38:52 found in the wildly rushing roan, and while he pondered and amused, and oftimes paced the room with thoughtful face, his wife lay sleeping in her holiday home, with smiles on her lips and joy in her heart, for she was dreaming of one far away, and her dream was of love. And Dianetta, the pretty maid, also slept, with her hands clasped at the back of her head. And her lady was saying to her, really and truly dionetta you have not a lover women are made for love it is the only thing in life worth living for and a blush even in her sleep stole over her fair face and bosom for her dream was of love and pierre lamont lived over again the days of his youth and smirked and languished and made fine speeches and moved amidst a paradise of fair faces all of which bore the lightness of one whom he had but just seen for the first time

Starting point is 01:40:06 and old as he was his dream was of love and fritz the fool tossed in his bed and muttered too fair too fair if i were rich she might tempt me to be false to one and make me vow i would lay down my life for her it is a good thing for me that i am a fool and gotran in his prison cell writhed upon his hard bed in the midst of the darkness, for by his side lay the phantom of the murdered girl, and his despair was deep and awful. And in the mountains, two hundred miles distant from the house of white shadows, roamed Christian Almer in the moonlight, struggling with all his mental might with a terror which possessed him. The spot he had flown to was ten thousand feet above the level of the sea, and his sleeping-room was in the hut of a peasant mountain-born and mountain-reared who lived a life of dull contentment with his goats and wife and children far away in the heights immense forests of fir-trees were grouped in dark solemn masses not a branch stirred a profound repose reigned within their depths while the sleepless waterfalls in the lower height

Starting point is 01:41:36 leeping and creeping and dashing over chasm and precipice proclaimed the eternal wakefulness of nature the solitary man gazed upon these majestic signs in awe and despair there is no such thing as oblivion he muttered there is no such thing as forgetfulness these solitudes upon which no living creature but myself is to be seen are full of accusing voices my god to die and be blotted out forever and ever were better than this agony i strive and strive and cannot rid myself of the sin i will conquer it i will i will i will but even as he spoke there gleamed upon him from a laughing cascade the vision of a face so beautiful as to force a groan from his lips. He turned from the vision, and it shone upon him with a tender wooing in every waterfall that met his sight. Trembling with the force of a passion he found it impossible to resist,

Starting point is 01:42:56 he walked to his mountain home and threw himself upon his couch. He was exhausted with sleepless nights, and in a short time he fell into a deep slumber, and a calm stole over his troubled soul, for his dreams were of love. End of Section 3. Section 4 of the House of the White Shadows. This Libervox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 01:43:39 The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargin. Section 4. Book 1, Chapter 8 and 7. and nine. Chapter 8. The interview in the prison. Arise, Gautran! At this command, Gatran rose slowly from the floor of his prison cell, upon which he had been lying at full length,

Starting point is 01:44:06 and shaking himself like a dog, stood before the jailer. Can't you let me alone? he asked in a coarse, savage voice. Scum of the gutter, replied. the jailer. Speak civilly while you have the power, and be thankful your tongue is not dragged out by the roots. You would do it if you dared. I, and a thousand honest men would rejoice to help me. It is to tell me this you disturbed me? No, murderer. What do you want of me? The jailer laughed at him in mockery. You look more like beast than man. That's how I've been treated, growled Gautran.

Starting point is 01:44:56 Better than you deserve. So you have influential friends, it seems. Have I? With a venomous flash at the taunt. One will be here to see you directly. Let him keep from me. I care to see no one. That may be, but the choice is not yours. This gentleman is not to be denied. A gentleman, eh? exclaimed Gautran, with some slight show of interest.

Starting point is 01:45:30 Yes, a gentleman. Who is he, and what is his business with me? He is a great lawyer who has sent murderers to their doom. Ah! And Gautran drew a long. vindictive breath through closed teeth and has set some free I've heard is he going to do that for me asked Gautran and a light of fierce hope shown in his eyes he will earn heaven's curse if he does and man's as well here he is silence the door was opened and the

Starting point is 01:46:10 advocate entered the cell this is Gautran he asked of the jailer. This he is, replied the jailer. Leave me alone with him. It is against my orders, sir. Here is your authority. He handed to the jailer a paper, which gave him permission to hold free

Starting point is 01:46:35 and uninterrupted converse with Gautran, accused of the murder of Madeline, the flower girl. The interview, not to last, longer than an hour. The jailer prepared to depart, but before he left the cell, he said in an undertone, be careful of the man, he is a savage and not to be trusted. There is nothing to fear, said the advocate. The jailer lingered a moment and then retired. The cell was but dimly lighted, and the advocate, coming into it from the full sunlight of a bright day, could not see clearly for a little while.

Starting point is 01:47:19 On the other hand, Gautran, whose eyes were accustomed to the gloom, had a distinct view of the advocate, and in a furtive hang-dog fashion he closely inspected the features of his visitor. The man who stood before him could obtain his condemnation or his acquittal. dull-witted as he was this conviction was as much an intuition as an impression gained from the jailer's remarks you are a woodman asked the advocate i a woodman it is well known have you parents they are dead any brothers or sisters none i was the only one friends No. Have you wife or children? Neither. How much money have you?

Starting point is 01:48:20 Not a sue. What about this murder? asked the advocate abruptly. What about it then? demanded Gautran. The questions asked by the advocate were more judicial than friendly, and he assumed an air of defiance. Speak in a different tone. I am here to assist you if I see my way. You have no lawyer to defend you? How should I get one? What lawyer works without pay?

Starting point is 01:48:53 And where should I find the money to pay him? Heed what I say. I do not ask you if you are innocent or guilty of the crime of which you stand charged, for that is a formula, and guilty or not guilty, you would return but one answer have you anything to tell me i can't think of anything you have led an evil life not my fault can a man choose his own parents and his country the life i have led i was born into and that is to stand against me are there any witnesses who would come forward and speak in your favor her. None that I know of. Is it true that you were walking with the girl on the night she was murdered? No man has heard me deny it, said Gautran, shuddering. Why do you shudder? Master, you asked me just now whether I had a wife, and I told you I had none. This girl

Starting point is 01:50:06 was to have been my wife. I loved her, and we were to have been to have been a wife. I loved her, and we were to have been married. That is disputed. Everything is disputed that would tell in my favor. The truth is of no use to a poor devil caught in a trap as I am. Have you heard any good of me, Master? Not any. All that I have heard is against you. That is the way of it. Well, then, judge for yourself. Can you indicate anyone who would be likely to murder the girl? You shudder again.

Starting point is 01:50:46 I cannot help it. Master, put yourself in this cell, as I am put, without light, without hope, without money, without a friend. You would need a strong nerve to stand it. You want to know if I can point out anyone who could have done the deed but me? Well, if I were free and came face to face with him, I might. Not that I could say anything, or swear to anything for certain, for I did not see it done. No, master, I will not lie to you. Where would be the use?

Starting point is 01:51:27 You are clever enough to find me out. But I had good reason to suspect, I to know, that the girl had other lovers, who present her hard, I dare say. Some who were rich while I was poor. Some who were almost mad for her. She was followed by a dozen and more. She told me so herself, and used to laugh about it. But she never mentioned a name to me. You know something of women, master. They like the men to follow them. The best of them do. Ladies as well as peasants. they were sent into the world to drive us to perdition i was jealous of her yes i was jealous am i guilty because of that how could i help being jealous when i loved her it is in a man's blood well then what more can i say in his intent observance of gotran's manner the advocate seemed to weigh every word that fell from the man

Starting point is 01:52:37 hands lips. At what time did you leave the girl on the last night you saw her alive? At ten o'clock. She was alone at that hour? Yes. Did you see her again after that? No. Did you have reason to suspect that she was to meet any other man on that night? If I had thought it, I should have stopped with her. for what purpose to see the man she had appointed to meet and having seen him he would have had to answer to me i am hot-blooded master and can stand up for my rights would you have harmed the girl no unless she had driven me out of my senses were you in that state on the night of her death no i knew what i was about you were heard to quarrel with her i don't deny it you were heard to say you would kill her true enough i told her if i ever found out that she was false to me i would kill her had she bound herself to marry you she had sworn to marry me the handkerchief around her neck when her body was discovered in the river is proved to have been yours

Starting point is 01:54:15 it was mine i gave it to her i had not much to give when you were arrested you were searched yes was anything to you was anything to taken from you? My knife! Had you and the girl's secret lover, supposing she had one, met on that night, you might have used your knife. That is speaking beforehand. I can't say what might have happened. Come here into the light.

Starting point is 01:54:50 Let me look at your hands. What trick are you going to play on me, master? asked Gautran in a suspicious tone. no trick replied the advocate sternly obey me or i leave you gotrade debated with himself in silence for a full minute then with an impatient movement as though it could not matter one way or another he moved into the light and held out his hands the advocate taking a powerful glass from his pocket examined the prisoner's fingers and nailed his hands the advocate taking a powerful glass from his pocket examined the prisoner's fingers and nails and wrists with the utmost minuteness. Gautran, the while, wrapped in wonder at the strange proceeding. Now, said the advocate, hold your head back, so that the light may shine in your face.

Starting point is 01:55:47 Gautran obeyed, warily holding himself in readiness to spring upon the advocate in case of an attack. By the aid of his glass, the advocate examined Gautran's face. and neck, with as much care as he had bestowed upon the hands, and then said, That will do. What is it all for, master? asked Gautran. I am here to ask questions, not to answer them. Since your arrest, have you been examined as I have examined you? No, master.

Starting point is 01:56:24 Has any examination whatever been made of you by doctors or jailers or lawyers? None at all. How long had you known the girl? Ever since she came into the neighborhood. Were you not acquainted with her before? No. From what part of the country did she come? I can't say. Not knowing? Not knowing. But being intimate with her, you could scarcely avoid asking her the question. I did ask her, and I was curious to find out. She would not satisfy me, and when I pressed her, she said the other one, Pauline, had made her promise not to tell.

Starting point is 01:57:20 You don't know, then, where she was born? No. Her refusal to tell you, was it lightly or something? seriously uttered. Seriously. As though there was a secret in her life she wished to conceal? I never thought of it that way, but I can see now it must have been so. Something discreditable, then?

Starting point is 01:57:48 Most likely. Master, you go deeper than I do. What relationship existed between Pauline and Madeline? some said they were sisters but there was a big difference in their ages others said that pauline was her mother but i don't believe it for they never spoke together in that way master i don't know what to say about it it used to puzzle me but it was no business of mine did you never hear pauline address madeline as her child never they addressed each other by their christian names yes did they resemble each other in feature there was something of a likeness between them why did pauline leave the girl no one knew that is all you can tell me that is all then after a slight pause the advocate asked do you value your liberty yes master replied gotran excitedly let no person know what is passed between us and do not repeat one word i have said to you

Starting point is 01:59:14 i understand you may depend upon me but master will you not tell me something more am i to be set free or not you are to be tried what is that you are to be tried what is is brought against you at your trial will establish either your innocence or your guilt. He knocked at the door of the prison cell, and the jailer opened it for him and let him out. Well, Gautran, said the jailer, but Gautran, wrapped in contemplation of the door through which the advocate had taken his departure, paid no attention to him. Do you hear me? cried the jailer, shaking his prisoner with him. with no gentle hand what now is the great lawyer going to defend you you want to know too much said gottran and refused to speak another word on the subject during the whole of the day there were but two figures in his mind those of the advocate and the murdered girl the latter presented itself in various accusing aspects

Starting point is 02:00:28 and he vainly strove to rid himself of the spectre its hair hung in wild disorder over neck and bosom its white lips moved its mournful eyes struck terror to his soul the figure of the advocate presented itself in far different aspects it was always terrible satanic and damning in its suggestions What matter? muttered Gautran. If he gets me off? I can do as I please then. In the evening, when the small window in his cell was dark, the jailer heard him crying out loudly. He entered and demanded what ailed the wretch. Light, light, implored Gautran. Give me light! Beast in human shape, said the wretch. the jailer. You have light enough. You'll get no more. Stop your howling, or I'll stop it for you.

Starting point is 02:01:35 Light, light, light, moaned Gautrin, clasping his hands over his eyes. But he could not shut out the phantom of the murdered girl, which from that moment never left him. So he lay and writhed during the night, and would have dashed his head against the wall to put an end to his misery, had he not been afraid of death. Chapter 9 The Advocate undertakes a strange task. It was on the evening of this day, the third since the arrival of the advocate in Geneva, that he said to his wife, over the dinner table,

Starting point is 02:02:19 I shall in all likelihood be up the whole of tonight in my study, Do not let me be disturbed. Who should disturb you? asked Adelaide languidly. There are only you and I in the villa. Of course I would not venture to intrude upon you without permission. You misunderstand me, Adelaide. It is because we are in a strange house that I thought it best to tell you. As if there were anything unusual in your shutting yourself up all night in your sturd.

Starting point is 02:02:53 study. Our notions of the way to lead an agreeable life are so different. Take your own course, Edward. You are older and wiser than I, but you must not wonder that I think it's strange. You come to the country for rest, and you are as hard at work as ever. I cannot live without work. Ameless days would send me to my grave. If you are lonely, Adelaide, oh no i am not she cried vivaciously at least not yet there is so much in the neighborhood that is interesting dionetta and i have been out all day seeing the sights on the road to master lamont's house there is the loveliest rustic bridge and the wild flowers are the most beautiful i have ever seen we met a priest father capelle a gentle-looking man man with the kindest face. He said he intended to call upon you and hoped to be permitted. I said, of course, you would be charmed. I had a good mind to visit Master Lamont, but his house

Starting point is 02:04:10 was too far up the hills. Fool Fritz joined us. He is very amusing with his efforts to be wise. I was delighted everywhere with the people. I went into the people. I went into some of their cottages, and the women were very respectful. And the children, upon my word, Edward, they stare at me as if I were a picture. The advocate looked up at this and regarded his wife with fond admiration. In his private life two influences were dominant, love for his wife and friendship for Christian Almer. He had love for no other woman and friendship for no other man, and his trust in both was a perfect trust. I do not wonder that the children stare at you, he said. You must be a new

Starting point is 02:05:08 and pleasant experience to them. I believe they take me for a saint, she said, laughing gaily, and I need not tell you that I am very far from being one. you are as we all are human and very beautiful adelaide she gazed at him in surprise it is not often you pay me compliments do you need them from me to be sure of my affection is not that sufficient but i am fond of compliments i must commence a new study then he said gravely it was difficult for him to indulge in light themes for many minutes together. So you are making yourself acquainted with the neighbors. I hope you will not soon tire of them. When I do, I must seek out some other amusement.

Starting point is 02:06:07 You have also discovered something since you came here in which you appear to be wonderfully interested. Yes, a criminal case. A criminal case! she echoed pettishly. In which there is a great mystery. I do not trouble you with these law matters. Long ago you expressed weariness of such themes.

Starting point is 02:06:34 Her humor changed again. A mystery, she exclaimed with childlike vivacity, in a place where news is so scarce. It must be delightful. What is it about? There is a woman in it, of course. There always is. Yes, a young woman whose body was found in the rhone. Murdered?

Starting point is 02:07:02 Murdered, as it at present seems. The wretch? Have they caught him? For, of course, it is a man who committed the dreadful deed. One is in prison, charged with the crime. I visited him today. Surely you are not going to defend him. It is probable. I shall decide tonight.

Starting point is 02:07:29 But why, Edward, why? If the man is guilty, should he not be punished? Undoubtedly, he should. And if he is innocent, he should not be made to suffer. He is poor and friendless. It will be a relief for, for me to take up the case, should I believe him to be unjustly accused? Is he young, handsome, and was it done through jealousy?

Starting point is 02:07:59 I have told you the case is shrouded in mystery. As for the man charged with the crime, he is very common and repulsive looking. And you intend to defend such a creature? Most likely. She shrugged her shoulders with a slight gesture of contempt. She had no understanding of his motives, no sympathy in his labors, no pride in his victories. When he returned to his study, he did not immediately proceed to the investigation of the case of Gautran, as it was set forth in the numerous papers which lay in the table. these papers, in accordance with a given promise, had been sent to him by Pierre Lamont,

Starting point is 02:08:49 and it was his intention to employ the hours of the night in a careful study of the details of the affair and of the conjectures and opinions of editors and correspondence. But he held his purpose back for a while, and for nearly half an hour paced the floor slowly in deep thought. suddenly he went out and sought his wife's private room it did not occur to me before he said to tell you that a friend of christian almer's mr hartrich the banker in a conversation i had with him expressed his belief that almer was suffering ill she cried in an agitated tone in mind not in body you have received letters from him lately i believe yes three or four the last a fortnight ago does he say he is unwell no but now i think of it he does not write in his usual good spirits you have his address yes he is in switzerland you know so mr hartrich informed me somewhere in the mountains endeavoring to extract peace of mind from silence and solitude that is well enough for a few days and intellectual men are always grateful for such a change but if it is prolonged there is danger of its bringing a mental disease of a serious and enduring nature upon a man brooding upon unhealthy fancies

Starting point is 02:10:38 i value almer too highly to lose sight of him or to allow him to drift he has no family ties and is in a certain sense a lonely man why should he not come and remain with us during our stay in the village i had an idea that he himself would have proposed doing so he might have considered it indelicate said adelaide with a bright color in her face the house being his, as if he had a right to be here. It is by no means likely, said the advocate, shaking his head, that Almur would ever be swayed by other than generous and large-minded considerations. Write to him tonight, and ask him to leave his solitude and make his home with us. He will be company for you, and your bright and cheerful waltz. ways will do him good. The prospect of his visit has already excited you, I see.

Starting point is 02:11:45 I am afraid, he said with a regretful pathos in his voice, that my society affords you but poor enjoyment. Yet I never thought otherwise, when you honored me by accepting my proposal of marriage, than that you loved me. I hope you do not think otherwise now, she said. said in a low tone. Why, no, he said with a sigh of relief. What reasons have I to think otherwise? We had time to study each other's characters, and I did not present myself in a false light.

Starting point is 02:12:26 But we are forgetting Alma. Can you divine any cause for unusual melancholy in him? She seemed to consider and answered, no, she could not imagine why he should be melancholy. Mr. Hartrich, continued the advocate, suggested that he might have experienced a disappointment in love, but I could not entertain the suggestion. Alma and I have for years exchanged confidences

Starting point is 02:12:58 in which much of men's inner natures is revealed, and had he met with such a disappointment, he would have confided in me. I may be mistaken, however. Your opinion would be valuable here. In these delicate matters, women are keen observers. Mr. Hartridge's suggestion is absurd.

Starting point is 02:13:23 I am convinced Mr. Almor is not met with a disappointment in love. He is so bright and attractive. That, my woman, said the advocate, taking up the thread, for Adelaide seemed somewhat at a loss for words, might be proud to win him. That is your thought, Adelaide? Yes. I agree with you.

Starting point is 02:13:50 I have never in my life known a man more likely to inspire love in a woman's heart than Christian Alma, and I have sometimes wondered that he had not met with one to whom he was drawn. It would be a powerful influence over him for good. Of an impure passion, I believe him incapable. Write to him tonight and urge him to come to us. If you wrote to him also, it would be as well. I will do so. You can enclose my letter in yours.

Starting point is 02:14:27 How does your new maid suit you? admirably she is perfection which does not exist if i could induce her grandmother to part with her i should like to keep her with me always do not tempt her adelaide for a simple maid a country life is the happiest and best indeed for any maid or any man young or old how seldom practice and precept agree why do you not adopt a country life too late a man must follow his star i should die of inaction in the country and you i smile when i think of what would become of you were i to condemn you to it you are not always right i adore the country for an hour and a day adelaide you could not exist out of society until the alpine peaks were tipped with the fire of the rising sun the advocate remained in his study investigating and considering the case of gottran only once did he leave it to give his wife the letter he wrote to christian almer newspaper after newspaper was read and laid aside until the long labor came to its end then the advocate rose with no trace of fatigue on his countenance and according to his wont walked slowly up and down in deep thought his eyes rested occasionally upon the grotesque and hideous and hideous and his eyes rested occasionally upon the grotesque and hideous

Starting point is 02:16:15 figures carved on the old sideboard which had they been sentient and endowed with the power of speech might have warned him that he had already within the past few hours woven one tragic link in his life and have held him back from weaving another but he saw no warning in their fantastic faces and before he retired to rest he had formed his resolve on the following day all geneva was startled by the news that the celebrated advocate who had travelled thither for rest from years of arduous toil had undertaken the defence of a wretch upon whose soul in the opinion of nearly every thinking man and one woman, the guilt of blood lay heavily. The trial of Gautran was instantly invested with an importance, which elevated it into an absorbing theme with every class of society. End of Section 4. Section 5 of the House of the White Shadows.

Starting point is 02:17:39 This Librevox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargin. section five book one chapters ten and eleven chapter ten two letters from friend to friend from lover to lover my dear almer we have been here three days and are comfortably established in your singularly named villa the house of white shadows it is a perfect country residence and the scenery around it is i am told charming as you are aware i have no eyes for the beauties of nature human nature and human motive alone interest me and my impressions of the neighborhood are derived from the descriptions of my wife who enjoys novelty with the impulsive enjoyment of a child it appears that she was enchanted when she heard from your lips that your house was supposed to be haunted by shadows and although you cautioned her immediately afterwards she was not to be deterred from accepting your invitation up to this time no ghost has appeared to her nor has my composure been disturbed by supernatural visions i am a non-believer in visions from the spiritual world she is only too ready to believe it is the human interest attached to such fancies for which of course there must be some foundation which fascinates and arrests the general

Starting point is 02:19:17 attention. There, for me, the interest ends. I do not travel beyond reality. I am supposed to have come for rest and repose. The physicians who laid this burden upon me know little of my nature. Idleness is more irksome, and I believe more injurious, to me, than the severest labor. and it is a relief, therefore, to me, to find myself interested in a startling criminal case which is shortly coming on for trial in Geneva. It is a case of murder, and a man is in prison, charged with its commission. He has no friends, he has no means, he is a vicious creature of the commonest and lowest type. There is nothing in him to recommend him to favor.

Starting point is 02:20:10 he is a being to be avoided, but these are not the points to be considered. Is the man guilty or not guilty? He is pronounced guilty by universal public opinion, and the jury which will be impaneled to try him will be ready to convict upon the slightest evidence, or, indeed, without evidence. The trial will be a mockery of justice, unless the accused is defended by one who is not influenced by passion and prejudice.

Starting point is 02:20:44 There is a feature in the case which has taken powerful possession of me, and which, as far as I can judge, has not occurred to others. I intend to devote the whole of tonight to a study of the details of the crime, and it is likely that I shall undertake the defense of this repulsive creature, no doubt much to his astonishment. I have, with this object in view, already had an interview with him in his prison cell, and the trouble I had to obtain permission to see him is a sufficient indication of the popular temper.

Starting point is 02:21:24 When, therefore, you hear, if in the mountain fastness in which you were entrenched, you have the opportunity of hearing any news at all from the world at your feet, that I have taken the defense of a man named Gautran, accused of the murder of a flower girl named Madeline, do not be surprised. What is most troubling me at the present moment is, what is my wife to do, how is she to occupy her time during our stay in the house of white shadows? At present, she is full of animation and delight. The new faces and scenery by which she is surrounded are very attractive to her, but the novelty will wear off, and then she will grow dull. Save me from my self-reproach

Starting point is 02:22:14 and uneasiness by taking up your residence with us, if not for the whole of the time we remain here, which I should much prefer, at least for a few weeks. By so doing, you will confer a service upon us all. My wife enjoys your society. You know the feeling I entertain for you, and personal association with sincere friends will be of real benefit to you. I urge it earnestly upon you, for I have an impression that you are brooding over unhealthy fancies, and that you have sought solitude for the purpose of battling with one of those ordinary maladies of the mind, to which sensitive natures are prone. If it be so, Christian, you are committing a grave error. The battle is unequal. Silence and seclusion will not help you to a victory over yourself.

Starting point is 02:23:13 Come and unbosom yourself to me, if you have anything to unbosom, and do not fear that I shall intrude either myself or my advice upon you against your inclination. If you have agreed, meet it in the society of those who love you there is a medicine in a friendly smile in a friendly word which you cannot find in solitude one needs sometimes not the sunshine of fair weather but the sunshine of the soul here it awaits you and should you bring dark vapors with you i promise you they will soon be dispelled i am disposed out of purest friendliness to insist upon your coming and to be so uncharitable as to accept it as an act of weakness if you refuse me when the case of Gautran is at an end I shall be an idle man you and only you can avert the injurious effect idleness will have upon me we will find occupation together and create reminiscences for future pleasant thought it may

Starting point is 02:24:25 be a long time, if ever, before another opportunity so favorable occurs, for passing a few weeks in each other's society, undisturbed by professional cares and duties, you see, I am taking a selfish view of the matter. Add an inestimable value to your hospitality by coming here at once and sweetening my leisure. Your friend, Edward. My own. My husband is uneasped. My husband is uneasperable, about you and has imposed a task upon me you shall judge for yourself whether it is a disagreeable one i am to write to you immediately to insist upon your coming to us without an hour's delay you have not the option of refusal the advocate insists upon it and i also insist upon it you must come upon the receipt of this letter you will pack up your portmanteau, and travel hither in the swiftest possible way, by the shortest possible route. Be sure that you do not disobey me. You are to come instantly, without an hour's, nay, without a

Starting point is 02:25:42 moment's delay. If you fail, I will not answer for the consequences, and upon you will rest the responsibility of all that follows. For what reason do you suppose, did I accept the offer of your villa in this strangely quiet valley unless it was in the hope and the belief that we should be near each other. And now that I am here, pledged to remain, unable to leave without an exhibition of the most dreadful vacillation, which would not matter were I to have my own way, and were everything to be exactly as I wish it, you are bound to fly swiftly to the side of one who entertains for you the very sincerest affection. Do not be angry with me for my disregard of your caution to be careful in my manner of writing

Starting point is 02:26:36 to you. I cannot help it. I think of you continually, and if you wish me not to write what you fear other eyes than ours might see, you must come and talk to me. I shall count the minutes till you are here. The advocate is uneasy about you. you and is indeed and indeed most anxious that you should be with us he seems to have an idea that you have some cause for melancholy and that you are brooding over it could anything be more absurd

Starting point is 02:27:11 cause for melancholy just as if you are alone in the world you do not need to be told that there is one being who will care for you till she is an old old woman think of of me as I shall be, then, an old woman with white hair, walking with a crutch stick as they do in the stage. If you are sad, it is a just punishment upon you. There was nothing in the world to prevent your traveling with us. What do you think a friend of yours, a banker in Geneva, suggested to the advocate? He said that it was probable that you had experienced a disappointment in love. Now, this sets me thinking, why have you chosen to hide yourself in the mountains, a hundred and a hundred miles away? Have you been there before? Is there some pretty girl

Starting point is 02:28:09 to attract you, from whom you find it impossible to tear yourself? If it is so, let her beware of me. You have no idea of what I should be capable if you gave me cause for jealousy. What is her disposition, pensive or gay? She is younger than I am, I suppose, though I am not so old, sir, with hands. Ah, I am easier in my mind. Her hands must be coarse, for she is a peasant. I am almost reconciled. You could never fall in love with a peasant.

Starting point is 02:28:49 They may be pretty and fresh for a month or two, but they cannot help be in coarse, and I know how anything coarse grates upon you, but a peasant girl might fall in love with you. There are more unlikely things than that. Shall I tell you what the advocate said of you this evening? It will make you vain, but never mind. I have never in my life known a man more likely to inspire love in a woman's heart than Christian Alma. there sir his very words how true they are ah how cruel was the chance that separated us from each other and brought us together again when i was another man's wife oh if i had only known if some kind fairy had told me that the man who when i was a child enthralled me with his beautiful fancies and won my heart and who then and who then as it seemed, passed out of my life. If I had suspected that, after many years, he would return

Starting point is 02:29:58 home from his wanderings, with the resolve to seek out the child and make her his wife, do you for one moment suppose I would not have waited for him? Do you think it possible I could ever have accepted the hand of another man? No, it could not have been, for even as a child I used to dream of you and held you in my heart above all other human beings but you were gone i never thought of seeing you again and i was so young that i could have had no foreshadowing of what was to come have you ever considered how utterly different my life might have been had you not crossed it not that i reproach you do not think that but how strangely things turn out without the principal actor having anything to do with them. It is exactly like sitting down quietly by yourself, and seeing all sorts of wonderful things happen in which you have no hand, though if you were not in existence they could never have occurred. Just think for a moment.

Starting point is 02:31:09 If it had not happened that you knew me when I was a child, and was fond of me then, as you have told me, I don't know how many times, if it had not happened, that your restless spirit drove you abroad, where you remained for years and years and years. If it had not happened that, tired of leading a wandering life, you resolved to come home and seek out the child you used to pet and make love to, but she did not know the meaning of love then, if it had not happened that entirely ignorant of what was passing in your mind, the child, grown into a pretty woman, I think I may say that without vanity,

Starting point is 02:31:54 was persuaded by her friends that to refuse an offer of marriage made to her by a great lawyer, famous and rich, was something too shocking to contemplate. If it had not happened that she, knowing nothing of her own heart, knowing nothing of the world, allowed herself to be guided by these cold calculating friends, to accept a man utterly unsuited to her, and with whom she has never had an hour's real happiness, if it had not happened by the strangest chance that this man and you were friends, there, my dear, follow it out for yourself, and reflect how different our lives might have been, if everything had happened in the way it ought to have done.

Starting point is 02:32:42 I was cheated and tricked into a marriage with a man whose heart has rewritten, room for only one sentiment. Ambition. I am bound to him for life, but I am yours till death, although the bond which unites us is, as you have taught me, but a spiritual bond. Are you angry with me for putting all this on paper? You must not be, for I cannot help it if I am not wise. Wisdom belongs to men. Come then, and give me wise count, and prevent me from committing indiscretions for i declare to you upon my heart and honor if you do not very soon present yourself at the house of white shadows i will steal from it in the night and make my way to the mountains to see what wonderful attraction it is that separates us what food for scandal what wagging and shaking of heads how the women's tongues would run i can imagine it all save me from exposure as you are a true man you have made the villa beautiful as i walk about the house and grounds i am filled with delight to think that you have affected such a magic change for my sake

Starting point is 02:34:07 master lamont has shown really exquisite taste what a singular old man he is i can't decide whether i like him or not but how strange that you should have had it all done by deputy and that you have not set foot in the house since you were a child you see i know a great deal who tells me my new maid dionetta do you remember in one of the letters you showed me from your steward that he spoke about the old housekeeper mother denise and a pretty granddaughter i made up my mind at the time that the pretty granddaughter should be my maid and she is and her name is dionetta is it not pretty but not prettier than the owner will that tempt you i have sent my town-maid away much to her displeasure she spoke to the advocate in complaint but he did not mention it to me i found it out for myself he is as close as the grave so i am here absolutely alone with none but strangers around me i am very much interested in the pictures in the studio of the old chalet especially in a pair which represent the first two lovers with the sun shining on them the second the lovers parted by a cold gray sea they stand on opposite shores gazing despairingly at each other he must have been a weak-minded man indeed he should have taken a boat and rode across to her and if he was afraid to do that she should have gone to him

Starting point is 02:36:00 that would have been the most sensible thing i could continue my gossip till daylight breaks but i have already lost an hour of my beauty sleep and i want you upon your arrival to see me at my best my heart goes with this letter bring it swiftly back to me yours forever adelaide chapter eleven fire and snow Fool Fritz informs Pierre Lamont where actual love commences. News, Master Lamont, news! Of what nature, Fritz? Of a diabolical nature, Satan is busy. He is never idle, for which the priests, if they have any gratitude in them, should be thankful. You are not fond of the priests, Master Lamont.

Starting point is 02:37:02 i do not hate them still you are not fond of them i do not love them you're news fool concerning whom are greater than you or you do not speak the truth the advocate then the same you're a good guesser fritz your news is stale i am unlucky i thought to be the first. You have heard the news? Not I. You have read a letter informing you of it? You are a bad guesser. I have neither received nor read a letter today. You have heard nothing, you have read nothing, and yet you know. As surely as you stand before me, Fritz, you are not a scholar, but I will give you a sum any fool can do, add one to one what do you make of it why that is easy enough master lamont the answer then fool one good you shall smart for it in the most vulnerable part of man you receive from me every week one frank i owe you for last week one frank i owe you for this one

Starting point is 02:38:32 that is so last week won this week won i discharge the liability and pierre lamont handed a frank to fritz fritz weighed the coin in the palm of his hand spun it in the air and smiled master lamont here is a fair challenge if i prove to you that one and one are won this franc you have given me shall not count off what you have given me shall not count off what you owe me. I agree. When one man and one woman are joined in matrimony, they become one flesh. Therefore, one and one are one. You have earned the frank, fool. Here are the two I owe you. Now, perhaps, you will tell me what I came here to tell you. The advocate intends to defend Gautran, who stands charged with the murder of the flower girl. You are a master worth serving. I have half a mind to give you back your frank.

Starting point is 02:39:44 Make it a whole mind, Fritz. No, second thoughts are best. My pockets are not as warm as yours. They are not so well-lined. How did you guess, Master Lamont? by means of a golden rule an infallible rule by the rule of one which intelligibly interpreted to shallow minds no offence fritz i hope don't mind me master lamont i am a fool and used to hard knox then by the rule of one which means the rule of human nature as for example that makes the drunkard stagger to the wine shop and the sluggard to his bed. I guessed that the advocate could not withstand so tempting a chance to prove the truth of the scriptural words that all men are liars. What will be palatable information to me is the manner in which the news has been received.

Starting point is 02:40:50 Heaven keep me from ever being so received. The advocate is not added to the number of his friends. People are gazing at each other in amazement, and asking for reasons which none are able to give. And his wife, Fritz, his wife? Takes as much interest in his doings as a bee does in the crawling of a snail. Rogue, you have cheated me. How about one and one being one? There are marriages and marriages. This was not made in heaven. When it came about, there was a confusion in the pairing and another couple are as badly off there will be a natural end to both how brought about fool by your own rule the rule of human nature when a jumper jumps he first measures his distance with his eye do they quarrel no does she look coldly upon him or he upon him or he upon

Starting point is 02:41:59 on her? No. Is there silence between them? No. You are a bad jumper, Fritz. You have not measured your distance. See, Master Lamont, I will prove it to you by a figure of speech. There travels from the south a flame of fire. There travels from the north a lump of snow. They meet. What has happens, either that the snow extinguishes the fire and it dies, or that the fire puts an end to the snow. Fairly illustrated, Fritz, fire and snow, truly a most unfortunate conjunction. She was in the mood to visit you yesterday, had you lived a mile nearer the valley. You were out together? She and Dianetta were walking, and i met them and accompanied them she spoke graciously to the villagers and went into the cottages and drank more than one cup of milk she was sweeter than sugar master lamont and won the hearts of some of the women and all of the men

Starting point is 02:43:16 as for the children they would have followed her to the world's end i do believe out of pure admiration they carry now in their little heads the vision of the beautiful lady. Even Father Capel was struck by her beauty. Priests are mortals, Fritz. On which side did you walk, next to my lady or Dianetta? I should be wrecked in a tempest. I sail only in quiet lakes. And the maid. Did she object to your walking close to her? For you are other than I take you to be if you did not walk close. Why should she object? Am I not a man? Women rather like fools.

Starting point is 02:44:06 How stands the pretty maid with their new mistress? In high favor, if one can judge from fingers. Fritz, your wit resembles a tide that is forever flowing. Favor me with your parable. It is a delicate point to decide where actual love commences? Have you ever considered it, Master Lamont? Not deeply, fool. In my young days I was a mad brain. You are a philosopher. Like a bee, I took what fell in my way, and did not puzzle myself or the flower with questions.

Starting point is 02:44:47 Where love commences? In the heart? No. In the brain? No. In the eye? No. Where then? In the fingertips. Deonetta and I, walking side by side, shoulder to shoulder, our arms hanging down, brought into close contact our fingertips. What wonder that they touched!

Starting point is 02:45:21 Natural magnetism, Fritz. With our fingertips touching, we walked along and if her heart palpitated as mine did she must have experienced an inward commotion master lamont this is a confession for your ears only i should be base and ungrateful to hide it from you your confidence shall be respected it leads to an answer to your question as to how dionetta stands with her new mistress first the finger-tips then the fingers, and her little hand was clasped in mine. It was then I felt the ring upon her finger. Ah! Now, Dianetta never till yesterday owned a ring.

Starting point is 02:46:13 I felt it as a man who was curious would do, and suddenly her hand was snatched from mine. A moment or two afterwards, her hand was in mine again, but the ring was gone. a fine piece of conjuring a man is no match for a woman in these small ways to-day i saw her for about as long as i could count three who gave you the ring i asked my lady she answered don't tell grandmother that i have got a ring therefore master lamont dianetta stands well with her mistress logically carried out fritz the saints prosper your wooing end of section five section six of the house of the white shadows this libervox recording is in the public domain the house of the white shadows by b l fargen section six book one chapters twelve and thirteen chapter twelve and thirteen chapter twelve the struggle of

Starting point is 02:47:33 love and duty. In his lonely room in the mountain hut in which he had taken up his quarters, Christian Alma sat writing. It was early morning. He had risen before the sun. During the past week he had struggled earnestly with the terror which oppressed him. His suffering had been great, but he believed he was conquering. The task he had imposed upon himself of setting his duty before him in clear turn, affirmed him consolation. The book in which he was writing contained the record of a love which had filled him with unrest and threatened to bring dishonor into his life. I thank heaven, he wrote, that I am calmer than I have been for several days.

Starting point is 02:48:24 Separation has proved an inestable blessing. The day may come when I shall look upon my love as dead and shall be able to think of it as one thinks of a beloved being whom death has snatched away. Even now, as I think of her, there is no fever in the thought. I have not betrayed my friend. How would he regard me if he were acquainted with my mad passion? If he knew that the woman he adored looked upon him with aversion and gave her love to the friend whom he trusted as a brother? There was the error, to listen to her confession of love and to make confession of my own.

Starting point is 02:49:08 That a man should so forget himself, should he be so completely the slave of his passions? How came it about? When were the first word spoken? She sat by my side, radiant and beautiful. Admiring glances from every part of the theatre were cast upon her. In a corner of the box sat her husband, silent and thoughtful, heedless of the brilliant scene before him, heedless of her, as it seemed, heedless of the music and the singers. Royalty was there, immediately facing us, and princes levelled their opera glasses at her.

Starting point is 02:49:50 There are moments of intoxication when reason and conscience desert us. We were stepping into the carriage when a note was delivered to him. him. He read it and said, I cannot go with you. I am called away. You will not miss me as I do not dance. I will join you in a couple of hours. So we went alone, we two together, and her hand rested lightly upon mine.

Starting point is 02:50:20 And in the dance the words were spoken, words never to be recalled. What demon prompted them? Why did not an angel whisper to me, Remember, there is a tomorrow. But in the present, the morrow is forgotten. A false sense of security shuts out all thoughts of the consequences of our actions. A selfish delight enthralls us,

Starting point is 02:50:46 and we do not see the figure of retribution hovering above us. It is only when we are alone with our conscience that this figure is visible. then it is that we tremble, then it is that we hear words which appall us. Again and again this has occurred to me, and I have vowed to myself that I would tear myself from her, a vow as worthless as the gamblers resolve to play no more. Drawn irresistibly forward, and finding in every meeting a shameful justification in the delusion that I was seeing her for the last time, and leaving her with a promise to come again soon.

Starting point is 02:51:29 Incredible infatuation. But to listen to the recital of her sorrows and unhappiness without sympathizing with her, it was not possible. And to hear her whisper, I love you and only you, without being thrilled by the confession, a man would need to be made of stone. How often has she said to me,

Starting point is 02:51:53 when speaking of her husband, he has no heart. Can I then aver with any semblance of honesty that I have not betrayed my friend? Basely have I betrayed him. If I were sure that she would not suffer, if I were sure that she would forget me. Coldness, neglect, indifference. They are sharp weapons, but I deserve to bleed. Still, I cry out against my fate. I have committed no crime.

Starting point is 02:52:28 Love came to me and tortured me. But a man must perform a man's duty. I will strive to perform mine. Then, in years to come, I may be able to think of the past without shame, even with pride at having conquered. I have destroyed her portrait. I could not look upon her. her face and forget her. A voice from an adjoining room caused him to lay aside his pen. It was the

Starting point is 02:52:59 peasant, the master of the hut, calling to him, and asking if he was ready. He went out to the man. "'I heard you stirring,' said the peasant, and my young ones are waiting to show you where the Edelweiss can be found. The children, a boy and a girl, looked eagerly at Christian Almer. It had been arranged on the previous day that the three should go for a mountain excursion in search of the flower that brings good luck and good fortune to the finder. The children were sturdy-limbed and ruddy-faced and were impatient to be off. Breakfast first, said Christian Almer, pinching the little girl's cheek. Brown bread, honey, goat's milk, and an omelette were on the

Starting point is 02:53:49 table, and the stranger, who had been as a godsend to the poor family, enjoyed the homely fair. The peasant had already calculated that if his lodger lived a year in the hut, they would save five hundred francs, a fortune. Christian Alma had been generous to the children, in whose eyes he was something more than mortal. Money is a magic power. Will the day be fine? asked Christian. Yes, said the peasant, but there will be a change in the evening. The little ones will know, you can trust to them. Young as they were, they could read the signs on nature's face

Starting point is 02:54:35 and could teach their gentleman friend wise things, great and rich as he was. The father accompanied them for a couple of miles. he was a goat-herd, and, unlike others of his class, was by no means a silent man. "'You live a happy life here,' said Christian Amher. "'Why, yes,' said the peasant. "'It is happy enough. "'We have to eat, but not to spare. "'There is the trouble.

Starting point is 02:55:06 "'Still, God be thanked. "'The children are strong and healthy. "'That is another reason for thankfulness.' is your wife as you are mountain-born yes and could tell you stories and there said the peasant pointing upwards afar off as though it knew my wife were being talked of there is the lammergeier an enormous vulture which seemed to have suddenly grown out of the air was suspended in the clouds so motionless was it that it might have been likened to a sculptured work wrought by an angel's hand and fixed in heaven as a sign. It could not have measured less than ten feet from wing to wing. Its color was brown, with bright edges and white quills,

Starting point is 02:55:59 and its fiery eyes were encircled by broad, orange-shaded rings. My wife, said the peasant, has reason to remember the Lammergeier. When she was three years old, her father took her to a woman. part of the mountains where they were haymaking, and not being able to work and attend to her at the same time, he set her down by the side of a hut. It was a fine, sunny day, and Anna fell asleep. Her father, seeing her sleeping calmly, covered her face with a straw hat and continued his work. Two hours afterwards he went to the spot, and Anna was gone. He searched for her everywhere, and all the haymakers assisted in the search, but Anna was nowhere

Starting point is 02:56:51 to be found. My father and I, I was a mere lad at the time, five years older than Anna, were walking towards a mountain stream, three miles from where Anna had been sleeping, when I heard the cry of a child. It came from a precipice, and above this precipice a vulture was flying. We We went in the direction of the cry and found Anna lying in the edge of the precipice, clinging to the roots with her little hand. She was slipping down, and would have slipped to certain death had we been three minutes later. It was a difficult task to rescue her as it was, but we managed it and carried her to her father.

Starting point is 02:57:39 She had no cap to her head and no shoes or stockings on her feet. she had lost them in her flight through the air in the vulture's beak she has a scar on her arm to this day as a remembrance of her acquaintance with the lammergier so it fell out afterwards when she was a young woman that i married her ever and again as they walked onwards christian almer turned to look upon the vulture which remained perfectly still with its wings outstretched until it was hid from his sight by the peculiar formation of the valleys they were traversing hitherto their course had lain amidst masses of the most beautiful flowers gentians with purple bells others spotted and yellow with brilliant whirls of bloom the lilac-flowered companion the anemone the blue columbine and star-wark the lovely forget-me-not which christian almer mentally likened to bits of heaven dropped down and the alpine rose the queen of alpine flowers now all was changed the track was bare of foliage not a blade of grass peeped up from the barren rocks there is good reason for it said the peasant here long years ago a man killed his brother in cold blood since that day no flowers will grow upon the spot there are nights on which the spirit of the murderer wanders mournfully about these rocks a black dog accompanies him whose bark you can sometimes hear this valley is accursed

Starting point is 02:59:30 soon afterwards the peasant left christian almer to the guidance of the children and with them the young man spent the day sharing contentedly with them the black bread and hard sausage they had brought for dinner this midday meal was eaten as they sat beside a lake in the waters of which there was not a sign of life and christian almer noticed that as the children ate they watched the bosom of this lake with a strange and singular interest. What are you gazing at? he asked, curious to learn. For the dead white trout, answered the boy. Whenever a priest dies, it floats upon the lake. In the lower heights, where the fir trees stretched their feathery tips to the clouds, they found the flower they were in search of, and the children were wild with delight.

Starting point is 03:00:27 The sun was setting when they returned to the clouds. the hut, tired and gratified with their day's wanderings. The peasant's wife smiled as she saw the Edelweiss. A lucky loveflower, she said to Christian Almmer. These simple words proved to him how hard was the lesson of forgetfulness he was striving to learn. He was profoundly agitated by them. Night fell and the clouds grew black. The wind is rising. said the peasant. An ill night for travelers. Here is one coming towards us.

Starting point is 03:01:07 It proved to be a guide who lived in the nearest post village and who duly commissioned for the service brought to Christian Almer the letters of the advocate and his wife. A storm is gathering, said the guide. I must find shelter on the heights tonight. In his lonely room, Christian Almer

Starting point is 03:01:29 broke the seals, and by the dull light of a single candle, read the lines written by friend to friend, by lover to lover. The thunder rolled over the mountains. The lightning flashed through the small window. The storm was upon him. He read the letters once only, but every word was impressed clearly upon his brain. For an hour he sat in silence, gazing vacantly. at the Edelweiss on the table, the lucky love-flower.

Starting point is 03:02:04 The peasant's wife called to him and asked if he wanted anything. Nothing, he replied, in a voice that sounded strange to him. I will leave the bread and milk on the table, she said. Good night. He did not answer her, nor did he respond to the children's good night. Their voices, the children's, especially. seemed to his ears to come from a great distance a drop of rain fell from the roof upon the candle and extinguished the light for a long while he remained in darkness until all in the hut were sleeping then he went out into the wild night clutching the letters tight in his hand he staggered almost blindly onwards and in the course of half an hour found himself standing on a

Starting point is 03:02:59 narrow and perilous bridge from which the few travelers who passed that way could obtain a view of a torrent which dashed with sublime and terrific force over a precipice upon the rocks below a thousand feet down if i were to grow dizzy now he muttered with a reckless laugh and he tempted fate by leaning over the narrow bridge and gazing downwards into the dark depths indistinct shapes grew out of the mighty and eternal waterfall of hosts and angry men battling with each other of rushing horses of armies of vultures swooping down for prey of accusing and beautiful faces of smiling mouths and white teeth flashing and white teeth flashing and amidst the whirl sounds of shrieks and laughter suddenly he straightened himself and tearing adelaide's letter into a thousand pieces flung the evidence of a treacherous love into the furious torrent of waters and as he did so he thought that there were times in a man's life when death were the best blessing which heaven could bestow upon him chapter thirteen the trial of gottran the trial of gotran was proceeding and the court was thronged with an excited gathering of men and women upon whom not a word in the story of the tragic drama was thrown away impressed by the great powers of the advocate who had undertaken to appear for the accused the most effective measures had been adopted to prove gottran's guilt and to obtain a conviction

Starting point is 03:04:50 it was a legal battle fought with all the subtle weapons at the disposal of the law gotrans prosecutors fought with faces unmasked and with their hands displayed the advocate on the contrary was pursuing a course which none could fathom nor did he give a clue to it long before the case was closed the jury were ready to deliver their verdict but calm and unmoved the advocate with amazing patience followed out his secret theory the revelation of which was awaited by those who knew him best and feared him most with intense and painful curiosity every disreputable circumstance in gottran's life was raked up to display the odiousness of his character his infamous career was tracked from his childhood to the hour of his arrest a creature more debased with features more hideous it would have been difficult to drag forward from the worst haunts of crime and shame degraded he was born degraded he had lived degraded he stood before his judges it was a horror to gaze upon his face as he stood in the dock convulsively clutching the rails for eight days he had so stood execrated and condemned by all for eight days he had endured the anguish of a thousand deaths of a myriad agonizing fears his soul had been harrowed by the most awful visions visions of which none but himself had any conception in his cell with the jailers watching his every movement in the court with the glare of daylight upon him

Starting point is 03:06:49 in the dusky corridors he traversed morning and evening he saw the phantom of the girl with whose murder he was charged and by her side the phantom of himself standing on the threshold of a future in which there was no mercy or pity no communication passed between him and the lawyer who was fighting for him not once did the advocate turn to the prisoner or address a word to him it was as though he were battling for a victory in which gautran was in no wise concerned but if indeed he desired to win he adopted the strangest tactics to accomplish his desire not a question he asked the witnesses Not an observation he made to the judge, but tended to fix more surely on the prisoner's degradation, and gradually, there stole into Gautran's heart a deadly hatred and animosity against his defender. He defends me to ruin me! This was Gautran's thought. He is seeking to destroy me, body and soul. His own replies to the question put to him by the judge, were sufficient to convict him he equivocated and lied in the most barefaced manner and when he was exposed and reproved

Starting point is 03:08:17 evinced no shame preserving either a dogged silence or obstinately exclaiming that the whole world was leagged against him apart from the question whether he was lying or speaking the truth there was a certain consistency in his method which would have been of service to him had his cause been good this was especially noticeable when he was being interrogated with respect to his relations with the murdered girl you insist said the judge that madeleine accepted you as her lover yes replied gautran i insist upon it evidence will be brought forward to prove that it was not so what then will you answer that whoever denies it is a liar and if a dozen or twenty deny it they lie the lot of them what should make them speak falsely instead of truly because they are all against me there is no other evidence except your bare statement that Madeline and you were affianced. That is my misfortune. If she were alive, she could speak for me.

Starting point is 03:09:40 It is a safe remark, the poor child being in her grave. It is the rule for young girls to love men whose appearance is not repulsive. Is this, cried Gautrin, smiting his face with his fist, to stand as a witness against me too? No, but a girl is generally a cause for falling in love. If the man be not attractive in appearance, it is almost certain he will possess some other quality to attract her. He may be clever, and this may win her. I do not pretend to be clever.

Starting point is 03:10:20 His manners may be engaging, his nature may be kind and affectionate. and she may have had proof of it my nature is kind and affectionate it may have been that if you were determined upon having a reason for her fondness for me she was fond of you i did she tell you so and when always when we were alone we cannot have madeline's evidence as to the feeling she entertained for you but But we can have the evidence of others who knew you both. Are you acquainted with Catherine Scherer? Not too well. We were never very intimate. She is a young woman a few years older than Madeline, and she warned Madeline against you.

Starting point is 03:11:15 She herself had received instances of your brutality. Before you saw Madeline, you made advances toward Catherine Scher. false she made advances towards me she asked me to be her lover and now she speaks against me out of revenge she has not spoken yet but she will madeline told her that she trembled at the side of you and had entreated you not to follow her but that you would not be shaken off it is my way i will never be balked it is true therefore you paid no attention to this poor girls entreaties because it is your way not to allow yourself to be balked i did not mean that i was thinking of other matters katherine sharer has a mother yes a woman of no account some time ago this mother informed you if you did not cease to pester katherine with your insulting proposals that she would have you beaten i should like to see the man who would have attempted it that is savagely spoken for one whose nature is kind and affectionate may not a man defend himself i don't say i am kind and affectionate to men but i am to women

Starting point is 03:12:48 the murdered girl found you so hearing from her daughter that madeline was frightened of you and did not wish you to follow her katherine's mother desired you to let the girl alone she lies they all lie who utter a word against you every one of them you never courted katherine's sharer never Her mother never spoke to you about either her daughter or Madeline? Never. Do you know the widow Joseph? No. Madeline lodged in her house. What is that to me?

Starting point is 03:13:37 Did she never speak to you concerning Madeline? Never. Attend. Four nights before Madeline met her death, you were seen prowling. outside widow Joseph's house. I was not there. The widow Joseph came out and asked you what you wanted.

Starting point is 03:13:59 She did not. You said you must see Madeline. The widow Joseph went into the house and returned with the message that Madeline would not see you. Upon that, you tried to force your way into the house and struck the woman because she prevented. you. Madeline came down, alarmed at the sounds of the struggle, and begged you to go away, and you said you would, now that you had seen her, as you had made up your mind to.

Starting point is 03:14:32 What have you to say to this? A batch of lies. Twenty women could not have prevented me getting into the house. You think yourself a match for twenty women? I? And for as many men? For one man, whoever he may be, give me the chance of proving it. Do you know Heinrich Heights? No. He is, like yourself, a woodcutter. There are thousands of woodcutters.

Starting point is 03:15:09 Did you and he not work together as partners? We did not. Were you not continually quarreuthers? and did he not wish to break the partnership? No. In consequence of this, did you not threaten to murder him? No. Did you not strike him with a weapon and cut his forehead open?

Starting point is 03:15:37 No. How many women have you loved? One. Her name? Madeline. you never loved another never have you been married no have you ever lived with a woman who should have been your wife never did you not continually beat this poor woman until her life became a burden to her and she was compelled to fly from you to another part of the country no do you expect to be believed in the answers you have given no it is said that you possess great strength it has served me in good stead that you are a man of violent passions

Starting point is 03:16:34 i have my feelings i would never submit to be trampled on you were always kind to madeline always on on the night of her murder yes witnesses will always will prove that you were heard to say, I will kill you, I will kill you. Do you deny saying so? No. How does that cruel threat accord with a mild and affectionate nature? I was asking her whether she had another lover, and I said if she had, and encouraged him, that I would kill her.

Starting point is 03:17:17 The handkerchief found round her neck was yours. I gave it to her as a love gift. A terrible love gift. It was not wound loosely around her neck. It was tight, almost to strangulation. She must have made it so in her struggles, or... Or... Or...

Starting point is 03:17:41 The man who killed her must have attempted to strangle her with it. That is your explanation? Yes. Your face is bathed in perspiration. Your eyes glare wildly. Change places with me and see how you would feel. Such signs, then, are the signs of innocence? What else should they be? During this long examination, Gautran's limbs trembled violently, and there passed over his face, the most frightful expressions.

Starting point is 03:18:24 End of Section 6. Section 7 of the House of the White Shadows. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargin. Section 7. Book 1, chapters 14 and 15. Chapter 14. The Evidence of Witnesses

Starting point is 03:19:00 Among the first witnesses, called, was Heinrich Heights, a woodcutter, who had been for some time in partnership with Gautran, and of whom Gautran had denied any knowledge whatever. On his forehead was the red scar of a wound inflicted some time before. Look at the prisoner. Do you know him? I have reason to. His name? Gautran. How did he get his living? By woodcutting. By woodcutting. You and he were comrades for a time? We were. For how long?

Starting point is 03:19:42 For three years, we were partners. During the time you worked with him, did he know you as Heinrich Heights? By no other name, I never bore another. Was the partnership an agreeable one? Not to me. It was infernally disagreeable. never want another partner like him. Why? Because I don't want another savage beast for a partner. You did not get along well with him? Quite the reverse. For what reasons? Well, for one, I am a hard-working

Starting point is 03:20:23 man. He is an indolent bully. The master he works for once does not want to employ him again. When we work together on a task, the profits of which were to be equally divided between us, he shirked his share of the work and left me to do the lot. Did you endeavor to separate from him? I did, and he swore he would murder me, and once, when I was more than usually determined, he marked me on the forehead. You can see the scar, I shall never get rid of it. Did he use a weapon against you? Yes, a knife. His temper is ungovernable?

Starting point is 03:21:10 He has not the slightest control over it. He is a man of great strength? He is very powerful. Possessed with an idea which he was determined to carry out, is it likely that anything would soften him? Nothing could soften him. How would opposition affect him? It would infuriate him.

Starting point is 03:21:36 I have seen him, when crossed, behave as if he were a mad tiger instead of a human being. At such times, would it be likely that he would show any coolness or cunning? He would have no time to think. He would be carried away by his passion. You were acquainted with him when he was a lad? I was. Was he noted for his cruel disposition in his childhood? He was. It was the common talk.

Starting point is 03:22:11 Did he take a pleasure in inflicting physical pain upon those weaker than himself? He did. And in prolonging that pain? Yes. In his paroxy, of fury, would not an appeal to his humanity have a softening effect upon him? He has no humanity. You were acquainted with Madeline?

Starting point is 03:22:37 I was. Was she an amiable girl? Most amiable. She was very gentle? As gentle as a child. But she was capable of being aroused? Of course she was. She had many admirers? I have heard so.

Starting point is 03:23:02 You yourself admired her? I did. You made love to her? I suppose I did. Did she encourage you? I cannot say she did. Did you ever attempt to embrace her? the witness did not reply to this question and upon its being repeated still preserved silence admonished by the judge and ordered to reply he said yes i have attempted to embrace her

Starting point is 03:23:39 on more than one occasion only on one occasion did she permit the embrace no she resisted you Yes. There must have been a struggle. Did she strike you? She scratched my face. She resisted you successfully? Yes. Gentle as she was, she possessed strength? Oh, yes, more than one would have supposed.

Starting point is 03:24:16 Strength which she would exert to protect herself from insult? Yes. her disposition was a happy one that was easy to see she was always singing to herself and smiling you believe she was fond of life why yes who is not and would not have welcomed a violent and sudden death certainly not what a question threatened with such a fate she would have resisted Aye, with all her strength. It would be but natural. Knowing Madeline somewhat intimately, you must have known Pauline? Yes, I knew her. It is unfortunate and inexplicable that we cannot call her as a witness,

Starting point is 03:25:12 and are ignorant of the reason why she left Madeline alone. Can you furnish any clue, even the slightest, which might enable us to find her? I cannot. I do not know where she is gone. Were they sisters or mother and daughter? I cannot say. Do you know where they came from? I do not. Reflect.

Starting point is 03:25:41 During your intimacy, was any chance word or remark made by either of the women, which, followed up, might furnish the information? i can remember none but something was said a few days before pauline left which surprised me related and do not fear to weary the court omit nothing i made love to madeline as i have said and she did not encourage me then for perhaps a month or two i said nothing more to her than good morning or good evening but afterwards When I was told that Gautran was following her up, I thought to myself, I am better than he. Why should I be discouraged because she said no to me once? Well, then it was that I mustered up courage to speak to Pauline,

Starting point is 03:26:37 thinking to win her to my side. I did not, though. Pauline was angry and impatient with me, and as much as told me that when Madeline married, it would be to a better man than I, was i was angry also because it seemed as if she looked down on me you think she will marry a gentleman said i it might be so she answered a fine idea that said i for a peasant but perhaps she isn't a peasant perhaps she is a lady in disguise i suppose i spoke scornfully for pauline fired up and asked whether or she was a lady in disguise i suppose i spoke scornfully for pauline fired up and asked whether Madeline was not good enough, and pretty enough, and gentle enough for a lady, and said, too,

Starting point is 03:27:28 that those who believed her to be a peasant might one day find out their mistake. And then, all at once, she stopped suddenly, with red fire in her face, and I saw she had said that which she had rather left unspoken. This last piece of evidence supplied a new feature of interest in the case. It furnished a clue to a tempting mystery as to the social position of Pauline and Madeline. But it was a clue which could not be followed to a satisfactory result, although another unexpected revelation was made in the course of the trial, which appeared to have some connection with it.

Starting point is 03:28:10 Much of the evidence given by Heinrich Heights was elicited by the advocate, especially those particulars which related to Gautran's strength and ferocity, and to Madeline's love of life and the way in which she met an insult. It was not easy to see what good could be done for Gautran by the stress which the advocate laid upon these points. Catherine Scherer was called and examined. She testified that Gautran had made advances toward her and had pressed her to become his wife,

Starting point is 03:28:44 that she refused him and that he threatened her, that as he persisted in following her, her, her mother had spoken to him and had warned him if he did not cease persecuting her daughter that she would have him beaten. This evidence was corroborated by Catherine's mother, who testified that she had cautioned Gautran not to persecute Madeline with his attentions and proposals. Madeline had expressed to both these women her abhorrence of Gautran and her fear of him, but nothing could induce him to relinquish his pursuit of her. The only evidence elicited from these witnesses by the advocate related to

Starting point is 03:29:27 Gautran's strength and ferocity. Following Catherine Scherer and her mother came a witness whose appearance provoked murmurs of compassion. It was a poor, wretched woman, half-demented, who had lived with Gautran in another part of the country, and who had been so brutally treated by him that her reason had become impaired. If her appearance provoked compassion, the story of her wrongs, as it was skillfully drawn from her by kindly examination, stirred the court into strong indignation, and threw a lurid light upon the character of the man arraigned at the bar of justice. In the presence of this poor creature, the judge interrogated Gautran.

Starting point is 03:30:15 You denied having ever lived with a woman who should have been your wife. Do you still deny it? Yes. Shameless obstinacy. Look at this poor woman, whom your cruelty has reduced to a state of imbecility. Do you not know her? I know nothing of her. You never lived with her?

Starting point is 03:30:43 Never. You will even go so far as to declare that you never saw her before today? Yes, I never saw her before today. To question you farther would be useless. You have shown yourself in your true colors, to which Gautran made answer, I can't help my colors, they're not of my choosing. The widow Joseph was next called.

Starting point is 03:31:14 Chapter 15. the widow joseph gives evidence respecting a mysterious visitor the appearance of this woman was looked forward to by the spectators with lively curiosity and her evidence was listened to with deep attention your name is joseph that was my husband's first name while he lived i was known as mistress joseph since his death i have been called the widow joseph the poor child madeleine and her companion pauline lived in your house yes from the first day they came into this part of the country we have come a great distance said pauline to me and want a room to sleep in i showed her the room and said it would be twelve francs a month she paid me twelve francs and remained with me till she left to go on a journey did you ask her where she came from yes and she answered that it was of no consequence did she pay the rent regularly yes and always without being asked for it did she tell you she was poor she said she had but little money did they have any settled plan of gaining a livelihood i do not think they had at first pauline asked me whether i thought it likely they could earn a living by selling flowers i looked at madeline and said that i thought they were certain to do well

Starting point is 03:32:58 you looked at madeline why she was a very pretty girl and you thought because she was very pretty that she would have a greater chance of disposing of her flowers yes gentlemen like to buy of pretty girls that is not said to madeline's disparagement no madeline was a good girl she was full of gaiety but it was innocent gaiety what were your impressions of them as to their social position did you believe them to be humbly born pauline certainly she was a peasant the same as myself but there was something superior about madeline which puzzled me how in what way it was only an impression yet there were signs pauline's hands were hard and hard and course. And from remarks she made from time to time, I knew that she was peasant-born. Madeline's hands were soft and delicate, and she had not been accustomed to toil, which all peasants are, from their infancy almost. From this do you infer that they were not related to each other?

Starting point is 03:34:23 I am sure they were related to each other. Perhaps few had the opportunities of judging as well as I could. When they were in a quiet mood, I have seen expressions upon their faces so exactly alike as to leave no doubt that they were closely related. Sisters? I cannot say. Or mother and daughter? I wish to tell everything I know, but to say nothing that might be turned into a reproach against them. We have every confidence in you. judgment can be formed from the bearing of persons toward each other. Pauline loved Madeline? Devotedly.

Starting point is 03:35:10 There is a distinctive quality in the attachment of a loving mother for her child, which can scarcely be mistaken. It is far different in certain visible manifestations, especially on occasions where there is any slight disagreement between sisters. distinctive also is the tenderness which accompanies the exercise of a mother's authority. Bearing this in mind, and recalling to the best of your ability, those particulars of their intercourse, which came within your cognizance, which hypothesis would you be the more ready to believe, that they were sisters or mother and child?

Starting point is 03:35:53 That they were mother and child. We recognize your anxiety to assist us. Pauline's hands, you say, were coarse, while Madeline's were soft and delicate. Ordinarily a peasant woman brings up her child as a peasant, with no false notions. In this instance, however, Pauline brought Madeline up with some idea that the young girl was superior to her own station in life. else why the unusual care of the child supposing this line of argument to be correct it appears not to be likely that the attentions of a man like gautran would be encouraged they were not encouraged do you know that they were not encouraged from statements made to you by pauline and madeleine yes then gautran's declaration that he was madeleine's except for statements made to you by pauline and madeleine's acceptance then gottran's declaration that he was madeleine's accepted lover is false quite false he speaks falsely when he says that madeline promised to marry him

Starting point is 03:37:04 it is impossible four nights before madeline met her death was gottran outside your house yes he was prowling about there with his evil face for a long time did you go to him and ask him what he wanted yes did he tell you that he must see madeline yes and i went into the house and informed the girl she said she would not see him and i went down to gottran and told him so he then tried to force himself into the house and i stood in his way he struck me and madeline frightened by my cries ran to the door and begged him to go away. It is a fact that he was often seen in Madeline's company? Yes, do what they would. They could not get rid of him, and they were frightened, if they angered him too much, that he would commit an act of violence.

Starting point is 03:38:10 As he did? As he did, it is written on Madeline's grave. Had the poor girl any other love? lovers? None that I should call lovers, but she was greatly admired. Was any one of these lovers especially favored? Not that I knew of. Did any of them visit the house? No, but may I speak? Certainly. It was not what I should call a visit. A gentleman came once to the door, and before I could get there, Pauline was with him. All that I heard was this. It is useless, Pauline said to him. I will not allow you to see her, and if you persecute us

Starting point is 03:39:02 with your attentions, I will appeal for help to those who will teach you a lesson. What is your objection to me? he asked, and he was smiling all the time he spoke. Am I not a gentleman? Yes, she answered. and it is because of that that i will not permit you to address her gentlemen i have had enough of gentlemen you are a foolish woman he said and he went away that is all and that is the only time except when i saw pauline in conversation with a man he might have been a gentleman but his clothes were not the clothes of one neither were they the clothes of a peasant they were conversing at a little distance from the house i did not hear what they said not a word and half an hour afterwards pauline came home there was a look on her face such as i had never observed a look of triumph and doubt but she made no remark to me nor i to her where was madeline at this time in the house

Starting point is 03:40:19 did you see this man again a second time two evenings after a third time within the same week he and pauline spoke together very earnestly and when any one approached them always moved out of hearing during the second week he came to the house and inquired for pauline she ran downstairs and accompanied him into the open road this occurred to my knowledge five or six times until pauline said to me to-morrow i am going on a journey before long i may be able to reward you well for the kindness you have shown us the following day she left and i have not seen her since did she say how long she would be likely to be away i understood not longer than three weeks that time has passed and still she does not appear since she left have you seen the man who is so frequently with her no he has not been to the house to make inquiries no is it not possible that he may have been pauline's lover there was nothing of the lover in his manner towards her there was however some secret between them evidently and madeline was she acquainted with it it is impossible to say you have no reason to suppose when pauline went away that she had no intention of returning i am positive she intended to return

Starting point is 03:42:10 and with good news for she promised to reward you for your kindness yes she did so is it not probable that she also may have met with foul play it is probable but heaven alone knows end of section seven section eight of the house of the white shadows this librivox recording is in the public domain The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargin. Section 8. Book 1, Chapter 16 and 17. Chapter 16 The Conclusion of the Prosecution In length, the case for the prosecution was concluded, with an expression of regret on the part of counsel at the absence of Pauline,

Starting point is 03:43:12 who might have been able to supply additional evidence, if any were needed, on the guilt of the prisoner. Every effort has been made, said counsel, to trace and produce this woman, but when she parted from the murdered girl, no person knew whether she was directing her steps. Even the widow Joseph, the one living person besides the mysterious male visitor

Starting point is 03:43:37 who was in frequent consultation with her, can furnish us with no clue. The victim of this foul and horrible crime could most likely have told us, but her lips are sealed by the murderer's hand, the murderous wretch who stands before you. It has been suggested that Pauline has met with foul play. It may be so. Otherwise, it is humanly impossible to divine the cause that would keep her from this trial.

Starting point is 03:44:07 Neither have we been able to trace the man who is in her confidence, and between whom and herself a secret of a strange nature existed. In my own mind, I do not doubt that this secret related to Madeline, but whether it did do so or not, cannot affect the issue of this trial. Neither can the absence of Pauline and her mysterious friend affect it. The proofs of the cruel, ruthless murder are complete and irrefragable, and nothing is wanting, not a link in the chain of evidence, to enable you to return a verdict which will deprive of the opportunity of committing further crime a wretch as infamous as ever walked the earth

Starting point is 03:44:54 he declares his innocence if the value of that declaration is to be gauged by the tissue of falsehoods he has uttered by his shameless effrontery and denials by his revolting revelations of the degradation of his nature he stands self-convicted but it needs not that had he not spoken the issue would be the same for painful and shocking as is the spectacle you have but to glance at him to assure yourself of his guilt if that is not sufficient to move you unhesitatingly to your duty cast him from your thoughts and weigh only the evidence of truth which has been laid unfolded to you as i speak a picture of that terrible night in the darkness of which the fearful deed was committed rises before me i see the river's bank in a mist of shadows i see two forms moving onward one a monster in human shape the other that of a child who had never wronged a fellow-creature a child whose spirit was joyous and whose amiable disposition won every heart it is not with her willing consent that this monster is in her company he has followed her stealthily until he finds an opportunity to be alone with her at a time when she is the least likely to have friends near her and in a place where she is entirely at his mercy he forces his attentions upon her she repulses him she turns toward her home he thrusts her roughly back enraged at her obstinacy he threatens to kill her his threats are heard by persons returning home along the river's bank and until the sound of their footsteps has died away and they are out of hearing he keeps his victim silent by force

Starting point is 03:46:56 being alone with her once more he renews his infamous suit she still repulses him and then commences a struggle which must have made the angels weep to witness in vain his victim pleads in vain she struggles she clings to him and begs for her life in tones that might melt the stonyest heart but this demon has no heart he winds his handkerchief round her neck he beats and tears her as is proved by the bruises on her poor body the frightful struggle ends and the deed is accomplished which condemns the wretch's the wretch's the wretch's the wretch's to lifelong torture in this world and to perdition in the next. Do not lose sight of this picture and of the evidence which establishes it, and let me warn you not to be diverted by sophistry or specious reasoning from the duty which you are here to perform. A most vile and horrible crime has been committed.

Starting point is 03:48:02 The life of a child has been cruelly, remorselessly, wickedly sacrificed. Her blood calls for justice on her murderer, and upon you rests the solemn responsibility of not permitting the escape of a wretch whose guilt has been proven by evidence so convincing as to leave no room for doubt in the mind of any human being who reasons in accordance with facts. I cannot refrain from impressing upon you the stern necessity of allowing no other considerations than those supplied by a calm judgment to guide you in the delivery of your verdict. I should be wanting in my duty if I did not warn you that there have been cases in which the guilty

Starting point is 03:48:49 have unfortunately escaped by the raising of side issues, which had but the remotest bearing upon the crimes of which they stood accused. It is not by specious logic that a guilty man can be proved innocent. innocence can only be established by facts, and the facts laid before you are fatal in the conclusion to be deduced from them. Bear these facts in mind, and do not allow your judgment to be clouded even by the highest triumphs of eloquence. I know of no greater reproach from which men of sensibility can suffer than that which precedes me from the consciousness that, in an unguarded moment, they have allowed themselves to be turned aside from the performance of a solemn duty.

Starting point is 03:49:40 May you have no cause for such a reproach? May you have no cause to lament that you have allowed your judgment to be warped by a display of passionate and fevered oratory. Let a sense of justice alone be your guide. Justice we all desire, nothing more and nothing less. The law demands it of you, society demands it of you. The safety of your fellow citizens, the honor of young girls, of your sisters, your daughters, and others dear to you, depend upon your verdict. For if wretches like the prisoner are permitted to walk in our midst,

Starting point is 03:50:24 to pursue their savage courses, to live their evil lives, unchecked, life and honor, are in fatal peril. The duty you have to perform is a sacred duty. See that you perform it righteously and conscientiously, and bear in mind that the eyes of the eternal are upon you. This appeal, delivered with intense earnestness, produced a profound impression. In the faces of the jury was written the fate of Gotran.

Starting point is 03:50:59 They looked at each other with stern resolution. under these circumstances when the result of the trial appeared to be a foregone conclusion it might have been expected the climax of interest having apparently been reached that the rising of the advocate to speak for the defence would have attracted but slight attention it was not so at that moment the excitement reached a painful pitch and every person in the court with the exception of the jury and the judge's leaned forward with eager and absorbed expectation. Chapter 17 The Advocate's Defense The Verdict He spoke in a calm and passionless voice,

Starting point is 03:51:50 the clear tones of which had an effect resembling that of a current of cold air through an overheated atmosphere. The audience had been led to expect a display of fevered and passionate oratory, but neither in the advocate's speech nor in his manner of delivering it was there any fire or passion it was chiefly remarkable for earnestness and simplicity his first words were a panegyric of justice the right of dispensing which had been placed in mortal hands by a supreme power which watched its dispensation with a jealous eye he claimed for himself that the leading principle of his life not only in his judicial but in his private career had been a desire for justice in small matters as well as in great

Starting point is 03:52:44 for the lowliest equally with the loftiest of human beings before the bar of justice prince and peasant the most ignorant and the most highly cultured the meanest and the most noble in form and feature the most most most noble in form and feature the most were equal. They had been told that justice was demanded from them by law and by society. He would supply a strange omission in this appeal, and he would tell them that, primarily and before every other consideration, the prisoner it was who demanded justice from them. That an innocent girl has been done to death, said the advocate, is most unfortunately true, and as true that a man who inspires horror is charged with her murder. You have been told that you have but to glance at him to assure yourself of his guilt. These are lamentable words to be used in an argument of accusation.

Starting point is 03:53:45 The facts that the victim was of attractive, and that the accused is of repulsive appearance, should not weigh with you, even by a hair's weight, to the prejudice of the prisoner. if it does i call upon you to remember that justice is blind to external impressions and moreover if in your minds you harbor a feeling such as exists outside this court against the degraded creature who stands before you i charge you to dismiss it all the evidence presented to you which bears directly upon the crime is circumstantial a murder has been committed no person saw it committed the last person proved to have been in the murdered girl's company is gottran her lover as he declares himself to have been and here i would say that i do not expect you to place the slightest credence upon the statements of this man his unblushing astonishing falsehoods proved that in him the moral sense is deadened if indeed it ever existed

Starting point is 03:54:57 but his own statement that after the manner of his brutal nature he loved the girl may be accepted as probable it has been sufficiently proved that the girl had other lovers who were passionately enamored of her she was left to herself deprived of the protection and counsel of a devoted woman who unhappily was absent at the fatal crisis in her life she was easily persuaded and easily led who can divine by what influences she was surrounded by what temptations she was beset temptations and influences which may have brought upon her an untimely death gautrin was heard to say i will kill you i will kill you he had threatened her before and she lived to speak of it to her companions and to permit him without break or interruption in their intimacy to continue to associate with her what more probable than that this was one of his usual threats in his moments of passion when he jealously believed that a rival was endeavoring to supplant him in her affections the handkerchief found about her neck belonged to gottran the gift of a handkerchief among the lower classes is not uncommon and it is frequently worn around the neck easy then for any murderer to pull it tight during the commission of the crime crime. But apart from this, the handkerchief does not fix the crime of murder upon Gautran or any other accused, for you have had it proved that the girl did not die by strangulation,

Starting point is 03:56:46 but by drowning. These are bare facts, and I present them to you in bare form, without needless comment. I do not base my defense upon them, but upon what I am now about to say. if in a case of circumstantial evidence there is reasonable cause to believe that the evidence furnished is of insufficient weight to convict and if on the other side on the side of the accused evidence is adduced which directly proves according to the best judgment we are enabled to form of human action in supreme moments as to the course it would take and the manner in which it would be displayed that it is almost beyond the bounds of possibility and nature that the person can have committed the deed you have no option unless you yourselves are bent upon judicial murder than to acquit that person however vile his character may be however degraded his career and antecedents it is evidence of this description which i intend to submit to you at the conclusion of my remarks the character of gotran has been exposed and laid bare in all its vileness the minuteness of the evidence is surprising not the smallest detail has been overlooked or omitted to complete the picture of a ferocious ignorant and infamous being guilty he deserves no mercy innocent he is not to be condemned because he is vile in the world's history there are records of countries and times in which it was the brutal fashion to bring four-footed animals to the bar of justice there solemnly to try them for witchcraft and evil deeds

Starting point is 03:58:44 and you will find upon examination of those records of man's incredible folly and ignorance that occasionally even these beasts of the earth pigs and such like have been declared innocent of the crimes of which they have been charged i asked no more for gautran than the principle involved in these trials judge him if you will as you would an animal but judge him in accordance with the principles of just which neither extenuates nor maliciously and unreasonably condemns. The single accusation of the murder of Madeline, a flower-girl, is the point to be determined, and you must not travel beyond it to other crimes and other misdeeds of which Gautram may have been guilty. It has been proved that the prisoner is possessed of great strength, that he is violent in his actions, uncontrollable in his passion, and his passionable in his passion, and fond of inflicting pain and prolonging it he has not a redeeming feature in his coarse animal nature thwarted he makes the person who thwarts him suffer without mercy

Starting point is 03:59:58 an appeal to his humanity would be useless he has no humanity when crossed he has been seen to behave like a wild beast all this is in evidence and has been strongly dwelt upon as proof of guilt. Most important is this evidence, and I charge you not for one moment to lose sight of it. I come now to the depiction of the murdered girl, as it has been presented to you. Pretty, admired, gentle in her manners, and poor. Although the fact of a person being poor is no proof of morality, we may accept it in this instance as a proof of the girl's virtue. She will be a person, was fond of life her disposition was a happy one she was in the habit of singing to herself thus we have the presentment of a young girl whose nature was joyous and to whom life was sweet another important piece of evidence must be borne in mind she possessed strength greater strength than would have been supposed in a form so slight this strength she would use to protect herself from injury it has been proved that she used it successfully to protect herself from insult in the whole of this case nothing has been more forcibly insisted upon than that she resisted her murder

Starting point is 04:01:28 and that there was a long and horrible struggle in which she received many injuries wounds bruises and scratches and in which her clothes were rent and torn this struggle and the natural order of things could not have been a silent one accompanying the conflict there must have been outcries frenzied appeals for mercy screams of terror and anguish no witness has been called who heard such sounds and therefore it must be a fact that the murder must have been committed some time after gottran's threat i will kill you i will kill you was heard such sounds was heard of fact that the murder must have been committed some time after gotran's threat i will kill you-i will kill you was heard heard by persons who passed along the bank of the river in the darkness of that fatal night. Time enough for Gautran to have left her. Time enough for another, lover or stranger, to meet her. Time enough for murder by another hand than that of the prisoner who stands charged with the commission of the crime.

Starting point is 04:02:32 I assert, with all the force of my experience of human nature, that it is impossible that Gautran could have commissioned. admitted the deed. There was a long and terrible struggle, a struggle in which the murdered girl's clothes were torn, in which her face, her hands, her arms, her neck, her sides, were bruised and wounded in a hundred cruel ways. Can you, for one moment, entertain the belief that, in this desperate fight in which two persons were engaged, only one should bear the marks of a contest so horrible? If you bring yourselves to this belief, it must be by the aid of prejudice, not of reason. Attend to what follows. On the very morning after the murder,

Starting point is 04:03:23 within four hours of the body being discovered in the river, Gautran was arrested. He wore the same clothes he had worn for months past, the only clothes he possessed. In these clothes, there was not a rent, or tear, nor any indication of a recent rent having been mended. How, then, could this man have been engaged in a violent and prolonged hand-to-hand conflict? It is manifestly impossible, opposed to all reasonable conjecture that his garments could have escaped some injury, however slight, at the hands of a girl to whom life was very sweet, who was strong and capable of resistance,

Starting point is 04:04:07 and who saw before her the shadow of an awful fate. Picture to yourselves this struggle already so vividly painted, so graphically portrayed. The unhappy girl clung to her destroyer. She clutched his dress, his hands, his body in her wild despair, a despair which inspired her with strength beyond her ordinary capacity.

Starting point is 04:04:35 And of still greater weight is the, fact that there was not to be found on any part of Gautran's body a scratch, a wound, or a bruise of any description. What then becomes of the evidence of a terrible life and death struggle in which it is said he was engaged? Upon this point alone the entire theory of the prosecution breaks down. The absence from Gautran's clothes and person of any mark or identification of a physical contest is the strongest testimony of his innocence of this ruthless diabolical crime and wretched and degraded as is the spectacle he presents justice demands from you his acquittal

Starting point is 04:05:25 still one other proof of his innocence remains to be spoken of i will touch upon it lightly but it bears a very strange aspect as though the prosecution were fearful that its introduction would fatally injure their case. When Gautran was searched, a knife was found upon him, the knife, without doubt, with which he inflicted upon the face of a comrade, a wound which he will bear to the grave. Throughout the whole of the evidence of the prosecution, I waited and looked for the production of that knife. I expected to see upon it a blood, proof of guilt.

Starting point is 04:06:06 but it was not produced. No mention has been made of it. Why? Because there is upon its blade no mark of blood. Do you believe that a ruffian like Gautran would have refrained from using his knife upon the body of his victim to shorten the terrible struggle? Even in light quarrels, men in his condition of life threaten freely with their knives and use them recklessly. to suppose that with so swift and sure a means at hand to put an end to a horrible affair gautran in the heat and fury of the time refrained from availing himself to it is to suppose a thing contrary and opposed to reason remember the answer given by one of the witnesses who knows the nature of the man well when i asked him whether in his passionate moods gautran would be likely to show coolness or cunning he would have no time to think he would be carried away by his passion his is the nature of a brute governed by brute laws you are here to try not the prisoner's general character not the prisoner's general character not his repulsive appearance, not his brutish nature, but a charge of murder of which he is accused, and of which, in the clear light of human motive and action, it is impossible he can be guilty.

Starting point is 04:07:40 The advocate's speech, of which this is but a brief and imperfect summary, occupied seven hours, and was delivered throughout with a cold, impressive earnestness, and with an absence of passion which gradually and effectually turned the current which had set so fatally against the prisoner the disgust and abhorrence he inspired were in no wise modified but the advocate had instilled into the minds of his auditors the strongest doubts of gottran's guilt two witnesses were called one a surgeon of eminence the other a nurse in a hospital They deposed that there were no marks of an encounter upon the prisoner's person, that upon his skin was no abrasion, that his clothes exhibited no traces of recent tear or repair, and that it was scarcely possible he could have been engaged in a violent personal struggle. Upon the conclusion of this evidence, which cross-examination did not shake, the jury asked that Gautran should be examined. by independent experts. This was done by thoroughly qualified men

Starting point is 04:08:58 whose evidence strengthened that of the witnesses for the defense. The jury asked also that the knife found upon Gautrand should be produced. It was brought into court and carefully examined, and it was found that its blade was entirely free from bloodstain. The jury astounded at the turn the effect, had taken, listened attentively to the speech of the judge, who dwelt with great care upon every feature of the case. The court sat late to give its decision, and when the verdict was pronounced, Gautran was a free man. Free to enjoy the sunlight, and the seasons as they passed.

Starting point is 04:09:46 Free to continue his life of crime and shame. Free to murder again. End of Section 8. End of Book 1. Section 9 of the House of the White Shadows. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. Section 9.

Starting point is 04:10:21 Book 2, chapters 1 and 2. Book 2, The Confession. chapter i a letter from john van brue for a little while gautrance scarcely comprehended that he was at liberty to wander forth he had so completely given himself up as lost that he was stupefied by the announcement that his liberty was restored to him he gazed vacantly before him and the announcement had to be twice repeated before he arrived at an understanding of its purport Then his attitude changed. A spasm of joy passed into his face, followed immediately by a spasm of fear. Those who observed him would indeed have been amazed

Starting point is 04:11:13 had they known what was passing through his mind. Free am I? he asked. You have been told so twice, a warden answered. It astonishes you. Well, you are not the only one. as the wardens fell from his side he watched them warily fearing they were setting a trap which might prove his destruction from where he stood he could not see the advocate who was preparing to depart distasteful as the verdict was to every person in court with the exception of gotran and his counsel those members of the legal profession who had not taken an active part in the trial were filled with professional admiration at the skill the advocate had displayed an eminent member of the bar remarked to him it is a veritable triumph the greatest and most surprising i have ever witnessed none but yourself could have accomplished it yet i cannot believe in the man's innocence

Starting point is 04:12:21 this lawyer held too high and honorable a position for the advocate to remain silent the man is innocent he said you know him to be so i know him to be so i stake my reputation upon it you almost convince me it would be fatal to any reputation where gotran after what has passed to be proved guilty but that of course is impossible quite impossible said the advocate somewhat haughtily exactly so there can be no room for doubt after your statement that you know know the man to be innocent. With no wish to continue the conversation, the advocate turned to leave the court when an officer presented himself. He wishes to speak to you, sir. He, who? asked the advocate. He was impatient to be gone, his interest at the trial being at an end. The victory was gained. There was nothing more to be done. The prisoner, sir, he desired me to tell you.

Starting point is 04:13:38 The prisoner, said the advocate. You forget, the man is free. He walked towards Gautran, and for the first time during the long days of the trial, gazed directly in his client's face. The magnetism in the advocate's eyes arrested Gautran's speech. His own dilated, and he appeared to forget. what he had intended to say. They looked at each other in silence for a few moments, the expression on the face of the advocate cold, keen, and searching, that on the face of Gautran, as of a man, entranced. And then the advocate turned sternly away, without a word having been spoken between them.

Starting point is 04:14:27 When Gautran looked again for his defender, he was gone. Gautran still lingered. The court was nearly empty. Be off, said the warden, who had been his chief attendant in his cell. We have done with you for the present. But Gautran made no effort to leave. The warden laid his hand upon the ruffian shoulder,

Starting point is 04:14:52 with the intention of expelling him from the court. Gautrin shook him off with the snarl of a wild beast. touch me again he cried and i'll strangle you i can do it easily enough two of you at a time and indeed so ferocious was his manner that it seemed as if he were disposed to carry his threat into execution women are more in your way said the warden tauntingly look you gautran if madeline had been my daughter your life would not be worth an hour's purchase despite the verdict gained by your clever advocate you would not dare to say that to me if you and i were alone retorted gautran scowling at the sullen faces of the officers about him away with you exclaimed the warden at once or we will throw you into the streets i will go when i get my property what property the knife you took from me when you dragged me to prison i don't move without it they deemed it best to comply with this demand the right being on his side and his knife was restored to him it was an old knife with a keen blade and a stout handle and it opened and closed with a sharp click gartrand tried it three or four times with savage satisfaction and then with another interchange of threatening glances he slunk from the court

Starting point is 04:16:37 the advocate's carriage was at the door ready to convey him to christian almer's villa but after his long confinement in the close court he felt the need of physical exercise and he dismissed his coachman saying he intended to walk walk home. As the carriage drove off, a person plucked him by the sleeve and pressed a letter into his hand. It was dusk, and the advocate, although he looked quickly around, could not discover the giver. His sight was short and strong, and standing beneath the light of a street lamp, he opened and read the letter. Old friend. It will doubtless surprise you to see my handwriting, it is so long since we met. The sight of it may displease you, but that is of small consequence to me. When a man is in a desperate strait, he is occasionally driven to desperate courses. When needs must, as you are aware, the devil drives.

Starting point is 04:17:47 I have been but an hour in Geneva, and I have heard of your victory. I congratulate you upon it. I must see you, soon. I know the House of White Shadows in the Pretty Valley yonder. At a short distance from the gates, but far enough off, and so situated as to enable a man to hide with safety if he desires, is a hill upon which I will wait for your signal to come to you,

Starting point is 04:18:16 which shall be the waving of a white handkerchief from your same, study window. At midnight and alone will be best. You see how ready I am to oblige you. I shall wait till sunrise for the signal. If you are too busy tonight, let it be tomorrow night, or the next, or any night this week. I am, as ever, your friend, John Vanbrue. The advocate placed the letter in his pocket, and murmured as he, he walked through the streets of Geneva. John Van Brue! Has he risen from his grave?

Starting point is 04:18:58 He would see me at midnight and alone. He must be mad or drunk to make such a request. He may keep his vigil undisturbed. Of such a friendship there can be no renewal. The gulf that separates us is too wide to be bridged over by sentimental memories. john van brue the vagabond i can imagine him and the depth to which he has sunk every man must bear the consequences of his actions let him bear his and make the best or the worst of them chapter two a startling interruption the news of the acquittal of gautrin spread swiftly through the town and the people gathered in front of the cafs and lingered in the streets to gaze upon the celebrated advocate who had worked the marvel he has a face like the sphinx said one with just as much feeling said another do you believe gottran was innocent

Starting point is 04:20:11 not i though he made it appear so neither do i believe it but i confess i am puzzled if gottran did not murder the girl who did asked one a waverer who formed an exception to the jury general rule. That is for the law to find out. It was found out, and the murderer has been set loose. We shall have to take care of ourselves on dark nights. Would you condemn a man upon insufficient evidence? I would condemn such as Gautran on any evidence. When you want to get rid of vermin it does not do to be over-particular. the law must be respected life must be protected that is the first law hush here he is best not let him overhear you there was but little diversity of opinion even in the inn of the seven liars to which fritz the fool who had attended the court every day of the trial and who had the fleetest foot of any man for a dozen miles round, had already conveyed the news of Gautran's acquittal, the discussion was loud and animated.

Starting point is 04:21:38 The women regarded the result as an outrage on their sex, the men more disposed to put Gautran out of the question, and to throw upon the advocate the opprobrium of the verdict. Did I not tell you, said Fritz, that he could turn black into white? A great man, a great man! If we had more like him, murdering would be a fine trade. There were, doubtless, among those who thronged the streets to see the advocate pass, some sinners whose consciences tormented them, and who secretly hoped, if exposure ever overtook them,

Starting point is 04:22:22 that heaven would send them such a defender. His reception, indeed, partook of the character of an ovation. These tributes to his powers made no impression upon him. He pursued his way steadily onward, looking neither to the right nor to the left, and soon the gaily lighted shops and cafes of Geneva were far behind him. His thoughts were upon John Van Brue,

Starting point is 04:22:52 who had been one of his boy, friends, and whom for many years he had believed to be dead. In his lonely walk to the House of White Shadows, he recalled the image of Van Brue, and dwelt with idle curiosity upon the recollection of their youthful lives. He had determined not to see Van Brue, and was resolved not to renew a friendship which, during its existence, had been lacking in those sterling qualities,

Starting point is 04:23:24 necessary for endurance that it was pleasant while it lasted was the best that could be said of it when he and van brue grew to manhood there was a wide divergence in their paths one walked with firm unfaltering step the road which leads to honor and renown sparing no labor throwing aside seductive temptation when it presented itself to him as it did in its most alluring forms, giving all his mental might to the cause to which he had devoted himself, studying by day and night so earnestly that his bright and strong intellect became stronger and clearer, and he could scarcely miss success. Only once in his younger days had he allowed himself for a brief period to be seduced from this path, and it was John Van Brue who had tempted him. The other, threw himself upon pleasures tied, and, blind to earnest duty, drank the sunshine of life's springtime in drafts so intemperate that he became intoxicated

Starting point is 04:24:40 with poisonous fire, and, falling into the arms of the knaves who thrive on human weakness and depravity, his moral sense, like theirs, grew warped, and he ripened into a naves. And he ripened into a knave himself. Something of this, but not in its fullness, had reached the advocate's ears, making but small impression upon him, and exciting no surprise, for by that time his judgment was matured, and human character was an open book to him, and when, some little while afterwards, he heard that John Van Brue was dead, he said, he is better dead and scarcely gave his once friend another thought.

Starting point is 04:25:30 He was a man who had no pity for the weak and no forgiveness for the airing. He walked slowly with a calm enjoyment of the solitude and the quiet night and presently entered a narrow lane dotted with orchards. It was now dark and he could not see a dozen yards before him. he was fond of darkness it contained mysterious possibilities he had been heard to say there was an ineffable charm in the stillness which encompassed him and he enjoyed it to its full there were cottages here and there lying back from the road but no light or movement in them the inmates were asleep soft sighs proceeded from the drowsy trees and slendered boughs waved solemnly, while the only sounds from the farm-yards were, at intervals, a muffled shaking of wings, and the barking of dogs whom his footsteps had aroused.

Starting point is 04:26:37 As he passed a high wooden gate, through the bars of which he could dimly discern a line of tall trees standing like sentinels of the night, the perfume of limes was wafted towards him, and he softly breathed the words, My wife! He yielded up his senses to the thraldom of a delicious languor in which the only image was that of the fair and beautiful woman who was waiting for him in their holiday home.

Starting point is 04:27:09 Had any person seen the tender light in his eyes and heard the tone in which the words were whispered, he could not have doubted that the woman they referred to was passionately adored. Not for long was he permitted to muse upon the image of a being, the thought of whom appeared to transform a passionless man into an ardent lover, a harsher interruption than sweet perfume floating on a breeze, recalled him to his sterner self. Stop! For what reason? The best. Money. The summons proceeded from one in whom, as his voice betrayed, the worst passions were dominant.

Starting point is 04:27:59 End of Section 9 Section 10 of the House of the White Shadows. This Librovoc's recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. Section 10 Book 2, chapters 3 and 4. Chapter 3 in the dead of night there lived not in the world a man more fearless than the advocate at this threatening demand which meant violence perhaps murder

Starting point is 04:28:41 he exhibited as little trepidation as he would have done at an acquaintance asking him in broad daylight for a pinch of snuff indeed he was so perfectly unembarrassed that his voice assumed a lightness foreign to its usual serious tones money my friend how much all you've got terse and to the point if i refuse i am desperate look to yourself the advocate smiled and purposely deepened the earnest of his tones this is a serious business then you'll find it so if you trifle with me are you hungry i am starving you have a powerful voice for a starving man don't play with me master i mean to have what i ask for how can you if i do not possess it how will you if possessing it i refuse to give it you the reply was a crashing blow at an overhanging branch which broke it to the ground it was evident that the man carried a stout weapon and that he meant to use it with murderous effect if driven to extremes they spoke at arm's length neither was quite within the other's grasp a strong argument said the advocate without blenching and a savage one you have a staff in your hand and probably a knife in your pocket ah i have and a sharp blade to it i thought as much would not that do your business more effectually

Starting point is 04:30:37 perhaps but i've learnt a lesson to-day about knives which teaches me not to use mine too freely the advocate frowned other scoundrels would run less risk of the jail if their proceedings were as logical do you know me how should i it might be then continued the advocate securely taking a box of matches from his pocket that like yourself i am both a thief and a would-be murderer as he uttered the last words he flung a lighted match straight at the man's face and for a moment the glare revealed the ruffian's features he staggered back repeating the word murderer in a hoarse and startled whisper the advocate strode swiftly to his side and striking another match held it up to his own to his own face. Look at me, Gautran, he said. The man looked up, and, recognizing the advocate, recoiled, muttering, Aye, I see who it is.

Starting point is 04:31:53 And you would rob me, wretch? Not now, master, not now. Your voice, it was the voice of another man. I crave your pardon, humbly. So you recommends work early, Gautran. Have you not had enough of the jail? More than enough. Don't be hard on me, master.

Starting point is 04:32:18 Call me mad if you like. Mad or sane, Gautran. Every man is properly made accountable for his acts. Take this to heart. It won't do me any good. What is a poor wretch to do with nothing but empty? pockets. You are a dull-witted knave, or you would be aware it is useless to lie to me. Gautran, I can read your soul. You wish to speak to me in the court. Here is your opportunity.

Starting point is 04:32:51 Say what you had to say. Give me breathing time. You've the knack of driving the thoughts clean out of a man's head. Have you got a bit of something that a poor fellow can chew? The end of a a cigar or a nip of tobacco. I have nothing about me but money, which you can't chew, and should not have if you could. Harken, my friend, when you said you were starving, you lied to me. How do you know it? Fool, are there not fruit trees here laden with wholesome food within any thief's grasp? Your pockets at this moment are filled with fruit. You have a gift, said Gautran with a cringing movement of his body. It would be an act of charity to put me in the way of it.

Starting point is 04:33:48 What would you purchase? asked the advocate, ironically. Gold for wine and pleasure and fine clothes? Aye, master, replied Gautran with eager voice. Power to crush those you hate and make them slysm. smart and bleed? Aye, master, that would be fine. Gautran, these things are precious and have their price. What are you ready to pay for them?

Starting point is 04:34:20 Anything, anything but money. Something of less worth, your soul? Gatran shuddered and crossed himself. No, no, he muttered, not that, not that. Strange, said the advocate with a contemptuous smile, the value we place upon an unknown quantity. We cannot bargain, friend.

Starting point is 04:34:49 Say now what you desire to say and as briefly as you can. But it was some time before Gatran could sufficiently recover himself to speak with composure. I want to know, he said. at length, with a clicking in his throat, whether you've been paid for what you did for me. At your trial? Aye, master. I have not been paid for what I did for you. When they told me yonder, said Gautran, after another pause, pointing in the direction of

Starting point is 04:35:27 Geneva, where the prison lay, that you were to appear for me, they asked me how I managed it, but i couldn't tell them and i'm beating my head now to find out without getting any nearer to it there must be a reason you strike a key-note my friend some one has promised to pay you no one has promised to pay me you you puzzle and confuse me master you're a stranger in geneva i'm told it is true i have lived about here half my life i was born in sierra my father worked in the foundry my mother in the fields you are not a stranger in sierra i am a stranger there i never visited the town my father was born in martigny you knew my father i did not know your father my mother my mother my mother Her father once owned a vineyard. You know her? I did not know her.

Starting point is 04:36:41 Once more was Gautran silent. What he desired now to say raised up images so terrifying that he had not the courage to give it utterance. You were in deep shadow, my friend, said the advocate, body and soul. Shall I tell you what is in your mind? You can do that? you wished to know if i was acquainted with the unhappy girl with whose murder you were charged is there another in the world like you asked gottran with fear in his voice yes that is what i want to know

Starting point is 04:37:21 i was not acquainted with her gottran retreated a step or two in positive terror then what he exclaimed in the fiend's name made you come forward at length said the advocate we arrive at an interesting point in our conversation i thank you for the opportunity you afford me in questioning my inner self what made me come forward to the assistance of such a scoundrel humanity no sympathy no what then was my motive indeed friend you strike home shall i say i was prompted by a desire to assist the course of justice or by a contemptible feeling of vanity to engage in a contest for the simple purpose of proving myself the victor it was something of both mayhap do you know gautran a kind of self-dispisal stirs within me at the present moment you do not understand me i will give you a close illustration you are a thief yes master you steal sometimes from habit to keep your hand in as it were and you feel a certain satisfaction at having accomplished your theft in a workmanlike manner we are all of us but gross and earthly patches it is simply a question of degree and it is because i am in an idle mood indeed i am grateful to you for this place hour, that I make a confession to you which would not elevate me in the eyes of better men.

Starting point is 04:39:11 You were anxious to know whether I have been paid for my services. I now acknowledged payment. I accept as my fee, the recreation you have afforded me. I shall be obliged to you, master, said Gautran, if you will leave your mysteries and come back to my trial. I will oblige you. I read the particulars of the case for the first time on my arrival here, and it appeared to me almost impossible you could escape conviction. It was simply that. I examined you and saw the legal point which, villain as you are, proclaimed your innocence. That laugh of yours, Gautran, has no mirth in it. I am being beginning to be dangerously shaken.

Starting point is 04:40:04 I will do, I said then, for this wretch, what I believe no other man can do, I will perform a miracle. You have done it, cried Gautran, falling on his knees in a paroxysm of fear, and kissing the advocate's hand, which was instantly snatched away. You are great, you are the greatest.

Starting point is 04:40:29 You knew the truth. the truth echoed the advocate and his face grew ashen white ay the truth and you were sent to save me you can read the soul nothing is hidden from you but you have not finished your work you can save me entirely you can you can oh master finish your work and i will be your slave to the last man you can oh master finish your work and i will be your slave to the last hour of my life. Save you, from what? demanded the advocate. He was compelled to exercise great control over himself, for a horror was stealing upon him. The trembling wretch rose and pointed to the opposite roadside. From shadows, from dreams, from the wild eyes of Madeline.

Starting point is 04:41:28 Look there, look there! the advocate turned in the direction of Gautran's outstretched, trembling hand. A pale light was coming into the sky, and weird shadows were on the earth. What are you gazing on? You ask me to torture me, moaned Gautran. She dogged me like my shadow. I cannot shake her off. I have threatened her, but she does not heed me.

Starting point is 04:41:59 She is waiting there, there, to follow me when I am alone, to put her arms about me, to breathe upon my face, and turn my heart to ice. If I could hold her, I would tear her piecemeal. You must have known her, you who can read what passes in a man's soul, you who knew the truth when you came to me and my cell, She will not obey me, but she will you. Command her, compel her to leave me, or she will drive me mad. With amazing strength, the advocate placed his hands on Gautran's shoulders

Starting point is 04:42:43 and twisted the man's face so close to his own that not an inch of space divided them. Their eyes met Gautrans wavering and dilating with fear, the advocates fixed and stern, and with a fire in them terrible to behold. Recall, said the advocate in a clear voice that rang through the night like a bell. What passed between you and Madeline on the last night of her life? Speak. Chapter 4. The Confession

Starting point is 04:43:21 I saw her in the Cartier-S. Jervais, said Gautrin, speaking like a man in a and found her at eight o'clock in the company of a man. I watched them and kept out of their sight. He was speaking to her softly, and some things he said to her made her smile, and every time she showed her white teeth, I swore that she should be mine and mine alone. They remained together for an hour,

Starting point is 04:43:53 and then they parted, he going one way, Madeline, another. i followed her along the banks of the river and when no one was near us i spoke to her she was not pleased with my company and bade me leave her but i replied that i had something particular to say to her and did not intend to go till it was spoken it was a dark night there was no moon i told her i had been watching her and that i knew she had another lover do you mean to give me up i said and she answered that she had never accepted me and that after that night she would never see me again i said it might happen and that it might be the last night we should ever see each other she asked me if i was going away and i said no it might be her that was going away in the longest journey she had ever taken what journey she asked me she asked she asked and i answered a journey with death for the coachman for i had sworn a dozen times that night that if she would not swear upon her cross to be true and faithful to me i would kill her i said it twice and some persons passed and turned to look at us but there was not light enough to see us clearly madeline would have cried to them for help but i held my hand over her mouth and whispered that if she uttered a word it would be her last and that she need not be frightened for i loved her too well to do her any harm

Starting point is 04:45:38 but when we were alone again and no soul was near us i told her again that as sure as there was a sky above us i would kill her unless she swore to give up her other lover and be true to me she said she would promise and she put her little hand in mine and pressed it and said gotran i will be only yours now let us go back but i told her it was not enough that she must kneel and swear upon the holy cross that she would have nothing to do with any man but me i forced her upon her knees and knelt by her side and put the cross to her lips and then she began to sob and tremble she dared not put her soul in peril she said she did not love me how could she swear to be true to me i said it was that or death and that it would be the blackest hour of my life to kill her but that i meant to do it if she would not give in to me i asked her for the last time whether she would take the oath and she said she deroned then i told her to say a prayer for she had not five minutes to live she started to her feet and ran along the bank i ran after her and she stumbled and fell to the ground and before she could escape me again i had her in my arms to fling her into the river she did not scratch or bite me but clung to me and her tears fell all about my face i said to her you love me kissing me so swear then it is not too late but she cried no no i kiss you so that you may not have the heart to kill me

Starting point is 04:47:40 soon she got weak and her arms had no power in them and i lifted her high in the air and flung her far from me into the river i waited a minute or two and thought she was dead but then i heard a bubbling and a scratching and looking down saw that by a miracle she had got back to the river's brink and that there was yet life in her i pulled her out and she clung to me in a weak way and whispered nearly choked the while that the virgin mary would not let me kill her will you take the oath i asked and she shook her head from side to side. No, no, no! I took my handkerchief and tied it tight around her neck, and she smiled in my face. Then I lifted her up and threw her into the river again. I saw her no more that night. The advocate removed his eyes with a shudder from the eyes of the wretch who had made this horrible confession, and who now sank to the ground, quivering in every limb, crying,

Starting point is 04:48:58 "'Save me, master, save me!' "'Monster!' exclaimed the advocate. "'Live and die are cursed!' But the terror-stricken man did not hear the words, and the advocate, upon whose features, during Gautran's narration, a deep gloom had settled, strode swiftly from him through the peaceful narrow lane, fragrant with the perfume of limes, at the end of which the lights in the House of White Shadows

Starting point is 04:49:31 were shining a welcome to him. End of Book 2. End of Section 10. Section 11 of the House of the White Shadows. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows, by B. L. Fargen. Section 11.

Starting point is 04:50:01 Book 3. Chapters 1 through 3. Book 3. The Grave of Honor. Chapter 1. Preparations for a visitor. At noon, the same day, the old housekeeper, mother Denise, and her pretty granddaughter, Dianetta, were busily employed setting an order and arranging the furniture in a suite of rooms, intended for an expected visitor.

Starting point is 04:50:32 There were but two floors in the House of White Shadows, and the rooms in which Mother Denise and Deonetta were busy were situated on the upper floor. I think they will do now, said Mother Denise, wiping imaginary dust away with her apron. All but the flowers, said Deonetta. No, Grandmother, that desk is wrong. It is my lady's own desk.

Starting point is 04:50:58 and is to be placed exactly in this corner by the window. There, it is right now. Be sure that everything is in its proper place, and that the rooms are sweet and bright. Be sure, be sure! She has said that twenty times this week. Ah, said Mother Denise testily, as if butterflies could teach bees how to work.

Starting point is 04:51:25 My lady is turning your head, Deonetta. it is easy to see that. She has bewitched half the people in the village. Here is father with the flowers. Haste, Martin, haste. Easy to say, hard to do, grumbled Martin, entering slowly with a basket of cut flowers. My bones get more obstinate every day.

Starting point is 04:51:51 Here's my lady been teasing me out of my life to cut every flower worth looking at. She would have made it. the garden of wilderness and spoilt every bed if I had not argued with her. And what did she say? asked Mother Denise, when you argued with her. Say? Smiled and showed all her white teeth at once. I never saw such teeth in my young days, nor such eyes, nor such hair, nor such hands,

Starting point is 04:52:23 enough to drive a young man crazy. Or an old one either, interrupted Mother Denise. She smiled as sweet as honey, you silly old man, and wheedled you and wheedled you till she got what she wanted. Pretty well, pretty well. You see, Dianetta, there are two ways of getting a thing done, a soft way and a hard way. There, there, there, cried Mother Denise impatiently.

Starting point is 04:52:55 Do your work with a still-tile. tongue and let us do ours. Get back to the garden and repair the mischief my lady has caused you to do. What does a man want with a room full of roses? She muttered, when Martin, quick to obey his domestic tyrant, had gone. It is a welcome home, said Deonetta. If I were absent from my place a long, long while, it would make me feel glad when I returned to see my rooms as bright as this. It is as though the very roses remembered you." "'You are young,' said Mother Denise, "'and your thoughts go the way of roses.

Starting point is 04:53:37 I can't blame you, Deonetta.' "'It was ten years since the master was here. You have told me, Grandmother.' "'Yes, Deonetta, yes, ten years ago this summer, and even then he did not sleep in the house. Christian Almer hates the place, and of all the rooms in the villa, this is the room he would be most anxious to avoid. But why, Grandmother? asked Dianetta, her eyes growing larger and rounder with wonder,

Starting point is 04:54:10 and does my lady know it? My lady is a headstrong woman. She would not listen to me when I advised her to select other rooms for the young master, and she declares, in a light way to be sure, but these are not. not things to make light of, that she is very disappointed to find that the villa is not haunted. Haunted! I have never seen anything, nor has Martin, nor you, Deonetta. Oh, grandmother, said the girl, in a timid voice, I don't know whether I have or not. Sometimes I have fancied— Of course you have fancied, and that is all. You have woke up in the night and been frightened

Starting point is 04:54:55 by nothing. Mark me, Dianetta, if you do no wrong and think no wrong, you will never see anything of the white shadows of this house. I am certain, said Dianetta, more positively, when I have been almost falling asleep that I have heard them creeping, creeping past the door. I have listened to them over and over again without daring to move in bed. Indeed, I have. i am certain retorted mother denise that you have heard nothing of the kind you are a foolish silly girl to speak of such things you put me quite out of patience child but fritz says fritz is a fool a cunning lazy fool if i were the owner of this property i would pack him off there's no telling which master he serves christian almer or man P. Pierre Lamont. He likes his bread-buttered on both sides and accepts money from both gentlemen. That is not the conduct of a faithful servant. If I acted in such a manner, I should consider myself disgraced.

Starting point is 04:56:13 I am sure, murmured Dianetta, that Fritz has done nothing to disgrace himself. Let those who are older than you, said Mother Denise in a sharp tone. Be judges of that. Fritz is good for nothing but to chatter like a magpie and idle round the place from morning to night. When there's work to do, as there has been this week, carrying furniture and moving heavy things about, he must run away to the city, to the courthouse, where that murder is being tried. Dianetta, I am not in love with the advocate or his lady. The advocate is trying to get a murderer off.

Starting point is 04:56:58 It may be the work of a clever man, but it is not the work of a good man. If I had a son, I would sooner have him good than clever, and I would sooner you married a good man than a clever one. I hope you are not thinking of marrying a fool. Oh, grandmother, whoever thinks of marrying. Not you, of course, child.

Starting point is 04:57:24 Would you have me believe that? When I was your age, I thought of nothing else. And when you are my age, you will see the folly of it. No, I am not in love with the advocate. He is performing unholy work down there in Geneva. The priest says as much. If that murderer escapes from justice, the guilt of blood will weigh upon the advocate's soul.

Starting point is 04:57:52 Oh, grandmother, if you're a man, If my lady heard you, she would never forgive you. If she hears it, it will not be from my tongue. Deonetta, it was a young girl who was murdered, about the same age as yourself. It might have been you. Ah, you may well turn white. And this clever lawyer, this stranger it is, who comes among us to prevent justice being done upon a murderous wretch. He will be punished for it, mark my word.

Starting point is 04:58:24 words. Dianetta, who knew how useless it was to oppose her grandmother's opinions, endeavored to change the subject by saying, Tell me, Grandmother, why Mr. Almer should be more anxious to avoid this room than any other room in the house? I think it is the prettiest of all. Mother Denise did not reply. She looked round her with the air of a woman recalling a picture of long ago. the story connected with this part of the house she presently said gave to the villa the name of the house of white shadows you are old enough to hear it let me see let me see

Starting point is 04:59:08 christian almer is now thirty-one years old yes thirty-one on his last birthday how time passes i remember well the day he was born hush grandmother said dionetta holding up her hand my lady the advocate's wife had entered the room quietly and was regarding the arrangements with approval it is excellently done she said exactly as I wished. Dianetta, it was you who arranged the flowers? Yes, my lady. You have exquisite taste, really exquisite. Mother Denise, I am really obliged to you. I have done nothing, said Mother Denise, that it was not my duty to do. Such an unpleasant way of putting it, for there is a way of doing things. Just what grand-a-old father said, cried Deonetta gleefully, A hard way and a soft way.

Starting point is 05:00:15 And then, becoming suddenly aware of her rudeness in interrupting her mistress, she curtsied, and with a bright color in her face, said, I beg your pardon, my lady. There's no occasion, child, said Adelaide graciously. Grandfather is quite right, and everything in this room has been done beautiful. She held a framed picture in her hand, a colored cabinet photograph of herself, and she looked round the walls to find a place for it. This will do, she said, and she took down the picture of a child which hung immediately above her desk and put her own in its stead.

Starting point is 05:00:59 It is nice, she said to Mother Denise, smiling, to see the faces of old friends about us. mr almer and i are very old friends the picture you have taken down said mother denise is of christian almer when he was a child indeed how old was he then five years my lady he was a handsome boy his hair and eyes are darker now you were speaking of him mother denise as i entered you were saying he was thirty-one last birthday and that you remember the day he was born. Yes, my lady. And you were about to tell Deonetta why this villa was called the House of White Shadows. Give me the privilege of hearing the story. I would rather not relate it, my lady.

Starting point is 05:01:57 Nonsense, nonsense. If Deonetta may hear it, there can be no objection to me. Mr. Almer would be quite angry if he knew. knew you refused me so simple a thing. Listen to what he says in his last letter. And Adelaide took a letter from her pocket and read, Mother Denise, the housekeeper, and the most faithful servant of the house, will do everything in her power to make you comfortable and happy.

Starting point is 05:02:27 She will carry out your wishes to the letter. Tell her, if necessary, that is my desire, and that she is to refuse you nothing. now you dear old soul are you satisfied well my lady if you insist of course i insist you dear creature i am sure there is no one in the village who can tell a story half as well as you come and stand by me dionetta for fear of ghosts she seated herself before the desk upon which she laid the picture of the lad and mother denise who was really by no means loath to recall old reminiscences and who as she proceeded derived great enjoyment herself from the narration thus commenced chapter two a love-story of the past i was born in this house my lady my mother was housekeeper here before me i am sixty-eight years old and i have never slept a night away from the villa i hope to die here. Until your arrival, the house has not been inhabited for more than 20 years. I dare say if Mr. Christian Almer, the present master, had the power to sell the estate, he would have done so long ago,

Starting point is 05:03:56 but he is bound by his father's will not to dispose of it while he lives. So it has been left to our care all these years. Christian Almer's father lived here and courted his young wife here, a very beautiful lady. That is her portrait hanging on the wall. It was painted by Monsieur Gabriel, and is a faithful likeness of Mr. Christian Almer's mother. His father, perhaps he may have told you, was a distinguished author. There are books upon the library shelves written by him. I will speak of him, if you please, as Mr. Almer, and my present master I will call Master Christian. It will make the story easier to tell. When Mr. Almer came into his property, which consisted of this villa and many houses and much land

Starting point is 05:04:51 in other parts, all of which have been sold, this is the only portion of the old estates which remains in the family, there were at least twenty servants employed here. He was fond of passing days and nights shut up with his books and papers. but he liked to see company about him he had numerous friends and acquaintances and money was freely spent he would invite a dozen twenty at a time who used to come and go as they pleased living in the house as if it were their own mr almer and his friends understood each other and the master was seldom intruded upon in his solitude he was very very quiet but when he came among his guests he was full of life and spirits he seemed to forget his books and his studies and it was hard to believe he was the same gentleman who appeared to be so happy when he was in solitude he was a good master and although he appeared to pay no attention to what was passing around him there was really very little that escaped his notice at the time i speak of he was not a young man he was forty-five years of age and everybody wondered why he did not marry he laughed and shook his head when it was mentioned and said sometimes that he was too old sometimes that he was

Starting point is 05:06:24 happy enough with his books. Sometimes, that if a man married without loving and being loved, he deserved every kind of misfortune that could happen to him. And then he would say that, cold as he might appear, he worshipped beauty, and that it was not possible he could marry any but a young and beautiful woman. I have heard the remark made to him that the world was full of young and beautiful women, and have heard him reply that it was not likely one would fall at the feet of a man of his age. My mother and I were privileged servants. My mother had been his nurse, and he had an affection for her, so that we had opportunities of hearing and knowing more than the others. One summer there came to the villa, among the visitors, an old gentleman and his

Starting point is 05:07:19 wife and their daughter. The young lady's name was Beatrice. She was one of the brightest beings I have ever beheld, with the happiest face and the happiest laugh, and a step as light as a fairies. I do not know how many people fell in love with her, I think all who saw her. My master, Mr. Almer, was one of these, but, unlike her other admirers, he shunned, rather than followed her. He shut himself up with his books for longer periods, and took less part than ever in the gaieties and excursions which were going on day after day. No one would have supposed that her beauty and her winning ways had made any impression upon him. It is not for me to say whether the young lady, observing this, as she could scarcely

Starting point is 05:08:15 helped doing, resolved to attract him to her. When we are young, we act from impulse, and do not stop to consider consequences. It happened, however, and she succeeded in wooing him from his books. But there was no love-making on his part, as far as anybody could see, and his conduct gave occasion for no remarks. But I remember it was spoken of among the guests that the young lady was in love with our master, and we all wondered what would come of it. Soon afterwards, a dreadful accident occurred. The gentlemen were outriding and were not expected home till evening, but they had not been away more than two hours before Mr. Almer galloped back in a state of great agitation.

Starting point is 05:09:09 He sought Mademoiselle Beatrice's mother and communicated the news to her, in a gentle manner, may be sure. Her husband had been thrown from his horse, and was being carried to the villa dreadfully hurt, and in a state of insensibility. Mr. Almer's great anxiety was to keep the news from Mademoiselle Beatrice, but he did not succeed. She rushed into the room and heard all. She was like one distracted. She flew out of the villa in her white dress, and ran along the road the horsemen had taken. Her movements were so quick that they could not stop her, but Mr. Alma ran after her and brought her back to the house in a fainting condition. A few minutes afterwards, the old gentleman was brought in, and the house was a house of mourning.

Starting point is 05:10:06 No dancing, no music, no singing. All was changed. We spoke in whispers and moved about slowly, just as if a funeral was about to take place. The doctors gave no hopes. They said he might linger in a helpless state for weeks, but that it was impossible he could recover. Of course, this put an end to all the festivities, and one after another the guests took their departure, until, in a little while, the only visitors remaining were the family upon whom such a heavy blow had fallen. Mr. Almer no longer locked himself up in his study, but devoted the whole of his time to Mademoiselle Beatrice and her parents. He asked me to wait upon Mademoiselle Beatrice, and to see that her slightest wish was gratified. I found her very quiet and very gentle.

Starting point is 05:11:07 She spoke but little, and the only thing she showed any obstinacy in was in insisting upon sitting by her father's bedside a few hours every day i had occasion not very long afterwards to learn that when she set her mind upon a thing it was not easy to turn her from it these gentle delicate creatures sometimes are capable of as great determination as the strongest man denise said mr almer to me the doctors say that if me if me Mademoiselle Beatrice does not take exercise, she will herself become seriously ill. Prevail upon her to enjoy fresh air. Walk with her in the garden an hour or so every day and amuse her with light talk. A nature like hers requires sunshine. I did my best to please, Mr. Almer.

Starting point is 05:12:07 The weather was fine, and not a day passed that Mademoiselle Beatrice did not walk with me in the ground. And here Mr. Allmer was in the habit of joining us. When he came, I fell back, and he and Mademoiselle Beatrice walked side by side, sometimes arm in arm, and I a few yards behind. I could not help noticing the wonderful kindness of his manner towards her. It was such as a father might show for a daughter he loved very dearly. well well i thought i seemed to see how it would all end and i believed it would be a good ending although there were such a number of years between them he forty-five and she seventeen a month passed in this way and the old gentleman's condition became so critical that we expected every moment to hear of his death the accident had deprived him of his senses and it was only two days before his death that his mind became clear

Starting point is 05:13:17 then a long private interview took place between him and mr almer which left my master more than ever serious and more than ever gentle towards mademoiselle beatrice i was present when the old gentleman died he had lost the power of speech his wife was sitting by his bedside holding his hand his daughter was on her knees with her face buried in the bedclothes mr almer was standing close looking down upon them i was at the end of the room waiting to attend upon mademoiselle beatrice she was overwhelmed with grief but her mother's trouble it appeared to me was purely selfish she seemed to be thinking of what would become of her when her husband was gone the dying gentleman suddenly looked into my master's face and then turned his eyes upon his daughter and my master inclined his head gravely as though he was answering a question a peaceful expression came upon the sufferer's face and in a very little while he breathed his last here mother denise paused and broke off in her story saying i did not know it would take so long a telling i have wearied you my lady indeed not said the advocate's wife i don't know when i have been so much interested it is just like reading a novel i am sure there is something startling to come you must go on to the end mother denise if you please with your permission my lady said mother denise and smoothenice and smoothed down her apron, she continued the narrative.

Starting point is 05:15:14 Chapter 3. A Mother's Treachery. Two days after Mademoiselle Beatrice's father was buried, Mr. Almer said to me, Denise, I am compelled to go away on business, and I shall be absent, a fortnight at least. I leave Mademoiselle Beatrice in your care. As a mark of faithful service to me, be sure that nothing is left undone to comfort both her and her mother in their great trouble. I understood without his telling me that it was really Mademoiselle Beatrice he was anxious about. Everyone who had any experience of the old lady knew that she was very well able to take care of herself. On the same day, a long conversation took place between my master and the widow,

Starting point is 05:16:07 and before sundown, he departed. It got to be known that he had gone to look after the affairs of the gentlemen who died here, and that the ladies, instead of being rich, as we had supposed them to be, were in reality very poor and likely to be thrown upon the world in a state of poverty, unless they accepted assistance from Mr. Alma. They were much worse off than poor people, having been brought up. up as ladies, they could do nothing to help themselves. While Mr. Almer was away,

Starting point is 05:16:45 Mademoiselle Beatrice and I became almost friends, I may say. She took great notice of me, and appeared to be glad to have me with her. The poor young lady had no one else, for there was not much love lost between her and her mother. The selfish old lady did nothing but bewail her own hard fate, and spoke to her daughter as if the young lady could have nothing to grieve at in being deprived of a father's love. But sorrow does not last forever, my lady, even with the old,

Starting point is 05:17:22 and the young shake it off much more readily. So it was, to my mind, quite natural when Mr. Alma returned, which he did, after an absence of fifteen days, that he should find Mademoiselle Beatrice much more cheerful than when he left. He was pleased to say that it was my doing, and that I should have no cause to regret it to the last day of my life. I had done so little that the great store he set upon it made me think more and more of the ending to it all. There could be but one natural ending, a marriage, and yet never for one moment had I seen him conduct himself toward Mademoiselle Beatrice as lover. He brought bad news back with him, and when he communicated it to the old lady,

Starting point is 05:18:14 she walked about the grounds like a distracted person, moaning and wringing her hands. I got to know about it through my young lady. We were out walking in the lanes when we overtook two wretched-looking women, one old and one young. They were in rags, and their white faces and slow, painful steps, as they dragged one foot after another, would have led anybody to suppose that they had not eaten a meal for days. They were truly misery's children. Mademoiselle Beatrice asked in a whisper as they turned and looked pitifully at her, "'Who are they, Denise?' "'They are beggars,' I answered. She took out her purse and spoke to them.

Starting point is 05:19:04 them and gave them some money. They thanked her gratefully and crawled away, Mademoiselle Beatrice looking after them, with an expression of thoughtfulness and curiosity in her lovely face. Denise, she said presently, Mr. Almmer, who before my father's death promised to look after his affairs, has told us we are beggars. I was very, very sorry to hear it, but i could not reconcile the appearance of the bright young creature standing before me with that of the wretched beings who had just left us and although she spoke gravely and said the news was shocking she did not seem to feel it as much as her words would have led one to believe it was a singular thing my lady that marmoiselle beatrice wore black for her father for only one day there was quite a scene between her and her mother on the subject but the young lady had her way and only wore her black dress for a few hours i hate it she said it makes me feel as if i were dead i am sure it was not because she did not love her father that she refused to put on mourning for him never except on that one day did i see her wear any dress but white

Starting point is 05:20:31 and the only bits of color she put on were sometimes a light pink or a light blue ribbon. That is how it got to be said when she was seen from a distance walking in the grounds. She looks like a white shadow. So when she told me she was a beggar and stood before me, fair and beautiful, dressed in soft white with a pink ribbon at her throat, and long coral earrings in her ears, I could not understand how it was possible she could be what she said.

Starting point is 05:21:08 It was true, though, she and her mother had not a frank, and Mr. Ammer, who brought the news, did not seem to be sorry for it. The widow cried for days and days, did nothing but cry and cry, but that, of course, could not go on forever, and in time she became, to all appearance, consoled.

Starting point is 05:21:33 No guests were invited to the villa, and my master was alone with Mademoiselle Beatrice and her mother. It seemed to me, after a time, that he made many attempts to get back into his old groove, but he was not his own master and could not do as he pleased. Now it was Mademoiselle Beatrice who wanted him. Now it was her mother, and as they were in a measure dependent upon him, he could not deny himself to them. He might have done so had they been rich.

Starting point is 05:22:08 He could not do so as they were poor. I soon saw that when Mademoiselle Beatrice intruded herself upon him, it was at the instigation of her mother, and that, had she consulted her own inclination, she would have retired as far into the background as he himself. desired to be. The old lady, however, had set her heart upon a scheme, and she had left no stone unturned to bring it about. Oh, she was cunning and clever, and they were not a match for her, neither her daughter, who knew nothing of the world, nor Mr. Almmer, who, deeply read as he was, and clever, and wise in many things, knew as little of worldly ways as the world. As the

Starting point is 05:22:56 young lady he loved and was holding aloof from. For this was clear to me and to others, though I dare say our master had no idea that his secret was known, indeed that it was common talk. One morning I had occasion to go into Geneva to purchase things for the house, which I was to bring back with me in the afternoon. As I was stepping into the wagon, Mademoiselle Beatrice came out of the gates and said, Denise, will you pass the post office in Geneva? Yes, mademoiselle, I replied. Here is a letter, she then said.

Starting point is 05:23:37 I have just written, and I want it posted there at once. Will you do it for me? Certainly I will, I said, and I took the letter. Be sure you do not forget, Denise, she said, as she turned away. way. I will not forget, Mademoiselle, I said. There was no harm in looking at the envelope. It was addressed to a Monsieur Gabriel. I was not half a mile on the road to Geneva before I heard coming on behind me very fast the wheels of a carriage. We drove aside to let it pass. It was one of our own carriages, and the old lady was in it.

Starting point is 05:24:23 ah denise she said you are going to geneva yes my lady i shall be there an hour before you i am going to the post-office to get some letters as she said that i could not help glancing at the letter mademoiselle beatrice had given me which i held in my hand for safety it is a letter my daughter has given you to post she said yes my lady i could say nothing else give it to me she said i know she wants it posted immediately it does not matter who posts a letter she said this impatiently and haughtily for i think i was hesitating however i could do nothing but give her the letter and as i did not suspect anything wrong i said nothing of the adventure to mademoiselle beatrice especially as she did not speak of the letter to me. Had she done so, I might have explained that her mother had taken it from me to post, and quite likely, although I hope I am mistaken,

Starting point is 05:25:35 the strange and dreadful events that occurred before three years passed by might have been avoided. The old lady was very civil to me after this and would continually question me about my master. He has a great deal of property, she asked. Yes, madame. He is very rich, Denise? Yes, madame.

Starting point is 05:26:02 And comes from an old family? Yes, madame. It is a pity he writes books, but he is highly respected, is he not, Denise? No gentleman stands higher, madame. His nature, Denise. though it is exceedingly wrong in me to ask for i have had experience of it his nature is very kind very kind madame and very noble a hundred questions of this kind were put to me sometimes when the young lady was present sometimes when the mother and i were alone while this was going on i often noticed that monoiselle beatrice came from her mother's room in great agitation from a man these signs can be hidden from a woman no man is too often blind to the ways of women

Starting point is 05:27:01 i am sure mr almer knew nothing of what was passing between mother and daughter but even if he had known he would not have understood the meaning of it i did not at the time well all at once the old lady made her appearance among us with a face in which the greatest delight was expressed she talked to the servants quite graciously and nodded and smiled and didn't know what to do to show how amiable she was what a change in the weather we all said the reason was soon forthcoming our master and her daughter were engaged to be married we were none of us sorry we all liked mademoiselle beatrice and it was so sad to think that a good old race would die out if mr almer remained single all the days of his life yes we talked over the approaching marriage as did everybody in the village with real pleasure and if good feeling and sincere wishes could bring happiness mr almer and his young and beautiful wife that was to be could not have failed to enjoy it it is true mademoiselle is it not i asked of her i may congratulate you i am engaged to be married to mr almer she said if that is what you mean you will have a good man for your husband mademoiselle i said you will be very happy but here was something in her manner that made me hope the approaching change in her condition would not make her proud it was cold and distant different from the way she had hitherto behaved to me so the old house was gay again improvements and alterations were made

Starting point is 05:28:59 and very soon we were thronged with visitors who came and went and laughed and danced as though life were a perpetual holiday but mademoiselle beatrice was not as light-hearted as before she moved about more slowly and with a certain sadness it was noticed by many i thought perhaps that the contemplation of the change in her life made her more serious or that she had not yet recovered the shock of her father's death the old lady was in her glory ordering here and ordering there and giving herself such airs that one might have supposed it was she who was going to get married, and not her daughter. Mr. Almer gave Mademoiselle Beatrice no cause for disquiet. He was entirely and most completely devoted to her, and I am sure that no other woman in the world ever had a more faithful lover. He watched her every step, and followed her about with his eyes in a way that would have made any ordinary woman proud. As for presents, he did not know how to do enough of the beautiful girl who was soon to be his wife i never saw such beautiful jewelry as he had made for her and he seemed to be continually studying what to do to give her pleasure if ever a woman ought to have been happy she ought to have been

Starting point is 05:30:34 End of Section 11. Section 12 of the House of the White Shadows. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. Section 12. Book 3, chapters 4 and 5. Chapter 4. Husband and wife. Well, they were married, and the day was never forgotten in the village. Mr. Almer made everybody marry, the children, the grown-up people, the poor, and the well-to-do.

Starting point is 05:31:23 New dresses, ribbons, flags, flowers, music, and feasting from morning to night. There was never seen anything like it. The bride in her white dress and veil was as beautiful as an angel, and Mr. Almer's face had a light in it such as I had never seen before. it shone with pride and joy and happiness. In the afternoon they departed on their honeymoon tour, and the old lady was left mistress of the villa during the absence of the newly married pair.

Starting point is 05:32:00 She exercised her authority in a way that was not pleasing to us. No wonder, therefore, that we looked upon her with dislike and spoke of it as an evil day when she came among us. But that did not lessen our horror at an accident which befell her, and which led to her death. Mr. and Mrs. Almmer had been absent barely three weeks, when the old lady going into a distant part of the grounds, where workmen were employed in building up some rocks to serve as an artificial waterfall, fell into a pit and was so frightfully bruised and shaken

Starting point is 05:32:39 that when she was taken up, the doctors declared she could not live another 24 hours. Letters were immediately sent off to Mr. Almer, but there was no chance of his receiving them before the unfortunate old lady breathed her last. We did everything we could for her, and she took it into her head that she would have no one to attend to her but me.

Starting point is 05:33:05 My daughter is fond of you, she said on her deathbed, and will be pleased that I have chosen you before the other servant. keep them all away from me it was many hours before she could be made to believe that there was no hope for her and when the conviction was forced upon her she cried in a tone of great bitterness this is a fatal house first my husband now me will beatrice be the next and then she bemoaned her hard fate that she should have to die just at the time that a life of place pleasure was spread before her. Yes, she spoke in that way, just as if she was a young girl, instead of an old woman with white hair. A life of pleasure. Do some people never think of another life, a life of rewards and punishments, according to their actions in this world?

Starting point is 05:34:05 The old lady was one of these, I am afraid. Three or four hours before she died, she said she must speak to me quite alone, and the doctors accordingly left the room. I want you to tell me the truth, Denise, she said. I had to place my ear quite close to her lips to hear her. I will tell you, I said. It would be a terrible sin to deceive a dying woman, she said. I answered, I knew it was, and I would not deceive her. Beatrice ought to be happy, she said. I have done my best to make her so, against her own wishes. But is it likely she should know better than her mother? You believe she will be happy, do you not, Denise? I replied that I could not doubt it, that she had married a good man, against whom no person could

Starting point is 05:35:05 breathe a word, a man who commanded respect, and who was looked upon by the poor as a benefactor, as indeed he was. That is what I thought, said the dying woman. That is what I told her over and over again. A good man, a kind man, a rich man, a rich man. And then we were under obligations to him. Had Beatrice refused him, he might have humiliated us. There was no other way to repay him.

Starting point is 05:35:40 I could not help saying to her, that when Mr. Alma rendered a service to anyone, he did not look for repayment. Ah, she said impatiently, but we are of noble descent, and we never receive a favor without returning it. All I thought of was my daughter's happiness. And there was the future, hers as well as mine. It was dreadful to look forward to. Denise, did my daughter ever complain to you? never i answered did she ever say i was a hard mother to her that i was leading her wrong that i was selfish and thought only of myself did she answer me truly

Starting point is 05:36:29 never i said and i wondered very much to hear her speak in that way she never spoke a single word against you if she had any such thoughts it would not have been proper for her to have confided them to me. I am only a servant. That is true, she muttered. Beatrice has pride. Yes, thank God, she has pride. And if she suffers, can suffer in silence. But why should she suffer?

Starting point is 05:37:02 She has everything, everything. I torment myself without cause. You remember the letter my daughter gave you to post, the one to Monsieur Gabriel? Yes, madame. You took it from me on the road. I hope I did not do wrong in parting with it. Mademoiselle Beatrice desired me to post it with my own hands.

Starting point is 05:37:28 You did write, she said. It does not matter who posts a letter. You did not tell my daughter I took it from you? No, madame. You are faithful. and judicious, she said, but her praise gave me no pleasure. If I had lived, I would have rewarded you. You must not repeat to my daughter or to Mr. Almer what I have been saying to you.

Starting point is 05:37:56 Promise me. I gave her the promise, and then she said that perhaps she would give me a message to deliver to her daughter, her last message, but she must think of it first. and if she forgot it, I was to ask her for it. After that she was quiet and spoke to no one. A couple of hours passed, and I asked the doctors whether she had long to live. They said she could not live another hour.

Starting point is 05:38:29 I then told them that she had asked me to remind her of a message she wished me to give to her daughter, and whether it was right I should disturb her. they said that the wishes of the dying should be respected and that i should try to make her understand that death was very near i put my face again very close to hers can you hear me i asked who are you she said her words were but a breath and i could only understand them by watching the movements of her lips i am denise ah yes she replied denise that my daughter is fond of you wished me to give a message to your daughter i don't know what it was i have done everything for the best yes everything and she was foolish enough to rebel and to tell me that i might live to repent my work but see how wrong she was and presently she said denise when my daughter comes home ask her to forgive me these were her last words before the sun rose the next morning she was dead

Starting point is 05:39:53 mr and mrs almer arrived at the villa before she was buried it was a shocking interruption to their honeymoon and their appearance showed how much they suffered it was as if the whole course of their lives had been turned tears took the place of smiles sorrow of joy and how different was the appearance of the village no feasting no music and dancing everybody was serious and sad. And all within one short month. I gave Mrs. Alma her mother's dying message. When she heard the words, such a smile came upon her lips, as I hoped never again to see upon a human face,

Starting point is 05:40:41 it was so bitterly scornful and despairing. It is too late for forgiveness, she said, and not another word passed between us on the suburb. object. Mrs. Almer did not wear mourning for her mother, nor did her husband wish her to do so. I remember his saying to her, With some races, white is the emblem of mourning, not for that reason, Beatrice, but because it so well becomes you. I like you best in white. Now, as time went on, we all thought that the sadness which weighed upon Mrs. Almer's heart,

Starting point is 05:41:23 and which seemed to put lead into her feet would naturally pass away but weeks and months elapsed and she remained the same there used to be color in her cheeks it was all gone now her face was as white as milk her eyes used to sparkle and brighten but now there was never to be seen any gladness in them and she who used to smile so on often, now smiled no more. She moved about like one who was walking slowly to her grave. Mr. Almer made great efforts to arouse her, but she met him with coldness, and when he spoke to her, she simply answered, yes, or no, and she did nothing whatever to make his home cheerful and happy. This weighed upon his spirits, as it would upon the spirits of any man, and during those times I often saw him gazing upon her from a distance when she was walking in the grounds, with a look in his eyes which denoted how troubled he was. Then, as if some thought had suddenly occurred to him, he would join her and endeavored to entice her into conversation. but she answered him only when she was compelled,

Starting point is 05:42:51 and he became so chilled by her manner that soon he would himself grow silent, and they would pace the garden round and round for an hour together in the most complete silence. It hurt one to see it. They were never heard to quarrel, and the little they said to each other was said in a gentle way,

Starting point is 05:43:13 but that seemed to make matters worse. much better to have spoken outright so that they might have known what was in each other's minds a storm now and then is naturally good it clears the air and the sun always shines when it is over but here a silent storm was brooding which never burst and the only signs of it were seen in the sad faces of those who were suffering and who did not deserve to suffer imagine what the house was my lady and how we all felt who loved our master and would have loved our lady too if she had allowed us cold as she was to us we could not help pitying her for my own part i used to think i would rather live in a hut with a quarrelsome husband who would beat and starve me than lead such a life as my master and mistress were leading once more after many months had passed in this dreadful way my master suddenly resolved to make another attempt to alter things for the better he locked up his study and courted his wife with the perseverance and the love of a lover it was really so my lady he gathered posies for her and placed them on her desk and dressing-table he spoke cheerfully to her taking no apparent notice of her silence and reserve. He strove in a thousand little delicate ways to bring

Starting point is 05:44:52 pleasure into her life. We will ride out today, he would say. Very well, she would answer. He would assist her into the saddle, and they would ride away. They two alone, he animated by but one desire, to make her happy, and they would return to her. after some hours the master with an expression of suffering in his face which he would strive in vain to hide and she sad resigned and uncomplaining but that silence of hers that voice so seldom heard and when heard so gentle and soft and pathetic i would rather have been beaten with an oak stick every day of my life than to have been compelled to endure it as he was compelled. For there was no relief or escape for him, except in the doing of what it was not in his nature to do,

Starting point is 05:45:57 to be downright cruel to her, or to find another woman to love him. He would have had no difficulty in this, had he been so minded. Still, he did not relax his efforts to alter things for the better. He bought beautiful, books and pictures and dresses and pet animals for her. He forgot nothing that a man could possibly think of to please a woman. He had frequently spoken to her of inviting friends to the villa,

Starting point is 05:46:29 but she had never encouraged him to do so. Now, however, without consulting her, he called friends and acquaintances around him, and in a short time we were again overrun with company. she was the mistress of the house and it would have been sinful in her to have neglected her duties as mr almer's wife many young people came to the villa and among them one day appeared m's gabriel the artist who painted the picture chapter v the gathering of the storm at about this time it was generally known that mr almer expected to become a father within three or four months and some people considered it strange that he should have selected the eve of an event so important for the celebration of social festivities for my own part i thought it a proof of his wisdom that he should desire his wife to be surrounded by an atmosphere of cheerfulness on such an occasion innocent laughter music pleasant society what better kind of medicine is there in the world but it did not do my lady good she moved about listlessly without heart and without spirit and not until m gabriel appeared was any change observable in her the manner in which she received him was sufficiently remarkable my lady was giving me some instructions as mr almer and a strange gentleman came towards us

Starting point is 05:48:13 beatrice said mr almer let me introduce m gabriel to you a friend whom i have not seen for years she looked at m gabriel and bowed and when she raised her head her face and neck were crimson her eyes too had an angry light in them m gabriel also whose natural complexion was florid turned deathly white as his eyes fell upon her. Whether Mr. Almer observed these signs, I cannot say. They were plain enough to me, and I did not need anyone to tell me that those two had met before. My lady turned from her husband and Monsieur Gabriel in silence,

Starting point is 05:49:04 and taking my arm, walked into a retired part of the grounds. She could not have walked without assistance, for she was trembling violently. The moment we were alone, her strength failed her, and she swooned dead away. I thought it prudent not to call or run for assistance, and I attended to her myself.

Starting point is 05:49:29 Presently she recovered, and, looking around with a frightened air, asked if any person but myself had seen her swoon. I answered, no, and for a moment I thought she had some intention of confiding in me, but she said nothing more than, Thank you, Denise. Do not speak of my fainting to any person.

Starting point is 05:49:54 It is only that I am weak, and that the least thing overcomes me. Be sure that no one hears of it. No one shall hear from me, my lady, I said. She thanked me again and pressed my hand, and then we went into the house. After that, there was no perceptible difference in her manner toward Monsieur Gabriel than towards her other guests,

Starting point is 05:50:21 but I, whose eyes were in a certain way opened, could not help observing that Monsieur Gabriel watched with anxiety her every movement and every expression. The summer-house in which all those pictures are stored away was given to Monsieur Gabriel for a studio, and there he painted and passed a great deal of his time. Mr. Almer often joined him there, and if appearances went for anything,

Starting point is 05:50:53 they spent many happy hours together. About three weeks after Monsieur Gabriel came to the villa, my master took his wife into the studio, and they remained there for some time. it was understood that my lady had been prevailed upon to allow m gabriel to paint her portrait from that time my lady's visits to the summer-house were frequent at first always in her husband's company but afterwards occasionally alone one day she said to me denise i have often wished to ask you a question but till lately have not thought it worth while I am ready to answer anything, my lady, I said. One morning, she said after a pause,

Starting point is 05:51:46 shortly after my dear father died, I gave you a letter to post for me in Geneva. Yes, my lady, I said, and it flashed upon me like a stroke of lightning that the letter she referred to was addressed to Mr. Gabriel. Never till that moment had I thought of it. did you post the letter for me denise as i desired you did you do so with your own hands do not tremble mistakes often happen without our being able to prevent them even fatal mistake sometimes

Starting point is 05:52:26 I saw you drive away with the letter in your hand. You did not lose it? No, my lady, but before I had gone a mile on the road to Geneva, your mother overtook me and said she knew you had given it to me to post immediately in Geneva, and that as she would be at the post office a good hour before me, which was true, she would put it into the post office with other letters. And you gave her the letter, Denise? Yes, my lady.

Starting point is 05:53:02 Did my mother desire you not to mention to me that she had taken the letter from you? No, my lady, but on her deathbed, I hesitated, and my mistress said, Do not fear, Denise, you did know wrong. How should you know that a mother would conspire against her daughter's happiness? On her deathbed, my mother spoke to you of that letter? Yes, my lady, and asked me if I had told you that she had taken it from me. I answered no, and she said I had done right. My lady, in telling you this, I am breaking the promise I gave her.

Starting point is 05:53:46 I hope to be forgiven. It is right that you should tell me the truth when I desire you, about an affair I entrusted to you. Had you told me of your own account, it might have been a sin. I can see, my lady, that I should not have parted with the letter. I am truly sorry. The fault was not yours, Denise. The wrongdoing was not yours.

Starting point is 05:54:15 I should have instructed you not to part with the letter to anyone, although even then it could not have been prevented. you could not have refused my mother the past is lost to us forever her eyes were filled with tears and she said we will not speak of this again denise and it was never mentioned again by either of us though we both thought of it often enough it was easy for me to arrive at an understanding of it monsieur gabriel and my mistress had been lovers and had been parted and kept apart by my lady's mother. The old lady had played a false and treacherous part towards her daughter, and by so doing had destroyed the happiness of her life. Whether my young lady thought that Mr. Almer had joined in the plot against her, that was what puzzled me a great deal at the time. But I was certain that he was innocent of the matter,

Starting point is 05:55:20 as much a victim to the arts and wiles of a scheming old woman as the unfortunate lady he had married. The motive of the treachery was plain enough. Monsieur Gabriel was poor, a struggling artist, with his place to make in the world. My master was rich, money and estates were his, and the old woman believed she would live to enjoy them, if she could bring about a marriage between him and her daughter she succeeded too well did she succeed and she met with her punishment though she was dead in her grave i had no pity for her and her daughter also thought of her with bitterness what misery is brought about by the mad worship of money which fills some person's souls as though hearts count for nothing.

Starting point is 05:56:20 I understood it all now. My lady's unhappiness, her silence, the estrangement between her and her husband. How often did I repeat the sad word she had uttered? The past is lost to us forever. Yes, it was indeed true. Sunshine had fled. A gloomy future was before her.

Starting point is 05:56:48 which was the most to be pitied, my lady, or her innocent, devoted husband, who lived in ignorance of the wrong which had been done. After the conversation I have just related, the behavior of my mistress toward Monsieur Gabriel underwent a change. She was gracious and familiar with him, and sometimes, as I noticed with grief, even tender. They walked frequently together, she was often in his studio when her husband was absent following out in my mind the course of events i felt sure that explanations had passed between them and that they were satisfied that neither had been intentionally false to the other

Starting point is 05:57:37 it was natural that this should have happened but what good could come of this better understanding mischief was in the air and no one saw that this should have happened but what good could come of this better understanding mischief was in the air and no one saw but myself. My lady recovered her cheerfulness. The color came back to her face. Her eyes were brighter. Life once more appeared enjoyable to her. Mr. Almer was delighted and unsuspicious. But behind these fair clouds,

Starting point is 05:58:09 I seemed to hear the muttering of the thunder, and I dreaded the moment when my master's suspicion should be aroused. As my lady's time to become a mother drew near, many of the guests took their departure, but Monsieur Gabriel remained. He and Mr. Almer were the closest friends, and they would talk with the greatest animation about pictures and books. Monsieur Gabriel was very clever, the rapidity with which he would paint used to surprise us.

Starting point is 05:58:44 His sketches were beautiful, and were hung everywhere about. the house. Everybody sang his praises. He had a very sweet voice. He was a fine musician. There was not a subject he was not ready to converse upon. If it came to deep scholarship and learning, I have no doubt that Mr. Almer had the first place, but my master was never eager, as Monsieur Gabriel was, to display his gifts and to show off his brilliant qualities in society. Certainly he could not win ladies' hearts as easily as Monsieur Gabriel. These things are in the nature of a man, and one will play for the mere pleasure of winning, while another does not consider it worth his while to try. Of two such men, I know which is the

Starting point is 05:59:41 better and more deserving of love. Rapid worker as Monsieur Gabriel was, with his paintings and sketches, my lady's portrait hung upon his hands. He did not seem to be able to satisfy himself, and he was continually making alterations.

Starting point is 06:00:02 When Master Christian was born, his mother's picture was still unfinished in Monsieur Gabriel's studio. End of Section 12. Section 13 of the House of the White Shadows. This Librovocs is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargin.

Starting point is 06:00:32 Section 13. Book 3, Chapter 6 and 7. Chapter 6. The Grave of Honor. The birth of the air was now the most important event. Everything gave way to it. Congratulations poured in from all quarters, and it really seemed as if a better era had dawned.

Starting point is 06:00:57 i believe i was the only one who mistrusted appearances i should have been easier in my mind had m gabrielle left the villa but he remained and as long as he and my lady were near each other i knew that the storm clouds were not far off in a few weeks my lady got about again she was never strong and now she was so delicate and weak that the doctors were not far off in a few weeks my lady got about again she was never strong and now she was so delicate and weak that the doctors would not allow her to nurse her child. I was very sorry for this. Had her baby drawn life from her breast, it might have diverted her attention from Monsieur Gabriel. It is hard to believe that so joyful an event as the birth of her first child should not have softened her heart towards her husband. It is the truth, however, they were no nearer to each other than they had been before. Mr. Almer was not to blame. He did all in his power to win his wife to more affectionate ways,

Starting point is 06:02:03 but he might as well have hoped for a miracle as to hope to win a love that was given to another. The child throve, and it was not till he was a year old that the portrait of his mother was finished, the picture that is hanging on the wall before me. It was greatly admired, and my master set great stone.

Starting point is 06:02:24 store upon it. It is in every way your finest work, he said to Monsieur Gabriel. Were it not that I object to my wife's beauty being made a subject of criticism, I should persuade you to exhibit the portrait. Not long afterwards, Monsieur Gabriel was called away. I thank God for it. The danger I feared was removed, but he returned in the course of a few weeks, and began to paint again in the summer-house while he was absent my lady fell into her former habits of listlessness when he returned she became animated and joyous truly he was to her as the sun is to the flower

Starting point is 06:03:13 this change in her mood from sadness to gaiety was so sudden that it frightened me for i felt that mr almer must be the blindest of the blind if it did not force itself upon his attention. It did not escape his notice. I saw that from a certain alteration in his manner toward his wife and his friend. It was not that he was colder or less friendly, but when he looked at them, he seemed to be pondering upon something which perplexed him.

Starting point is 06:03:48 He said nothing to them, however, to express disapproval of their intimacy. He was not an impulsive man, and I never knew him to commit himself to an important act without deliberation. In the midst of his perplexity, the storm burst. I was an accidental witness of the occurrence which led to the tragic events of which I have yet to speak. There was, at this time, among our guests, an old dowager who did nothing but tittle-tattle from morning till night about her friends and acquaintances, and who seemed to be always hunting for an opportunity to make ill-natured remarks.

Starting point is 06:04:31 A piece of scandal was a great delight to her. Heaven save me from ever meeting with another such a lady. I was in one of the wooded walks at some distance from the house, gathering balsam for a fellow-servant whose hand had been wounded when the voice of this old dowager reached my ears. she was speaking to a lady companion and i should not have stopped to listen had not mrs almer's name been mentioned in a tone which set my blood tingling it is scandalous my dear the old dowager was saying the way she goes on with m gabriel of course i wouldn't mention it to another soul in the world but you for it is not my affair not that it is not natural for she is young and he is young, and Mr. Almer is old enough to be their father. But they really should be more discreet.

Starting point is 06:05:31 I can't make up my mind whether Mr. Almer sees it and considers it best to take no notice, or whether he is really blind to what is going on. Anyway, that does not alter the affair, so far as his wife and Monsieur Gabriel are concerned. Such looks at each other, my dear, such pressing of hands. hands. Such sighs. One can almost hear them. It is easy to see that they are in love with each other, and a great deal more to the same effect, until they walked away from the spot and were out of hearing.

Starting point is 06:06:08 I was all of a tremble, and I was worrying myself as to what it was best to do when I heard another step close to me. It was my master, who must also have been within hearing. His face was stern and white, and there was blood on his lips as though he had bitten them through. He walked my way and saw me. "'How long have you been here, Denise?' he asked. I could not tell him a falsehood, and I had not the courage to answer him. "'It is enough,' he said. "'You have heard what I have heard.

Starting point is 06:06:48 Not to a living being must a word of what you have heard pass your lips.' I have always believed that you had a regard for the honor of my house and name, and it is for that reason I have placed confidence in you. I shall continue to trust you until you give me cause to doubt your good faith. Hasten after that lady and her companion who have been conversing here, and ask them to favor me with an interview. While I speak to them, remain out of hearing. I obeyed him in silence and conducted the ladies to my master's presence. I am in ignorance of what he said to them, but that evening an excuse was made for their sudden departure from the villa. They left and did not appear again.

Starting point is 06:07:40 Grateful as I was for the removal of this source of danger, I soon saw that the time I dreaded had arrived. My master was in doubt. whether his wife was faithful to him. A more cruel suspicion never entered the mind of man, and as false as it was cruel. Mrs. Almer was a pure woman, basely wronged as she had been, she was a virtuous wife. As I hope for salvation, this is my firm belief. But how can I blame my master? Smarting with a grief which had sucked all the light out of his day,

Starting point is 06:08:20 which had poisoned his life and his hopes, trusting as he had trusted, deceived as he had been deceived, with every effort of love refused and despised, and with, as he believed, dishonor staring him in the face, he might well be pardoned for the doubt which now took possession of him. He planned out a course and steadily followed it. Without betraying himself, he would, watched his wife and his friend, and he could not fail to see that the feelings they entertained for each other were stronger than the ordinary feelings of friendship, which may properly be allowed between a man and a woman. I know also that he discovered that my lady,

Starting point is 06:09:09 before she married him, had accepted Monsieur Gabriel as her lover. This in itself was sufficient for him. Under such circumstances, it was, in his opinion, a sin for any woman to plight her faith and duty to another. To my master, the words used at the altar were, in the meaning they conveyed, most sacred, solemn, and binding. For a woman to utter them, with the image of another man in her heart, was a fearful and unpardonable crime. these perjuries are common enough i believe in the great world which moves at a distance from this quiet spot but that they are common does not excuse them mr almer had strict and stern views of the duties of life and roused as he was roused he carried them out with cruel effect gradually he got rid of all his guests with the exception of m gabriel and then one fatal morning he surprised my lady and m gabriel as they sat together in the summer house there was no guilt between them they were conversing innocently enough but my lady was in tears

Starting point is 06:10:32 and m gabriel was endeavoring to console her sufficient certainly to work a husband into a furious state none of us knew what passed or what words were spoken something terrible must have been uttered for my lady with a face like the face of death tottered from the summer-house to this very room where she lay in a fainting condition for hours her husband did not come near her nor did he make any inquiries after her but in the course of an hour he gave me instructions to have every sketch and painting made by m gabriel taken from the walls of the villa and conveyed to the summer house i obeyed him and all were removed except this portrait of my lady it seemed to me that i ought not to allow it to be touched without her permission and she was not in a fit condition to be disturbed while this work was being accomplished no servant but myself was allowed to enter the studio two strange men carried the pictures into the summer house and these men who had painted the picture pots and brushes with them, remained with Mr. Almer the whole of the afternoon. Dinner was served, but no one sat down to it. My lady was in her chamber. Her husband was still in the summer house, and Monsieur Gabriel was wandering restlessly about. In the evening he addressed

Starting point is 06:12:13 me. Where is Mr. Almer? he asked. In the summer house, I, our replied. Go to him, he said, and say I desire to have a few words with him. In a few minutes, they confronted each other on the steps which led to the studio. Enter, said my master, you also, Denise, so that you may hear what I have to say to Monsieur Gabriel and what he has to say to me. I entered with them and could scarcely believe my eyes. The walls of the studio had been painted, a deep black. Not only the walls, but the woodwork of the windows which gave light to the room. The place resembled a tomb. M. Gabriel's face was like the face of a corpse as he gazed around. "'This is your doing,' he said to my master, pointing to the black

Starting point is 06:13:15 walls. Pardon me, said my master. It is none of my work. You are the artist here, and this is the picture you have painted on my heart and life. Denise, are all Mr. Gabriel's sketches and paintings in this studio? They are all here, sir, I replied. There was a sense of guilt at my heart, for I thought of my lady's portrait. Fortunately for me, my master did not refer to it. Monsieur Gabriel, said my master to the artist, these paintings are your property, and are at your disposal for one week from this day.

Starting point is 06:14:00 Within that time, remove them from my house. You will have no other opportunity. At the end of the week, this summer house will be securely locked and fastened, and thereafter, during my life, lifetime, no person will be allowed to enter it. For yourself, a carriage is now waiting for you at the gates. I cannot permit you to sleep another night under my roof. I had no intention of doing so, said Monsieur Gabriel, nor should I have remained here so long had it not been that I was determined not to leave without an interview with you. What do you require of me?

Starting point is 06:14:45 satisfaction satisfaction exclaimed my master with a scornful smile is it not i rather should demand it then cried monsieur gabriel i am ready to give it to you i am afraid said my master coldly that it is out of your power to afford me satisfaction were you a man of honor events might take a different course. It is only lately that I have seen you in your true colors. To afford you the satisfaction you demand would be, on my part, an admission that you are my equal. You are not. You are the basest of cowards. Depart at once, and do not compel me to call my servants to force you from my gates. Endeavour to evade me, said Monsieur Gabriel, as he walked to the the door in every way you can you shall not escape the consequences of your conduct he carried it with a high hand this fine gentleman who had brought misery into this house had i been a man i should have had a difficulty in preventing myself from striking him when he was gone my master said you were at liberty to repeat to your lady what has passed between me and m gabriel

Starting point is 06:16:15 i did not repeat it there was such a dreadful significance in the black walls and in my master's words that that was the picture m gabriel had painted on his heart and life that i could not be so cruel to my lady as to tell her what had passed between the two gentlemen who held her fate in their hands but she herself on the following day questioned me you were present yesterday she said at an interview between m gabriel and my husband yes my lady i answered did they meet in anger denise m gabriel was angry my lady i said and my husband she asked appeared to be suffering my lady did they part in anger on m gabriel's side my lady yes is m gabriel in the villa no my lady he departed last night of his own accord my master bade him go and m gabriel said he intended to leave without being bidden it could not be otherwise my husband is here yes my lady that was all that was said on that day the next day my lady asked me again if her husband was in the villa and i answered yes the next day she asked me the same question and i gave the same reply the fourth day and the fifth she repeated the question and my reply that my master had not been outside the gates afforded her relief

Starting point is 06:18:10 the fear in her mind was that my master and m gabriel would fight a duel and that one would be killed during these days my lady did not leave her chamber nor did her husband visit her from the window of this room the summer-house can be seen and my lady for an hour or two each day sat at the window gazing vacantly out on the evening of the fifth day my lady said denise there have been workmen busily engaged about the summer house what are they doing i bore in mind my master's remark to me that i was at liberty to repeat to my lady what had been said by him and m gabriel in their last interview it was evident that he wished her to be made acquainted with it and it was my duty to be faithful to him as well as to my lady i informed her of my master's resolve to fasten the doors of the summer house and never to allow them to be open during his lifetime there are only two more days she said to-morrow and the next i prayed silently that she would not take the fancy in her head to visit the summer house before it was fastened up knowing the shock that the sight of the black walls would cause her the next day she did not refer to the subject but the next which was the last she sat at the window watching the workmen bring their tools and bars and bolts to complete the work for which they had been engaged come with me denise she said a voice whispers to me that there is something concealed in the summer house which i must see before it is too late

Starting point is 06:20:07 my lady i said trembling i would not go if i were in your place i could not have chosen worse words you would not go if you were in my place she repeated then there is something concealed there which is necessary for me to see unless she added looking at me for an answer my husband prohibits it he has not prohibited it my lady and yet you would not go if you were in my place cannot you see that i should be false to myself if i allowed that place to be sealed forever against me before making myself acquainted with something that has taken place therein you need not accompany denise unless you choose i will go with you my lady i said and we went out of the villa together we entered the summer house my lady first i a few steps behind her she placed her hands upon her eyes and shuddered the moment she saw the black walls she understood what was meant by this sign but there was more to come of which up to that day i had been ignorant on one of the walls was painted in white the words the grave of honor it was like an inscription on a tomb when my lady opened her eyes they fell upon these cruel words for many minutes she stood in silence with eyes fixed on the wall, and then she turned towards me, and by a motion of her hand,

Starting point is 06:21:59 ordered me to leave the place with her. Never, never had I seen such an expression of anguish on a face as rested on hers. It was as though her own heart, her own good name, her own honor were lying dead in that room. There are deeds which can never be a to-a-te-o'-te-law. for this deed of my masters was one chapter seven husband and wife remain with me denise said my lady as we walked back to the house i am weak and may need you then for the first time i noticed what gave me hope she took her baby boy in her arms and pressed him passionately to her bosom murmuring i have only you i have only you it was not that hitherto she had been wanting and tenderness but that in my presence she had never so yearningly displayed it it gladdened me also to think that her child was a comfort to her in this grave crisis but the hope i indulged in was doomed to disappointment in the evening my lady bade me ascertain whether her husband

Starting point is 06:23:23 was in the villa. I went to him and made the inquiry. Tell my wife, he said in a gentle tone, that I am ready to wait upon her whenever she desires it. It was late in the night when my lady called me to assist her to dress. I did so, wondering at the strange proceeding. She chose her prettiest dress, one which she had worn in her maiden days, she wore no ornaments or flowers or ribbons of any color simply a white dress with white lace for her head and shoulders now go to your master she said and say i desire to see him i gave him the message and he accompanied me to this room where my lady was waiting to receive him with as much ceremony as if he had been a stranger guest i am here at your bidding he said and turning to me you can go denise you will stay denise said my lady

Starting point is 06:24:35 the manner of both was stern but there was more decision in my lady's voice than in his i hesitated not knowing which of them to obey stay then denise said my master as your mistress desires it i retreated to a corner of the room as far away from them as i could get i was really afraid of what was coming within the hearts of husband and wife a storm was raging all the more terrible because of the outward calm with which they confronted each other you know said my lady for what reason i desired to see you i know he replied that i know he replied that i explained that i expected you would send for me. If you had not, I should not have presented myself. You have, in your mind, she said, matters which concern us both, of which it is necessary you should speak. It is more than necessary. It is imperative that I should speak of the matters you refer to. The opportunity is yours. I also have something to say when you have finished. The sooner our minds are unburdened, the better it will be, for you and me."

Starting point is 06:25:59 "'It were preferable,' he added, "'that what we say to each other should be said without witnesses. Consider whether it will not be best that Denise should retire.' "'There is no best or worst for me,' she rejoined. "'My course is decided, and no arguments of your can alter it. Denise will remain, as I bade her, and what you have to say must be spoken in her presence. Be it so! Denise is the most trusted servant of my house. I have every confidence in her. Otherwise I should insist upon her leaving the room.

Starting point is 06:26:46 It is right, said my lady, that you should be made acquainted with the resolution I have come to within the last few hours. After this night, I will never open my lips to you, nor, willingly, will I ever listen to your voice. I swear most solemnly that I am in earnest, as truly in earnest as if I were on my deathbed. I shuddered. Her voice and manner carried conviction with them. My master turned to me and said, What you hear must never pass your lips while your mistress and I are alive. It never shall, I said, shaking like a leaf. When we are dead, Denise, you can please yourself.

Starting point is 06:27:38 He stood again, face to face with his wife. Madam, it is necessary that I should recall the past. when i spoke to your lady mother on the subject of my love for you being encouraged and in a measure urged to do so by herself i was frank and open with her there was nothing in my life which i concealed which i had occasion to conceal i had grave doubts as to the suitability of a marriage with you doubts which did not place you at a disadvantage i had not the grace of youth to recommend me there was a serious difference in our ages my habits of life were stayed and serious you were fit to be the wife of a prince your youth your beauty your accomplishments entitled you to more than i could offer which was simply a life of ease and the homage of a faithful heart only in one respect were we equal in respect of birth had i not been encouraged by your mother i should not have had the temerity to give expression to my feelings but i spoke and for me there was no retreating i begged your lady mother not to encourage me with false hopes but to be as frank with me as i was with her

Starting point is 06:29:09 of the doubts which disturbed me one was paramount you had moved in the world you had been idolized in society and it scarcely seemed possible that your heart could be disengaged in that case i informed your lady mother that no earthly consideration could induce me to step between you and your affections nay with all the force which earnestness could convey i offered to do all in my power if it were possible that my services could avail to aid in bringing your life to its happiest pass at such a moment as this a solemn one madame which shall never be forgotten by you or by me i may throw aside false delicacy and may explain the meaning of these last words to your mother having had in my hands the settlement of your father's affairs i knew that you were poor and my meaning was that if any money of mine could assist in bringing about a union between you and the object of your affections did any such exist it was ready cheerfully offered and cheerfully given for such a purpose i made but one stipulation in the matter that it should never directly or indirectly be brought to your knowledge he paused in the expectation that his wife would speak and she said coldly you are doubtless stating the truth the simple truth madame neither more nor less and believe it or not as you will it was your welfare not mine that was uppermost in my mind

Starting point is 06:31:05 your lady-mother assured me that before you came to the villa your heart was entirely free but that since you honored me by becoming my guest you had fixed your affections upon myself my astonishment was great i could scarcely believe the evidence of my senses i entreated your lady mother not to mislead me and she proved to me to me to whom the workings of a woman's heart were as a sealed book in a hundred different ways which she said i might have discovered for myself if i had had the wit that you most truly loved me she professed to be honored by my proposal which she accepted for you and which she said you would joyfully accept for yourself but she warned me not to be disappointed in the manner in which you would receive me that your pride and shame might impel you to appear reluctant instead of joyful and that it behooved me as a wise man heaven help me to put a right and sensible construction on the natural maidenly reserve of a young girl the rest you know the wise man madame has been sadly at fault it has been fatally proved to him that he knows little of the workings of the human heart. She held up her hand as a sign that she wished to speak, and he paused. A little thing struck me at the time, which has never passed out of my

Starting point is 06:32:49 mind. She held up her hand in front of the lamp, and the light shone through the thin, delicate fingers. seldom do i think of my lady without seeing that slight beautiful hand with the pink light shining through it my mother she said did not speak the truth monsieur gabriel and i were a fiance before i became your guest your information comes too late said my master you should have told me so much when i offered you my name it would have been sufficient I should not have forced myself upon you, and shame and sin would have been avoided." There has been no sin, said my lady, and who links me with shame bring shame upon himself. I have been wronged beyond the hope of reparation in this life. Before you spoke to me of marriage, I wrote to Monsieur Gabriel frequently from this villa. my letters were intercepted he interrupted her to my knowledge no letters were intercepted i had no suspicion of such a proceeding

Starting point is 06:34:07 i do not say you had i am making you acquainted with a fact hurt and vexed at receiving no reply to my letters and being able to account for it only on the supposition that they had not come into his possession i wrote one and gave it to denise to post for me that also as i learnt after my mother's death was intercepted and never reached its destination in the meantime false information was given to me respecting m gabriel shameful stories were related to me in which he was the principal actor he was vile and false as i was led to believe and you were held up to me as his very opposite, as noble, chivalrous, generous, disinterested. In all of which you will bear in mind I was in no way inculpated, being entirely ignorant of what was going on under my roof, and I was, besides, led to believe, by my mother, that you had laid us under such obligations that there was but one repayment of them. Plainly speaking, he interposed, that in any kindness I had shown, I was deliberately making a purchase,

Starting point is 06:35:35 that in every friendly office I performed I had but one cowardly end in view. It needed this to complete the story. My heart was almost broken, she continued, making no comment on his bitter interruption, but it was pointed out to me that I could at least answer the call of gratitude and duty. Dubly, did my mother deceive me? And doubly, said my master, did you deceive me? When, some time after our unhappy marriage, you introduced Monsieur Gabriel into this house, I was both angry and humiliated.

Starting point is 06:36:20 It looked as though you intended to enjoy. me and denise was a witness of my agitation it was not unnatural that remaining here your guest bidden by you not by me for so long a time explanations should pass between m gabriel and myself then it was that my eyes were really open to the pit into which i had been deliberately dragged not by me were you dragged into this pit and you dragged into this pit let it pass for a moment she said in a disdainful voice when my eyes were open to the truth how was i to know that you had not shared in the plot against me how am i to know it now by my denial doubt me if you will and believe that i trick to obtain you i shall not attempt to undeceive you no good purpose would be served by a successful endeavor to soften your feelings toward me. I do not indeed desire that they should be softened, for no link of love can ever unite us. It never did and never can, and I am not a man to live upon shams. If I tricked to obtain you, you will not deny that I have my reward, a rich reward,

Starting point is 06:37:48 the rank fruit of which will cling to me and abide with me till the last moment of my life. I went into the summer house this afternoon, she said. I know it. It was your intention that I should visit it. It was not exactly my intention. I left it to chance. You have made it a memorial of shame, of a cruel declaration against me. I have made it a memorial of my own deep unhappiness. That studio will never again be opened during your life and mine. Madam, in all that you have said, and I have followed you attentively, you have not succeeded in making me believe that I have anything to reproach myself for.

Starting point is 06:38:42 My blindness was deplorable, but it is not a reproach. my actions were distinguished at least by absolute candor and frankness can you assert the same you loved monsieur gabriel before you met me was i to blame for that you were made to believe he was false to you was i to blame for that you revenged yourself upon him by accepting my hand and i univirced in woman's ways believed that no pure-minded woman would marry a man unless she loved him i still believe so when we stood before the altar i was happy in the belief that your heart was mine and certainly from that moment your faith your honor were pledged to me as mine was pledged to you m gabriel was my friend i was a man when he was a boy and I became interested in him and assisted him in his career. We had not met for years. He knew that I had married.

Starting point is 06:39:58 But he did not know, interrupted my lady, that you had married me. Granted, was I to blame for that? After our marriage, you fell into melancholy moods, for which I at first ascribed to the tragic fate of your parents. Most sincerely did I sympathize with you. Day after day, night after night, did I ponder and consider how I could bring the smile to your lips, how I could gladden your young heart. Reflect upon this, madam, in the days that are before you, and reflect upon the manner

Starting point is 06:40:39 in which you received my attentions. At one time, when I had invited to the villa a number of joyous spirit, in the hope that their liveliness and gaiety would have a beneficial effect upon you, I received a letter from Monsieur Gabriel, with reference to a picture he was painting. I invited him here, and he came. What was his duty, what was yours, when you and he met in my presence, when I introduced you to each other for the first time, as I thought? Madam, if not before him, at least before you, there was but one honest course.

Starting point is 06:41:23 Did you pursue it? No. You received Monsieur Gabriel as a stranger, and you permitted me to rest in the belief that until that day you had been unconscious of his existence. Without referring to my previous sufferings, which, madam, were very great, in what position did i the husband stand in relation to my wife and friend who in that moment of introduction tacitly conspired against my honor and who after explanations had passed between them met and conversed as lovers their guilt was the more heinous because of its secrecy and utterly utterly unpardonable because of their treachery towards him who trusted in them both a double betrayal but at length the husband's suspicions were aroused in a conversation which he accidentally overheard between two ladies who were visiting him the name of his wife your name madame was mentioned in connection with that of m gabriel and from their conversation he learnt that their too friendly intimacy had become a subject for common talk

Starting point is 06:42:47 talk. Jealous of his honor and of his name, upon which there had hitherto been no blot, he silenced the scandal-mongers. But from that day he more carefully observed his wife and his friend until the truth was revealed. Then came retribution, and a black chapter in the lives of three human beings was closed, though the book itself is not. not yet completed. He paused a long time, as it seemed to me, before he spoke again. The silence was awful, and in the faces of the husband and the wife, there were no signs of relenting. They bore themselves, as two persons might have done, who had inflicted upon each other, a mortal wrong for which there was no earthly forgiveness.

Starting point is 06:43:43 From my heart, I pitied them both. End of Section 13. Section 14 of the House of the White Shadows. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. Section 14. Book 3, chapters 8 and 9. Chapter 8.

Starting point is 06:44:26 compact. You sent for me, madam, he said presently, because it was necessary that some explanation should be given of the occurrences that have taken place in my family, of which you are a member. Each of us has reason to regret an alliance which has caused us so much suffering. Unfortunately, for our happiness and our peace of mind, the truth has been spoken too late. But it were idle now to waste time and lamentations. There are in life certain bitter trials which must be accepted. In that light I accept the calamity which has fallen upon us, and which, had I known before our marriage what I know now, would most surely have been averted. It was in your power to avert it. You did not do so, but led me by

Starting point is 06:45:24 blindly into the whirlpool. You have informed me that after this night, you will never open your lips to me, nor ever again listen to my voice. Nor will I, she said, from the rising of tomorrow's sun. I shall do nothing to woo you from that resolve, but you bear my name, and to some extent my honor is still in your keeping. have you then she asked any commands to give me it will depend he replied upon what i hear from you so far as my honor is concerned i intend to exercise control over you no farther your honor is safe with me as it has always been i will not debate the point with you you say that you have decided on your course, and that no arguments of mine will turn you from it. Yes, my course is decided.

Starting point is 06:46:30 Am I free to go from your house? You are not free to go. Only one thing shall part us, death. We have a child, she said, and her voice, for that moment, insensibly softened. Is he asleep? Yes. he went into the inner room and remained there for several minutes and my lady with a white and tearless face waited for his return i thought i heard the sound of kisses in the bedroom but i could not be sure there was however a tender light in my master's eyes when he came back a light which showed that his heart was touched

Starting point is 06:47:18 our child shall remain with you he said to my lady if you wish i do wish it she said i will not take him from you only that i must sometimes see him he shall be brought to you every day i am content let him grow up to love me or hate me as the prompting of his nature and your teaching shall direct from my lips he shall never hear a disparaging word of his mother nor shall he from my lips of his father he bowed to her as he would have bowed to a princess and said i thank you but little then remains to be said we are bound to each other irrevocably and we cannot part without disgrace we have brought our griefs upon ourselves and we must bear them in silence the currents of my life are changed and these gates shall never again be open to friends i have done with friendship as i have done with love i ask you what course you have determined to determined upon i propose said my lady to make these rooms my home if you will give them to me to live in they are yours he replied unless i am compelled by duty or by circumstances which i do not at present foresee i will never enter them during your lifetime it is as i would have it she said in daylight i shall not leave them if i walk in the grounds it shall be at nightfall outside your gates i will never more be seen nor will i allow a friend or an acquaintance to visit me will you allow denise to wait upon me she is your servant and yours only from this moment

Starting point is 06:49:26 i am pleased that you have selected her denise said my lady to me are you willing to serve me yes my lady i answered i was almost choked with sobs while they were outwardly calm and unmoved then there is nothing more to be said except farewell and my lady looked towards the door he did not linger a moment he did not linger a moment He bowed to her ceremoniously and left the room. When he was gone, I felt as if some sudden and fearful shock must surely take place, as if a thunderbolt would fall and destroy us, or as if my lady would fall dead at my feet. The silence that ensued was so unearthly. But nothing occurred, and when I had courage to look up,

Starting point is 06:50:23 i saw my lady sitting in a chair white and still with a resigned and determined expression on her face it would have been a great relief to me if she had cried but there was not a tear in her eyes do you believe me guilty denise she asked the saints forbid i cried that such a wicked thought should enter my mind i know you to be an innocent suffering lady you will do as you have been bidden to do denise while my husband and i are living you will not speak of what is passed within this room i will not my lady and never again was the subject referred to by either of us she did not make the slightest allusion to it and i did not dare to do so chapter nine mother denise has strange fancies in the night a new life now commenced for us a new and dreadful life mr almer gave orders that no person was to be admitted to the villa without his express permission he denied himself to every chance visitor and from that time until you came my lady no friend of the family except a great banker and occasionally master pierre lamont both of whom came upon business ever entered the gates the doctor of course when he was needed but no one else mr almer passed most of his time in his study writing and reading and pacing to and fro as he used to do in times gone by he did not make any inquiries about my lady nor did she about him

Starting point is 06:52:22 she lived in these rooms and in my remembrance did not stir out of them during the day master christian slept in the inner room there and was free to roam about as he pleased every morning i took the child to his father who sometimes would kiss him and send him back to my lady and sometimes would say you can leave him with me denise for an hour then he would take the child into the study and lock the door and nurse and sing to him i was in the habit of seeing him thus engaged as i walked backwards and forwards in the grounds in front of the study in front of the study waiting for his summons to carry Master Christian to his mother. His was not a happy childhood, for when he began to speak and think, the estrangement between his parents puzzled him deeply and made him sad.

Starting point is 06:53:25 He was continually asking questions to which he received replies which perplexed him more and more. With childlike, innocent cunning, he strove to draw them to each other. When he was with my lady, it was, Mama, why do you not go and speak to Papa? There he is walking in the garden. Come out with me, Mama.

Starting point is 06:53:50 Come quickly, or Papa will be gone. And when he was with his father, he would say, Papa, I have a message for you. Yes, Christian, my master would say. you are to take hold of my hand and come with me immediately to mamma yes papa indeed immediately she wants to speak to you mr almer knew that this was nothing but invention on the child's part what they learned of each other's health and doings came through master christian it is very hard my lady to stop a child's innocent prattle papa i wish to tell you something tell me christian mamma has a bad headache such a bad bad headache i have been smoothing her forehead with my hand but it will not go away for me you cured my headache last week come and cure mamma and at another time papa is not this beautiful

Starting point is 06:55:01 yes christian it is very pretty mamma painted it for me do you know papa she has painted me yes my portrait and has put it in a book it is exactly like you could not tell it from me myself shall i ask her to give it to you or will you come and ask for it yourself with my lady it was the same mamma papa has been writing all day long i peeped through the window and he looked so tired just as you look sometimes now mamma tell me do you think papa is happy mamma see what papa has given me a musical box only because i said to him i should like a musical box is he not good and so it went on day after day week after week but the child's eager anxious love brought them no nearer to each other in the dark nights when the weather permitted my lady walked in the grounds at first i offered to accompany her but she refused my company i will walk alone denise the servants used to say as the moonlight fell on her white dress she looks like a white ghost and at other times she is like a white shadow moving in the moon's light her husband was careful to keep out of her sight when she indulged in these lonely rambles They would not make the slightest advance to each other.

Starting point is 06:56:46 I must not forget to tell you what occurred, about a month after this estrangement. The duties of my attendance on my lady did not keep me with her during the night unless she was ill, and was likely to require my services. Generally, I waited till I saw her a bed and asleep. She retired early, and this afforded me an opportunity. of looking after the room occupied by my husband and myself.

Starting point is 06:57:16 I remember that on this night I drew the blind aside after I was undressed and looked toward my master's study. There were lights in the windows, as usual. I was not surprised, for Mr. Almer frequently sat up the whole night through. I went to bed and soon fell asleep. Quite contrary to my use, usual habit, I woke up while it was dark and heard the sound of the clock striking the hour. I counted the strokes, from one to twelve. It was midnight. I was such a good sleeper,

Starting point is 06:57:57 seldom waking till the morning, when it was time to get up, that I wondered to myself what it was that awoke me. The striking of the clock? Hardly, for that was no new sound. What then? Gusts of wind were sweeping round the walls of the villa. Ah, I thought. It was the wind that disturbed me, and I settled myself for sleep again, when suddenly another sound, an unusual one this time, made me jump up in bed. The sound was like that of a heavy object jumping or falling from a height within the grounds. "'Can it be robbers, I thought, who have climbed the gates and missed their footing? The thought alarmed me, and I woke my husband, and told him what I had heard.

Starting point is 06:58:53 He rose and looked out of the window. "'Mr. Almer is up and awake,' said he. "'If there were any cause for alarm, he would not be sitting quietly in his study, "'pouring over his books. "'What you heard is the wind. "'Robbers, indeed. I pity the thief who tries to pass our dogs. He would be torn to pieces. "'There, let me get to sleep, and don't disturb me again with your foolish fancies. "'And get to sleep yourself as quick as you can. Now your head is stirring. You'll be imagining all sorts of things.'

Starting point is 06:59:35 That was all the satisfaction I could get out of him. the next moment he was fast asleep again. It was no easy thing for me to follow his example. I lay thinking and thinking for an hour or more. I was glad my husband had mentioned the dogs. In my alarm, I had forgotten them. Martin was quite right. Any stranger who attempted to pass them would have been torn to pieces.

Starting point is 07:00:07 Well, but there was. was somebody walking on the grave paths. I heard soft footsteps, crunching the stones, stepping cautiously, as though fearful of disturbing the people in the house. These sounds came to my ears between the gusts of wind, which were growing stronger and stronger. I was on the point of rousing my husband again,

Starting point is 07:00:32 when it occurred to me that it might be my master, who, restless as usual, was once. walking about the grounds. This explanation quieted me, and I was soon asleep. For how long, I cannot say, for suddenly I found myself sitting up in bed, wide awake, listening to the wind, which was shaking the house to its foundations. And yet the impression was so strong upon me that it was not the storm that had frightened me, that I went to the window and looked out, expecting to see heaven only knows what. Nothing was to be seen, and presently I reasoned myself out of my fears and was not again disturbed during the night. In the morning a strange discovery

Starting point is 07:01:25 was made. A servant came running to me before I was dressed, with the information that our two dogs were dead. I hurried to the kennel and saw their body stretched out, cold, and stiff. Mr. Almer was very fond of these dogs, and I went to him and told him what had occurred. There was a strange, wild look in his eyes which I attributed to want of sleep. But stranger than this weary wild expression was the smile in his lips when he heard the news. He followed me to the kennel and stooped down. They are quite dead, Denise, he said. Yes, sir, I said.

Starting point is 07:02:13 But who could have done such a cruel thing? The dogs have been poisoned, he said. Here is the meat that was thrown to them. There is still some white powder upon it. Poisoned, I cried. The wretches! Whoever did this deed, said my master, deserve to die it is as bad as killing a human creature in cold blood are you sure sir i said there has been nothing stolen from the house

Starting point is 07:02:50 you can go and see denise i made an examination of the rooms nothing had been taken from them i tried the door of my master's study to examine that room also but it was locked When I returned, my master was still kneeling by the dogs. "'It does not appear that anything has been taken,' I said. But the sounds I heard in the night prove that there have been robbers here. "'What sounds did you hear?' asked my master, looking up. I told him of my alarm, and of my waking my husband, and of my fancies. fancies he said yes it could have been nothing but imagination i have been up the whole night and had there been an attempt at robbery i must surely have known it were any of the other servants disturbed no sir i had already questioned them but they had all slept soundly and had heard nothing i had been also with my lady for a few moments but she had not been disturbed during the night by anything but the howling of the wind

Starting point is 07:04:10 let the matter rest said my master it will be best it is my wish that you should not speak of it the dogs are dead and nothing can restore them to life evil deeds carry their own punishment with them the next time you are frightened by fancies in the night and see a light in my study you may be satisfied that all is well so the dogs were buried and no action was taken to punish their murderers and in a little while the whole affair was forgotten end of section fourteen section fifteen of the house of the white shadows this librovoc's recording is in the public domain the house of the white shadows by b l fargen section fifteen book three chapters ten and eleven chapter x christian almer's child life the years went by in the lonely villa without any change except that my lady grew into the habit of taking her walks in the grounds later in the night not a word was exchanged between her and her husband. Had seas divided them, they could not have been further apart from each other. A dreadful, dreary monotony of days. The direction and control of the house was left

Starting point is 07:05:51 entirely to me. My master took not the slightest interest in what was going on. I should have asked to be relieved from the service, had it not been from my affection for my mistress. To live with her, as I did for years, attending upon her daily, without loving her was not possible. Her gentleness, her resignation, her resolution, her patience, with those who were not constant witnesses of her lonely, blameless suffering life? She never wrote or received a letter. She severed herself entirely from the world, and these rooms were her living grave. She loved her child, but she did not give way to any violent demonstration of feeling.

Starting point is 07:06:43 I observed, as the lad grew up, that he became more and more perplexed by the relations which existed between his parents. Had one or the other been unkind to him, he might have been able to put a reasonable construction upon the estrangement, but they were equally affectionate, equally tender towards him he continued to exercise the prettiest cunning to bring them together but without a veil without a veil also the entreaties he used mamma the sun is shining beautifully do come out with me and speak to papa do mamma do see he is walking in the garden mamma may i bring papa into your room say yes i am sure he would be glad papa mamma is really very ill i do so wish you would see her and speak to her there papa i have hold of your hand come papa papa mamma is really very ill i do so wish you would see her and speak to her there papa i have hold of your hand come papa come it was heart-breaking to hear the lad who loved both who received love from both mamma he said are you rich in what way dear child she asked i have no doubt wondering at his question in money do you mean that yes mamma i mean that

Starting point is 07:08:12 We are not in want of money, Christian. Then you can buy whatever you want, Mama? I want very little, Christian. But if you wanted a great deal, he persisted, you have money to pay for it? Yes, Christian. And Papa, too? Yes, and Papa too.

Starting point is 07:08:37 I can't make it out, he said. Yesterday I saw a poor little girl. girl crying. I asked her what she was crying for, and she said her mama was in great trouble because they had no money. I asked her if money would make her mama happy, and she said yes. Then why does it not make you happy? Would you like some money, Christian, said my lady, to give to this poor girl's mama? Yes, Mama. Here is my purse. Denise will go with you at once. We went to the cottage and found that the family were in deep distress. The father was in arrears with his rent, having been unable to work through illness for a good many

Starting point is 07:09:27 weeks. He was now strong enough to return to his employment, but he was plunged into such difficulties that all his courage had deserted him. The mother was weak with overpowering anxiety, and the children were in want of food. I saw that the family were deserving of assistance, and I directed Master Christian what to give them. He visited them daily for a week and more, and the roses came back to the children's cheeks, and the hearts of the father and mother were filled with hope and gladness.

Starting point is 07:10:06 "'Mama,' said Master Christian, "'you have no idea how happy they are, and all because I gave them a little money. They play and sing together. Yes, Mama, all of them. It is beautiful to see them. They call me their good angel. I am very glad you have made them happy, my dear, said my lady.

Starting point is 07:10:30 Mama, they are happy because they love each other and because they laugh and sing together. Let me be your good angel, Mama, and papas. me what to do so that we may live like those poor people. These were hard things for parents to hear, and harder because no answers could be given to them. We went out for a stroll every fine day for an hour or so, and when Master Christian saw a child walking between father and mother, who smiled at each other and their little one,

Starting point is 07:11:06 and spoke pleasantly and kindly one to the other, his eyes would fall. fill with tears. He would peep through cottage windows, nay, he would go into the cottages, where he was always welcome, and would furnish himself with proofs of domestic happiness, which never gladdened his heart in his own home. With scanty food, with ragged clothes, the common peasant children were enjoying what was denied to him. He had one special friend, a delicate child, who at length was laid on a bed of sickness from which he never rose. Master Christian, for a few weeks before this child died, visited him daily in my company, and took the poor little fellow many comforting things, for which the humble family were very

Starting point is 07:11:59 grateful. My young master would stand by the bedside of the sick child, and witness, in silent pain, the evidences of paternal love which lightened the load of the little sufferer. The day before the child died, we approached the cottage, and Master Christian peeped through the window. The child was dying, and by his bedside sat the sorrowing parents. The man's arm was around the woman's waist, and her head was resting on her husband's shoulder. We entered the cottage, and remained an hour. and as we walked home master christian said if i were dying would my mamma and papa sit like that i could find no words to answer this question which showed what was passing in master christian's mind cannot you tell me said master christian whether my rich parents would do for me what that little boy's poor parents are doing for him it is so very much denise

Starting point is 07:13:08 so very very much it is more than money for money is no use in heaven where he is going to i wish my mamma and papa had been poor then they would have lived together and have loved each other denise tell me what it all means hush master christian i said trying to soothe him for his little bosom was swelling with grief when you are a man you will understand i want to understand now i want to understand now he cried there is something very wicked about our house i hate it i hate it and he stamped his foot and broke into a fit of sobbing so charged with sorrow that i could not help sobbing with him something of this must have reached his parents ears and how they suffered only themselves could have known my master grew thin and wan dark circles came round his eyes and they often had a wild look in them which made me fear he was losing his senses and my lady drooped and drooped like a flower planted in unhoeked wholesome soil paler and quieter she grew every day sweeter and more resigned if that were possible with every sitting of the sun so weak at last that she could not take her walk in the grounds sitting by the window looking at the lovely sky she said to me one peaceful evening i shall soon be there denise oh my lady was all i could say it rejoices me to think she said that this long agony is coming to an end i pray that the dear child i shall leave behind me will not suffer as i have suffered that his life may be happy

Starting point is 07:15:14 and his end be peaceful denise my mother is in that invisible spirit land to which i am going when she sees me coming will she not be frightened to meet me for if it had not been for her all this misery would have been averted my lady i said so saintlike was her appearance that i could have knelt to her let me go to my master and bring him to you he would not come she said at your bidding denise has he not been often entreated by our child believing that this was a sign of relenting on her part i said he knows that i dare not deceive him he will come if i say you sent for him perhaps perhaps she said but i would not have him come yet when i summon him here he will not refuse me you will send for him one day my lady yes denise unless i die suddenly in my sleep an end i have often prayed for but this great blessing may be denied to me ah how sad we were the days it fills me with grief even now to speak of them all kinds of strange notions entered my head during that time i used to think it would be a mercy if a terrible flood were to come or if some one would set fire to the villa. It would bring these two unhappy beings together for a few minutes at least. But nothing happened. The days were all alike, except that I saw very plainly

Starting point is 07:17:06 that my lady could not live through another summer. She was fading away before my eyes. The end came at last when Master Christian was nearly nine years old. 11. Beatrice Almmer gives a promise to her son. It was a spring morning, and my lady was alone. Master Christian was in the woods with his father. He was to be home at noon, and my lady was watching for him at her window. Exactly at noon, the lad returned, beaming with delight. The hours he spent with his father were memorable hours in his life.

Starting point is 07:17:51 you have enjoyed yourself christian said my lady drawing her boy to her side and smoothing his hair it does you good to go out with papa yes mamma said the lad in his eager excited voice there is no one in the world like papa no man i mean he knows everything yes mamma everything there isn't a thing you ask him that he can't tell you you all about it. We have had such a beautiful walk. The forests are full of birds and squirrels. Papa knows the name of every bird and flower. See, Mama, all these are wildflowers. Papa helped me to gather them and showed me where some of the prettiest are to be found. You should hear him talk about the flowers. He has told me such wonderful, wonderful things about them. I believe they live, as we do, and that they have a language of their own. Papa smiled when I said I thought the flowers were alive, and he told me that the world was

Starting point is 07:19:04 full of the loveliest mysteries, and that, although men thought themselves very wise, they really knew very little. Perhaps it is so, with all men but Papa. it is because he isn't vain and proud that he doesn't set himself above other men. In the middle of the woods, Papa stopped and said, as he waved his hand around, This Christian is nature's book. Not all the wisdom of all the men in the world could write one line of it. That little bird flying in the air to the nest which it is built for its young, and which is so small that I could hold it in the world.

Starting point is 07:19:47 the palm of my hand, is in itself a greater and more marvelous work than the united wisdom of all mankind shall ever be able to produce. There, Mama, you would hardly believe that I should remember Papa's words, but I repeated them to myself over and over again as we walked along. They sounded so wonderful. Mama, are there flowers in heaven? Yes, my... dear, she answered, gazing upwards, forever blooming. Then it is always summer there, Mama?

Starting point is 07:20:27 Yes, dear child. It is the better land on which we dwell in hope. Peace is there and love. We shall all go there, Mama. Yes, dear child, one day. And shall live there in peace and love? Yes, Christ. Christian.

Starting point is 07:20:50 Mama, said the child, solemnly, I shall be glad when the day comes on which you and Papa and I shall be together there in peace and love. Mama, you are crying. I have not hurt you, have I? No, dear child, no. To hear you speak gives me great joy.

Starting point is 07:21:14 Ah, but I can't speak like Papa. He has told me of that better world, and though I can't understand all he says, I know it must be very beautiful. Papa is a good man. I love him more than any other man, and I love you, Mama, better than any other woman. Papa is a good man, is he not, Mama? Yes, my child, said my lady. Your father is a good and a just man. my heart leapt into my throat as i heard her speak these words of her husband was it possible that this dreadful estrangement was to end and that my master and his wife would at length be reconciled after all these weary years

Starting point is 07:22:04 my lady was lying back in her chair gazing now at her boy now at the bright clouds which were floating in the heavens ah my lady if we were but to follow god's teaching and learn the lessons he sends us every day and every hour how much unhappiness should we be spared but it seems as if there was a wicked spirit within us which is continually dropping poison into the fairest things for the mere pleasure of destroying their beauty and making us wretched there was an angelic expression on my lady's face as she encouraged her boy to speak of his father i have often wished to tell you said master christian that papa is not strong not as strong as strong as strong as strong as well as i have often wished to tell you said master christian that papa is not strong not as strong as long as I am. He soon gets tired, while I can run about all day. This morning he often stopped to rest, and once he threw himself upon the ground and fell asleep. I sat by his side and listened to the birds, who were all so happy, while Papa's face was filled with pain. Yes, Mama, he was in great pain, and he sighed, oh, so heavily,

Starting point is 07:23:27 as though sleep was hurting him instead of doing him good and he spoke in his sleep and his words made me tremble i call god to witness that was what he said mamma i call god to witness that there was in my mind no design to do wrong and then he said something about sin and sorrow springing from the flower of innocence a bird was flying near us stopping to look at us and not at all frightened because i was so very very quiet little bird i whispered that my father could hold in the palm of his hand do you know what he is dreaming of and will you because he is my father and a good man do something to make him happy oh mamma the bird at that very moment began to sing and papa smiled in his sleep and all the pain in his face disappeared that bird mamma was a fairy bird and knew that papa ought not to suffer and presently papa awoke and folded me tight in his arms and we sat there quite still for a long long time listening to the singing of the bird oh mamma mamma why will you not love papa as i do who could resist such pleading my lady could not my child she said i will send for papa to-morrow you will you will cried the child oh how glad i am papa will be here to-morrow and we shall live together as poor people do and be happy as they are

Starting point is 07:25:26 he sprang from her side ready to fly out of the room shall i go and tell papa now yes i may i may say that i may mamma not till to-morrow christian not till to-morrow christian come and sit quietly by me and talk to me he obeyed her though it was difficult for him to control himself his joy was so great he devised numberless schemes in which he and his parents were to take part they were to go here and go there always together his friends were to be their friends and they were to share each other's pleasures rambles in the woods hunting for wild flowers visits to poor cottages he planned all these things in the delight of his heart so they passed the day the mother and child and when night came he begged again to be allowed to go to his father and tell him what was in store for him but my lady was firm no christian she said you must wait yet for a few hours they will soon pass away you are tired dear child go to bed and sleep well good mamma beautiful mamma said the lad caressing his mother and stroking her face i shall dream all night long of to-morrow she never kissed her child with deeper tenderness than she did on this night. He knelt at her knees and said his prayers, and of his own accord ended with the words,

Starting point is 07:27:13 and make my Papa and Mama love each other tomorrow. Good night, dear child. Good night, dear Mama. I want tomorrow to come quickly. Good night, Denise. Good night, Master Christian. In a few minutes he was asleep. Then my lady called me to her, and spoke gratefully of the manner in which I had performed my services to her. You have been a good and faithful servant to me, she said, and you have helped to comfort me. Your duties have been difficult, and you have performed them well. My lady, I said, sobbing, I could not keep back my tears, she was so gracious and sweet. I have done nothing to deserve such thanks. If what you have said to Master Christian comes true,

Starting point is 07:28:11 I shall be very happy. Forgive me for asking, but is it really true that you will send for my master tomorrow? It will be so, Denise, unless God and His mercy takes me tonight. We are in his hands, and I wait for his summons. He will be done. Denise, wear this cross in remembrance of me. I kiss it before I give it to you, and I kiss you, Denise.

Starting point is 07:28:43 And as she put her cross around my neck, which she took from her own, she kissed me on the lips. Her touch was like an angel's touch. Then she said, pointing to the posy which had been gathered in the woods by her husband and her child, give me those flowers, you faithful woman. Do not think me vain or proud for repeating the word she spoke to me. They were very, very precious to me, and the sweetness has not died out of them, though she who uttered them is dust.

Starting point is 07:29:21 I gave her the flowers, and she held them to her heart, and encouraged me to sit with her later than usual. Two or three times in the midst of our conversations, she asked me to go to Master Christian's room to see if he was asleep. And when I told her he was sleeping beautifully and that he looked like an angel, she smiled and thanked me. He will grow into a noble man, she said, and will, I trust, think of me with tenderness. I often look forward and wonder what his life will be. be. A happy one, I am sure, I said. I pray that it may be so, and that he will meet with a woman who will

Starting point is 07:30:07 truly and faithfully love him. Then she asked me if there was a light in her husband's study, and going out into the balcony to look, I said there was, and said, moreover, that my master often sat up the whole night through, reading and studying. You have been in his service a long time, Denise, said my lady. Yes, my lady, I was born in this house, and my mother lived and died here. Was your master always a student, Denise? Always, my lady. Even when he was a boy, he would shut himself up with his books.

Starting point is 07:30:51 He is not like other men. From his youngest days we used to speak of him with him. wonder. He is very learned, said my lady. How shall one be forgiven for breaking up his life? Ah, my lady, I said, if I dared to speak. Speak freely, Denise. And then I described to her what a favorite my master was when he was a lad, and how everybody admired him, although he held himself aloof from people. i spoke of his gentleness of his kindness of his goodness to the poor whom he used to visit and help in secret i told her that never did woman have a more faithful and devoted lover than my master was to her nor a man with a nobler heart nor one who stood more highly in the world's esteem she listened in silence and did not chide me for my boldness and when i was done she said she would retire to rest but she was so weak that she could scarcely rise from her chair

Starting point is 07:32:07 i had best remain with you to-night my lady i said you may need my services it is not necessary she said i shall require nothing and i shall be better to-morrow I considered it my duty to make my master acquainted with his wife's condition, but I did not tell him of her intention to ask him to come to her tomorrow, for fear that she should alter her mind. There had been disappointment and vexation enough in the house, and I would not add to it. I could not rest, I was so anxious about my lady, and an hour after I was a bed, I rose and dressed myself and went to a room. She was on her knees, praying by the bedside of her child,

Starting point is 07:33:00 and I stole softly away without disturbing her. Again, later in the night, I went to her room. She was sleeping calmly, but her breathing was so light that I could scarcely hear it. In the morning I helped her to be. dress and afterwards assisted her to her favorite seat by the window. Master Christian was already up and about, and shortly after his mother was dressed, he came in, loaded with flowers, to make the room look beautiful, he said, on this happy day. It was a day he was never to forget.

Starting point is 07:33:43 End of Section 15. this libervox recording is in the public domain the house of the white shadows by b l fargen section sixteen book three chapters twelve and thirteen chapter twelve the last meeting between husband and wife the morning passed and my lady made no sign master christian flitting restlessly in and out and about the room, waited impatiently for his mother's instructions to bring her husband to her. I offered her food, but she could not eat it. On the previous day, the doctor, who regularly attended her, had said that his services were required at a great distance from the villa, and that he should not be able to visit my lady on the morrow.

Starting point is 07:34:51 She had replied, Do not trouble, doctor, you can do nothing for me. and indeed there appeared to be no special necessity for his presence my lady was not in pain she looked happy and contented but she was so quiet so very very quiet not a word of complaint or suffering not a moan not a sigh why therefore did my heart sink as i gazed at her at length master christian was compelled to speak he could no longer control his impatience mamma do you like the way i have arranged the flowers the room looks pretty does it not yes my child i wanted it to look very bright to-day so did you did you not mamma papa will be pleased when he comes i hope so my dear and I shall tell him that it is not so every day, and that it is done for him. Shall I go for him now?

Starting point is 07:36:02 Presently, my dear, wait yet a little while. But, Mama, it was to be today, you know, and it is nearly afternoon. Just look at the clock, Mama, it is nearly two. Ah, but you are tired, and I am worrying you. Now I will sit quite still. and when the clock strikes two, you shall tell me to go for Papa. Say yes, or look at Mama. Yes, my dear, at two o'clock you shall go.

Starting point is 07:36:36 Denise will accompany you, for perhaps, Christian, your Papa will think that the message comes from your affectionate heart and not from me. That, said Master Christian, is because I have tried to bring Papa to you before. But I did it out of love, Mama. I know, my dear, I know. If, when you were a little baby and could not speak or think of things, I had reflected it might all have been different. Perhaps I have been to blame.

Starting point is 07:37:11 No, Mama, you shall not say that. I will not let you say that. You can't do anything wrong, and Papa can't do anything wrong. Now I shall be quite still And watch the clock And I will not say another word till it strikes He sat as he had promised Quite still with his eyes fixed on the clock

Starting point is 07:37:36 And I saw by the motion of his lips That he was counting the seconds Slowly oh so slowly The hands moved round Till they reached the hour And then the silver chimes were heard first the four divisions of the hour, then the hour itself. One, two.

Starting point is 07:37:59 In my ears it was like the chapel bell calling the people to prayer. Now, Mama, cried Master Christian, starting up. She took his pretty face between her hands and drew it close to hers. She kissed his lips and his forehead, and then her hands fell to her. side. May I go now, Mama? He saw in her eyes that she was willing he should bring his father, and he embraced her joyfully and ran out of the room, crying, Come, Denise, come! Papa! Papa! He did not wait for me, and when I arrived at the study door, the father and son were standing together, and Master Christian was trying to pull my master

Starting point is 07:38:49 along. This little fellow here, said my master, striving to speak cheerfully, but his lips trembled, and his voice was husky, has a strong imagination, and his heart is so full of love that it runs away with his tongue. It does not, Papa, it does not, cried Master Christian very earnestly. And it is not imagination. Mama wants you to come and love her. My master turned his inquiring eyes to my face.

Starting point is 07:39:26 My lady wishes you to come to her, sir, I said simply. I knew that the fewer words I spoke at such a time, the better it would be. He did not question me. He was satisfied that I spoke the truth. His agitation was great, and he walked a few steps. steps from me, holding Master Christian by the hand, and then stood still for quite a minute. Then he stooped and kissed his son, and suffered himself to be led to my lady's room. I followed them at a little distance, and remained outside my lady's room, while they

Starting point is 07:40:08 entered and closed the door behind them. It was not right that any eyes but there should witness so sacred a meeting, but though I was a-lawful. I denied myself the pleasure of being present, my heart was in my ears. It was proper that I should be within call. In my lady's weak state, my services might be required. From where I stood, I heard Master Christian's eager, happy voice, Mama, Mama, here is Papa. He has come at last, Mama. Speak to him and love him as I do. Papa, put your arm around Mama's neck and kiss her. Then all was quiet, so quiet, so quiet.

Starting point is 07:40:58 Not a sound, not a breath. Ah, holy mother, I can hear the silence now. I can feel it about me. It was in this very room, and my lady was sitting in the chair in which you are seated. Suddenly the silence was broken. My master was calling loudly for me. Denise! Denise, where are you? Come quickly, for God's sake.

Starting point is 07:41:27 Before the words were out of his lips, I was in the room. My master was looking wildly upon his wife and child. The lad, with his arms about his mother, was kissing her passionately and crying over her. mamma mamma why do you not speak here is papa waiting for you oh mamma say only one word is it true my master whispered to me that your lady sent you for me it is true sir i replied in a low tone what then is the meaning of this he asked still in the same unnatural whisper i have spoken i have spoken to her she will not answer me she will not even look at me a sudden fear smote my heart i stepped softly to my lady's side i gently unwound master christian's arms from his mother's neck i took her hand in mine and pressed it the pressure was not returned her fingers though still warm were motionless

Starting point is 07:42:43 what is it denise my master asked hoarsely the truth the truth he read the answer in my eyes we were gazing at the face of a dead woman yes she was dead and no word had been exchanged between them no look of affection no token of forgiveness how truly how prophetically had she spoken to her husband and she spoken to her husband in their last interview on this spot eight years before after this night i will never open my lips to you nor willingly will i ever again listen to your voice from that hour to this he had never heard the sound of her voice and now that after their long agony for there is no doubt that his sufferings were as great as hers she had summoned him to her she was dead. Ah, if she had only lived to say, Mine was the fault, it was not only I who was betrayed, let there be peace and forgiveness between us. Did she know, when she called him to her, that he would look upon her dead face? Could she so measure her moments upon earth as to be certain that her heart would cease to beat

Starting point is 07:44:09 as he entered the room at her bidding no it could not have been for this premeditation would have proclaimed her capable of vindictive passion she was full of tender feeling and sweet compassion and the influence of her child must have softened her heart towards the man who had loved and married her and had done her no wrong that she knew she was dying was certain and she was willing nay more than willing wishful to forgive and to ask forgiveness as she stood upon the brink of another world the sight of his worn and wasted face may have shocked her and caused her sudden death but it remained a mystery whether she had seen him whether her spirit had not taken flight before her husband presented himself to her husband presented himself to her it was a question none could answer. I am aware that there are people who would say that my lady deliberately designed this last bitter blow to her husband. My master did not think so. When the first shock of his grief was spent, his face expressed nothing but sorrow and compassion.

Starting point is 07:45:29 He kissed her once, on the forehead, not on her lips, and after her eyes were closed and she lay, white and beautiful, upon her bed, he sat by her side the whole of the day and night, for a great part of the time with Master Christian in his arms. There were those in the villa who declared that, on the night of her death, the white shadow of my lady was seen gliding about the grounds, and from that day the place was supposed to be haunted, for my own part i knew that these were foolish fancies but you cannot reason people out of them the next day my master made preparations for the funeral

Starting point is 07:46:16 his strange manner of conducting it strengthened the superstition he would not have any of his old friends at the funeral although many wrote to him only himself and master christian and the servants followed my lady to her grave he would not allow any black crate to be worn and all the female servants of the house were dressed in white it caused a great deal of talk a good many people saying that it was a sinful proceeding on the part of my master and that it was a sign of joy at his wife's death they must have been blind to the grief in his face so plainly written there that the tears came to my eyes as i looked at it when they uttered this slander and yet if the truth were told if it were deeply searched for among the ashes in his heart it is not unlikely that my master was sorrowfully grateful that his wife's martyrdom was at an end for her sake not for his own did he experience this sad feeling of gratitude it was entirely in accordance with his stern sense of justice in the exercise of which he was least likely to spare himself of all people in the world that while he was bowed down to the earth and grief he should be glad that his wife was dead all kinds of rumors were afloat concerning the house and the family the gossips declared that on certain nights the grounds were filled with white shadows mournfully following each other in a long funeral train

Starting point is 07:48:04 that is how the villa grew to be called the house of shadows it was like a tomb not a person was permitted to pass the gates not a servant could be prevailed upon to stop stop all of them left with the exception of martin and myself and my daughter dianetta's mother dianetta was not born at the time we were glad to take fritz the fool into the place to run of errands and do odd jobs he was a young lad then an orphan and has been hanging around ever since but for all the good he is he might as well be at the other end of the world the rumors spread into distant quarters and one day a priest who had traveled scores of miles for the purpose of seeing my master presented himself at the gates which were always kept locked by my master's orders i asked the priest what he wanted and he said he must speak to mr almer i told him that no person was admitted and that my master would see none but he insisted that i should give his errand i did so and my master accompanied me to the gates you have received your answer from my servant said my master why do you persist in your attempts to force herself upon me my errand is a solemn one said the priest i am bidden by heaven to come to you my master smiled scornfully what deeds in my life he said i shall be called upon to answer for before a divine tribunal concern me and me only were you an officer of justice you should be admitted but you are a priest and i do not need you

Starting point is 07:50:05 i am my own priest begone he was importunate and was not so easily got rid of day after day for two weeks he made his appearance at the gates but he could not obtain admittance and at length he was compelled to forego his mission whatever it might have been and to leave without having any further speech with my master soon after he left my master took master christian to school at a great distance from the village and returning home resumed his solitary habits how well do i remember the evening on which he desired me not to disturb him on any account whatever and to come to his study at four o'clock on the afternoon of the following day at that hour i knocked at the door and received no answer i knocked several times and becoming alarmed tried the handle of the door it was unlocked and i stepped into the study and said it is i sir denise you bade me come at this hour i spoke to deaf ears on the floor lay my master stone dead he had not killed himself he died a natural death and must have been forewarned that his moments on earth were numbered that is all i have to tell my lady chapter thirteen the arrival of christian almer and you have really told it very well mother denise said the advocate's wife with such sentiment and in such beautiful language it is a great talent

Starting point is 07:52:03 i don't know when i have been so interested why in some parts you actually gave me the creeps and here is dionetta as white as a lily what a comfort it must have been to the poor lady to have had a good soul like you about her if such a misfortune happened to me i should like to have just such a servant as you were to her heaven forbid my lady said mother denise raising her hands that such an unhappy lot should be yours well to tell you the truth said adelaide with a bright smile i do not think it at all likely to happen of course there is no telling what one might have to go through men are such strange creatures and lead such strange lives they may do anything absolutely anything fight gamble make love without the least sincerity deceive poor women and forsake them. Yes, they may do all that, and the world will smile indulgently upon them. But if one of us, Mother Denise, makes the slightest trip, Dear me, what a fuss is made about it? How shocked everybody is! A perfect carnival for the scandal-mongers!

Starting point is 07:53:32 Isn't it altogether too dreadful? Did you ever hear of such a thing? Would you have believed it of her? That is what is said by all sorts of people. But if I happen to be treated badly, I should not submit to it tamely, nor between you and me, Mother Denise, in my opinion, did the lady whose story you have just related. Everything occurred, said Mother Denise, stiffly, exactly as I have described it.

Starting point is 07:54:06 With a small allowance, said Adelaide, archly, for exaggeration, and with here and there a chapter left out. Come, you must admit that. I have omitted nothing, my lady. I am angry with myself for having told so much. I doubt whether I have not done wrong. Mr. Christian Ammer, whom I expect every minute, and Adelaide looked at her watch, would have been seriously annoyed with you if you had not satisfied my curiosity.

Starting point is 07:54:44 Where is the harm? To be living here, with such an interesting tale untold, would have been inexcusable, perfectly inexcusable. But I am certain that you have purposely passed over more than one chapter, and I admire you for it. It is highly to your credit not to have told all you know, though it could hurt no one at this distance of time. What do you think I have concealed, my lady?

Starting point is 07:55:15 There was a certain Monsieur Gabriel, said Adelaide, who played a most important part in the story. A good many people would say the most important part. If it had not been for him, there would have been no story to tell worth the hearing. There would have been no quarrel between husband, and wife, and the foolish young lady would not have died, and I should not be here listening to her story, and ready to cry my eyes out in pity for her.

Starting point is 07:55:48 Monsieur Gabriel must have been a very handsome young fellow, or there would not have been such a fuss made about him. There, I declare you have never even given me a description of him. Of course he was handsome. She was full of vivacity, and as she leaned forward towards the old housekeeper, it appeared as if, in her estimation, nothing connected with the story she had heard was of so much importance as this question, which she repeated anxiously, "'Tell me, Mother Denise, was he handsome?' "'He was exceedingly good-looking,' mother Denise, was constrained to reply.

Starting point is 07:56:33 but not so distinguished in his bearing as my unhappy master tall yes tall my lady dark or fair but i think you gave me the impression that he was dark yes my lady he was dark replied mother denise coldly more and more displeased at the frivolity of the questions and young of course much younger than Mr. Almer? Much younger, my lady. There would be no sense in the matter otherwise. Anyone might guess that he was young and handsome and fascinating. Well, as I was about to say, I hope you will forgive me for flying off as I do,

Starting point is 07:57:23 my head gets so full of ideas that they tumble over one another. All at once, this Monsieur Gabriel drops clean out of the story. and we hear nothing more of him if there is one thing more inexplicable than another in the affair it is that nothing more should be heard of m gabriel we live out of the gay world my lady far removed from it i am happy to think it is not at all strange that in this quiet village we should not know what became of him that is assuming that m gabriel went back into the gay world as you call it which is not such a bad place i assure you mother denise he could not have stopped in the village my lady without its being known probably not but you dear old soul said adelaide her manner becoming more animated as that of mother denise became more frigid you dear dear old soul, they always come back. When lovers are dismissed, as Monsieur Gabriel was, they always come back. They think they never will. They vow they never will, but they cannot help themselves.

Starting point is 07:58:47 They are not their own masters. It is the story of the moth and the candle over again. You mean, my lady, said Mother Denise very gravely, that Monsieur Gabriel returned to the villa? That is my meaning exactly. What else could he do? I will not say whether I am glad or sorry to disappoint you, my lady, but Monsieur Gabriel, after the summer-house was barred up, never made his appearance again in the village.

Starting point is 07:59:23 Of course, under the circumstances, he could not show himself to everybody. it was necessary that he should be cautious. He had to come quietly, secretly, if you like. He never came, my lady, said Mother Denise, with determination. But he wrote and sent his letters by a confidential messenger. He did that, at least. I told you, my lady, that while my poor mistress lived in these rooms, she never received or wrote a letter.

Starting point is 08:00:00 If that is so, his letters to her must have been intercepted. There were no letters, said Mother Denise, stubbornly. There were, said Adelaide, smiling a reproof to Mother Denise. I know the ways of men better than you do. By whom, my lady, do you suppose these imaginary letters were intercepted? by her husband of course you dear simple soul mr almer could not have been guilty of such an act the advocate's wife gazed admiringly at the housekeeper dianetta she exclaimed never be tempted to betray your mistress's secrets take pattern by your grandmother she might do worse my lady said mother denise still unbending indeed she might i am thinking of something on the night you were aroused from your sleep and heard the sound of a man falling to the ground

Starting point is 08:01:11 i only fancied it was a man my lady we never learnt the truth it was a man and he climbed the wall and he chose a dark and stormy night for his adventure he was a brave fellow i quite admire him admire a thief exclaimed mother denise in horror my dear old soul you must know it was not a thief the house was not robbed was it no my lady nothing was taken but what is the use of speaking of it when once i get an idea into my head said adelaide it carries me along whether i like it or not So then, sometime after you heard a man falling or jumping from the wall, you heard the sound of someone walking in the paths outside. He was fearful of disturbing anyone in the house, and he trod very, very softly. I should have done just the same.

Starting point is 08:02:21 Now, can't you guess the name of that man? No, my lady, it was never discovered. He was a villain, whoever he was, to poison our dogs. That was a small matter. What is the life of a dog, of a thousand dogs, when a man is in love? My lady, cried Mother Denise. What is it you are saying? Nothing will deter him, continued Adelaide,

Starting point is 08:02:53 with an intense enjoyment of the old woman's uneasiness. Nothing will frighten him if he is brave and earnest, as Monsieur Gabriel was. You dear old soul, the man you heard in the grounds that night was Monsieur Gabriel, and he came to see your mistress, perhaps to carry her off. This window is not very high. I could almost jump from it myself. Mother Denise pressed her hand to her side, as though to release. leave a sudden pain. Her face was white with a newly-born apprehension. Do you really believe, my lady, she asked in trembling tones,

Starting point is 08:03:41 that Monsieur Gabriel would have dared to enter the grounds in the dead of night, like a thief, after what it occurred? I certainly believe it. It was the daring of a lover, not of a thief. Were any traces of blood discovered in the grounds? None were discovered, but if blood was spilt, the rain would have washed it away. Or it could have been wiped away in the dark night. Is it possible, said Mother Denise under her breath, that you can be right, and that my master and Monsieur Gabriel met on that night?

Starting point is 08:04:22 The most probable occurrence in the world, said Adelaide with a pleasant smile. What should have made your old master so anxious that you should not speak of the sounds you heard? He had a motive, depend upon it. Mother Denise, who had sunk into a chair in great agitation, suddenly rose and said abruptly, my lady, this is very painful to me. Will you allow me to go? Certainly, do not let me detain you a moment. I cannot express to you the obligations that you have laid me under by relating the history of this house and family. There is nothing more to do in these rooms, I believe. How very, very pretty they look. We must do everything in our power to

Starting point is 08:05:18 make the place pleasant to the young master who is coming. But I think I can promise he will be happy here. Not even Adelaide's smiles and good humor could smooth mother Denise's temper for the rest of the day. Mark my words, Martin, she said to her husband. Something wrong will happen before the advocate and his fine lady leave the villa. She has put such horrible ideas in the house.

Starting point is 08:05:48 to my head. Ah, but I will not think of them. It is treason, rank treason. We shall rue the day, she came among us. Ha, ha, chuckled the old man slyly. You're jealous, Denise, you're jealous. She is the pleasantest lady and the sweetest spoken, and the most generous, and the handsomest for twenty miles around. The whole village, is in love with her. And you, as well as the rest, I suppose, snapped Mother Denise. I don't say that, I don't say that, piped Martin with a childish laugh. Never kiss and tell, Denise, never kiss and tell.

Starting point is 08:06:38 If I was young and straight, but you're old and crooked, retorted Mother Denise, and your mind's going, if it hasn't gone already. you grow sillier and sillier every day a reproach the old man received with gleeful laughs and tiresome coughs his worship of the beautiful lady was not to be lightly disturbed the sweetest and the handsomest he chuckled as he hobbled away at the rate of half a mile an hour i'd walk twenty mile to serve her twenty mile twenty miles twenty mile and this is actually the room said adelaide walking about it in which that poor lady spent so many unhappy years her prison her grave dionetta my pretty one when the chance of happiness is offered to you do not throw it away life is short enjoy it a great many people moralize and preach but if you were to see what they do and put it by the side of what they say you would understand what fools those people must be who believe in their moralizing and preaching the persecuted lady whose story your grandmother has told us what happiness did she enjoy in her life none do you know why dionetta

Starting point is 08:08:14 because it was life without love love is life's sunshine better to be dead than to live without it hark is not that a carriage driving up at the gates she ran swiftly from the room down the stairs into the grounds the gates were thrown open a young man just alighted came towards her she ran forward to meet him with outstretched hands with face beaming with joy. He took her hands in his. "'Welcome, Mr. Almmer,' she said aloud, so that those around her could hear her. "'You have had a pleasant journey, I hope,' and then, in a whisper,

Starting point is 08:09:02 "'Christian!' Adelaide,' he said, in a tone as low as hers. "'Now I am the happiest woman,' she murmured. It is an eternity since I saw you. How could you have kept away from me so long? End of Section 16. End of Book 3. Section 17 of the House of the White Shadows.

Starting point is 08:09:44 This Libervox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. Section 17. Book 4. Chapters 1 and 2 Book 4 The Battle with Conscience Chapter 1

Starting point is 08:10:05 Lawyer and Priest It happened that certain persons had selected this evening as a suitable occasion for a friendly visit to the House of White Shadows. Jacob Hartrich, the banker, was one of these. The banker was accompanied by his wife, a handsome and dignified woman, and by his two daughters, whose personal attractions, enhanced by their father's wealth and their consequent expectations, would have created a sensation in fashionable circles.

Starting point is 08:10:41 Although in his religious observances Jacob Hartridge was by no means orthodox, he did not consider himself less a true Jew on that account. It is recognized by the most intelligent and liberal-minded of his race in the civilized countries of the world, that the carrying out of the mosaic law in its integrity would not only debar them from social relations, but would check their social advancement. It is a consequence of the recognition of this undoubted fact that the severe ordinances of the Jewish religion should become relaxed in their fulfillment. Jacob Hartrich was a member of this band of reformers, and though his conscience occasionally gave him a twinge,

Starting point is 08:11:31 he was nonetheless devoted, in a curiously jealous and illogical spirit, to the faith of his forefathers, to which he clung with the greatest tenacity because his daily habits compelled him to act, to some extent, in antagonism with the decrees they had laid down. Master Pierre Lamont was also at the villa. His bodily ailments were more severe than usual, and the jolting over the rough roads,

Starting point is 08:12:02 as he was drawn from his house in his hand-carriage, had caused him excruciating suffering. He bore it with grins and grimaces, scorning to give pain an open triumph over him. Fritz was not by his side to amuse him with his humor. The fool was at the court, on this last day of Gautran's trial, as he had been on every previous day, hastening vents every evening to Pierre Lamont to give him an account of the day's proceedings.

Starting point is 08:12:35 Father Capel was there, a simple and learned ecclesiastic, with a smile and a pleasant greeting for old and young, for rich and poor alike. A benevolent, sweet-natured man, who, when trouble came to, to his door, received it with cheerful resignation. Unversially beloved, a man whose course through life was strewn with flowers of charity and kindness. The visit of these and other guests was unexpected by Adelaide, and she inwardly resented the interruption to a contemplated quiet evening with Christian Alma, but outwardly she was

Starting point is 08:13:19 all affability. The principal topic of conversation was the trial of Gautran, and Pierre Lamont was enthusiastic on the theme. The trial will end this evening, he said, and intellect will triumph. Truth, I trust, will triumph, said Jacob Hartrich gravely. Intellect is truth's best champion, said Pierre Lamont, but some mortals believe themselves to be. be omniscient, and set up a standard of truth which is independent of proof. I understood that you were to have been on the jury at the trial.

Starting point is 08:14:01 I was excused, said Jacob Hartridge, on the ground that I had already formed so strong a view of the guilt of the prisoner that no testimony could affect it. Decidedly, observed Pierre Lamont, an unfit frame of mind to take part in a judiciary inquiry of great difficulty. For my own part, I would willingly have given a year of my life, which cannot have too many years to run, to have been able to be in Geneva these last few days. It will be long before another trial so celebrated will take place in our courts. I am happy to think so. It has always been a puzzle to me, said Adelaide, whose feelings toward pier lamont were of the most contradictory character now inclining her to be exceedingly partial to him now to detest him

Starting point is 08:15:01 how such vulgar cases can excite the interest they do it is surprising was pier lamont's comment that the wife of an advocate so celebrated should express such an opinion there are stranger things than that in the world master lamont's comment that the wife of an advocate so celebrated should express such an opinion there are stranger things than that in the world master lamont's Lamont. "'Truly, truly,' said Pierre Lamont, regarding her with curiosity. "'But cannot you understand how even these vulgar cases become, at least for a time, great and grand when the highest qualities of the mind are engaged in unraveling the threads which bind them?' "'No, I cannot understand it,' she replied with an amiable smile. I believe that you lawyers are only happy when people are murdering and robbing each other. My friend, the advocate, said Pierre Lamont, bending gallantly, an exertion which sent a twinge of pain through his body, is at least happy in one other respect, that of being the husband

Starting point is 08:16:09 of a lady whom none can see without admiring. If I were a younger man, I should say without loving. pierre lamont said jacob hartridge gives us here a proof that love and law can go hand in hand nay said pierre lamont whose eyes and mind were industriously studying the face of this beautiful hostess such proof from me is not needed the advocate has supplied it and words cannot strengthen the case and he waved his hand courteously towards adelaide and he waved his hand courteously towards adelaide these compliments were not wasted upon her and pierre lamont laughed secretly as he observed their effect you are worth studying fair dame he thought with your smiling face and your heart of vanity and your lack of sympathy with your husband's triumphs if not with his triumphs then not with him feeling you must have though it is born of selfishness. Ah, the curtain is drawn aside. Which one? Which one, you beautiful animal? His eyes traveled from one to the other in the room, until they fell upon Christian

Starting point is 08:17:30 Alma, whose eyes at that moment meant those of Adelaide. Ah! And he drew a deep breath of enjoyment. Are you the favored one, my master of this House of Shadows? Then we must take you into the game, for it cannot be played without you. The old lawyer was in his element, probing character and motive, and submitting them to mental analysis. Physically, he was helpless amidst the animated life around him, curled up in his invalid chair, he was dependent for every movement upon his fellow creatures. despite his intellect he was at the mercy of a hind. But he was nevertheless the strongest man in all that throng,

Starting point is 08:18:20 the man most to be feared by those who had anything to conceal, any secret which had behooved them to hide from the knowledge of men. How such vulgar cases, he said aloud to the astonishment of the advocate's wife, who deemed the subject dismissed, can excite the interest they do. It surprises you, but there is not one of these cases which does not contain elements of human sympathy

Starting point is 08:18:50 and affinity with ourselves. This very case of Gautran, what is its leading feature? Love, the theme of minstrel and poet, the sentiment without which human and divine affairs would be plunged into darkness. Crimes for which Gautran is being tried are caused by the human passions and emotions which direct our own movements. The balance in our favor is so heavy when our desires and wishes clash with the desires and wishes of other men

Starting point is 08:19:26 that we easily find justification for our misdeeds. Father Capelle is listening to me with more than ordinary attention. He perceives the justice of my argument. We travel by different roads, said Father Capel. You do not take into account the prompting of evil spirits, ever on the alert to promote discord and instigate to crime. It is that consideration which makes me tolerant of human error, which makes me pity it, which makes me forgive it.

Starting point is 08:20:03 I dispute your spiritual basis. All motive for crime, springs from within ourselves. Nay, nay, gently remonstrated, Father Capel. Pardon me for restraining you. I was about to say that not only does all motive for human crime spring from within ourselves, but all motive for human goodness as well.

Starting point is 08:20:30 If your thesis that evil spirits prompt us to crime is correct, it must be equally correct that good spirit prompt us to deeds of mercy and charity and kindness. Then there is no merit in performing a good action. You rob life of its grace, and you virtually declare that it is an injustice to punish a man for murdering his fellow creature. Plainly stated, you establish the doctrine of irresponsibility.

Starting point is 08:21:04 I will not do you the injustice of believing that you were in earnest, your tolerance of human error and your pity and forgiveness for it spring from natural kindliness as my tolerance of it and my lack of pity and forgiveness for it spring from a natural hardness of heart begot of much study of the weakness perverseness and selfishness of my species in the rank soil of these imperfections grows that wondrous necessary tree known by the name of law whose wide-spreading branches at once smite and protect you may thank this tree for preserving to some extent the decencies of society well expressed pierre lamont said jacob hartrich approvingly i regret that the advocate is not present to listen to your eloquence ah said pierre lamont with a scarcely perceptible sneer does your endorsement spring from judgment or self-interest you strike both friend and foe said father capell with much gentleness it is as day dangerous to agree with you as to dissent from you. But in your extravagant laudation of the profession of which you are a representative, you lose sight of a mightier engine than law,

Starting point is 08:22:36 towering far above it in usefulness and as a protection no less than a solace to mankind. Without religion, law would be powerless, and the world, a world of wild beasts. It softens, humanize it. Invents, sneered Pierre Lamont, with undisguised contempt. Fables which sober reason rejects. If you will have it so, yes. Fables to divert men's minds from sordid materialism into purer channels. Be thankful for religion if you practice it not. In the Sabbath's holy peace, in the hush and calm of

Starting point is 08:23:23 one day out of the turbulent seven, in the influences which touch you closely, though you do not acknowledge them, in the restraint imposed by fear, in the charitable feelings inspired by love, in the unseen spirit which softens and subdues, in the yearning hope which chastens grief when one dear to you is lost, lie the safeguard of your days, and much of the happiness you enjoy. So much for your body. For your soul, I will pray tonight. Father Capel, said Pierre Lamont, in a voice of honey, If all priests were like you, I would wear a hair shirt tomorrow. What need, my son? asked Father Capel, if you have a conscience.

Starting point is 08:24:17 Let me pay for my sins, said Pierre Lamont, handing his purse to the priest. Father Capel took a few francs from the purse. For the poor, he said, in their name I bless you. The priest has the best of it, said Adelaide to Christian Almor. I hate these dry arguments. It is altogether too bad that I should be called upon to entertain a set of musty old men. How much happier we should be, we two alone, even in the mountains where you have been hiding yourself from me. You are in better health and spirits, said Jacob Hattrich, drawing Alma aside, then when I last saw you, the mountain air has done you good.

Starting point is 08:25:09 It is strange to see you in the old house. I thought it would never be opened again to receive guests. It is many years since we were together under this room, roof, said Christian Almer thoughtfully. You were so young at the time, rejoined the banker, that you can scarcely have a remembrance of it. My remembrance is very keen. I could have been scarcely six years of age, and we had no visitors.

Starting point is 08:25:41 I remember that my curiosity was excited because you were admitted. I came on business, said Jacob. and then unwilling to revive the sad reminiscences of the young man's childhood he said abruptly almer you should marry his eyes wandered to his two comely daughters what is that you are saying interposed the advocate's wife that mr almer should marry if i were a man how i wish i were nothing nothing in the world would tempt me to marry, I would live a life without chain or shackle. So, so, my fair dame, thought Pierre Lamont, who had overheard this remark, bright as you appear there is a skeleton in your cupboard, chains and shackles, but you are sufficiently self-willed to throw these off. And he said aloud,

Starting point is 08:26:47 can you ascertain for me if Fritz the Fool has returned from Geneva? Certainly, replied Adelaide, and Dianetta being in the room, she sent her out to inquire. If he has returned, said Pierre Lamont, the trial is over. I miss the Fool's nightly report of the proceedings, which he has given me regularly since the commencement of the inquiry. If the trial is over, said Christian Alma, the advocate should be here. You need not expect him so soon, said Pierre Lamont. After such exertion as he has gone through, an hour's solitude is imperative.

Starting point is 08:27:33 Besides, Fritz can travel faster than our slow-going horses. He is as fleet as a hare. A favor of yours, evident. I have the highest respect for him. This particular fool is the wisest fool in my acquaintance. Deonetta entered the room with Fritz at her heels. Well, Fritz, called out Pierre Lamont. Is the trial over? Yes, Master Lamont, and we're ready for the next. The verdict, Fritz, the verdict? Eagerly inquired Pierre Lamont.

Starting point is 08:28:14 and everybody in the room listened anxiously for the reply. If I were a bandy-legged man, said Fritz, ignoring the question, I would hire some scoundrel to do a deed so that you might be on one side and my lord the advocate on the other. Then we should witness a fine battle of brains. Come, Fritz, the verdict, repeated Pierre Lamont impatiently. on second thoughts said fritz quietly you would be no match for the greatest lawyer living i would not have you on my side it is as well that your pleading days are ended no fooling fritz the verdict acquitted what else washed white as driven snow i knew it would be so cried the old lawyer

Starting point is 08:29:14 triumphantly. How was it received? The town is mad about it. The women are furious, and the men thunderstruck. You should have heard the speech. Such a thing was never known. Men's minds were twisted inside out, and the jury were convinced against their convictions. Why, Master Lamont, even Gautran himself for a few minutes believed himself to be innocent. enough said christian almer sternly leave the room fritz darted a sharp look at the newly returned master and with a low bow quitted the apartment the next moment the advocate made his appearance and all eyes were turned towards him chapter two the white shadow he entered the room with a cloud upon his face gartrand's horrible confession had deeply moved him and almost for the first time in his life he found himself at fault his heart was heavy and his mind was troubled but he had never yet lost his power of self-control and the moment he saw his guests the mask fell over his features and they assumed their usual tranquil expression

Starting point is 08:30:43 he greeted one and another with calmness and courtesy leaving his wife and christian almer to the last i am happy to tell you adelaide he said that the trial is over oh we have already had the news she said coldly full fritz has given us a glowing account of it and the excitement the verdict created did it create excitement he asked I was not aware of it. I take no interest in such cases, as you are aware, she rejoined. You knew the man was innocent, or you would not have defended him. It is a pity the monster is set free. Last but not least, said the advocate, turning to Christian Almmer and cordially pressing his hand, Welcome, and again welcome.

Starting point is 08:31:41 You have come to stay? adelaide answered for him certainly he has i have his promise that is well said the advocate i am glad to see you looking so bright christian you have not derived much benefit from your holiday said christian almer gazing at the advocate's pale face was it wise to take upon yourself the weight of so harassing a trial do we always do what is wise asked the advocate with a smile in which there was no light but seldom i should say replied i once had great faith in the power of will but i am beginning to believe that we are as completely slaves to independent forces as feathers in a fierce wind driven this way or that in spite of ourselves Not inward but outward magnetism rules us. Perhaps the best plan is to submit without a struggle. Of course it is, said Adelaide with a bright look.

Starting point is 08:32:54 If it is pleasant to submit. It is ridiculous to make one's head ache over things. I can teach you in a word a wiser lesson than either of you have ever learned. What is that word, Adelaide? asked the advocate enjoy she replied a butterfly's philosophy what say you christian shall we follow the teaching of this solan in petticoats may i join you said pierre lamont who had caused himself to be drawn to this group my infirmities make me a privileged person and unless i thrust myself forward i might be left to languish like a decrepit spider in a ruined web. Ill-natured people, remarked Adelaide, might say that your figure of speech is a dangerous one

Starting point is 08:33:52 for a lawyer to employ. Fairest of dames, said Pierre Lamont, your arrows are sugar-tipped. There is no poison in them. Use me as your target, I beg. You put new life into this old frame. the old school can teach the new said christian almer you should open a class of gallantry master lamont i with my useless limbs you mock me he will not allow me to be angry with him said adelaide smiling on the lawyer then pierre lamont drew the advocate into a conversation on the trial which the advocate would gladly have avoided could he have done done so without being considered guilty of a breach of courtesy. But Pierre Lamont was not a man

Starting point is 08:34:47 to be denied, and the advocate was fain to answer the questions put to him until the old lawyer was acquainted with every detail of the line of defense. "'Excellent! Excellent!' he exclaimed. "'A masterstroke!' "'You do not share my enthusiasm,' he said, addressing Jacob Hartred. who had stood silently by listening to the conversation you have no understanding of the intents the fierce delight of such a battle and such a victory the last word is not spoken here on earth said jacob hartrich there is a higher tribunal well said my son said father capelle son said pierre lamont to the banker with a little scornful laugh. Resent the familiarity, man of another faith.

Starting point is 08:35:46 Better any faith than none, warmly remarked Jacob Hartrich, cordially taking the hand which Father Capel held out to him. Good, good, good, cried Pierre Lamont. I stand renounced by church and synagogue. You are uncharitable only to yourself, said Father Capel. I, for one, will not take you at your word. Pierre Lamont lowered his eyes. You teach me humility, he said. Profit by it, rejoined Father Capel.

Starting point is 08:36:26 You formed the opinion that Gautran was guilty, said Pierre Lamont to the banker. Upon what evidence? Inward conviction, briefly replied Jacob Partridge. you at least said pierre lamont turning his wily face to father capell although you look at human affairs through divine light have a respect for the law undoubtedly was the reply but this man of finance said pierre lamont would destroy its very fabric when it clashes with his inward conviction argue with him and your words fall against a steel wall impenetrable to logic reason natural deduction and even common sense and behind this wall lurks a self-sufficient imp which he calls inward conviction useful enough nay necessary in religion for it needs no proof faith answers for all accept and rest content I congratulate you, Jacob Hartrich,

Starting point is 08:37:43 but does it not occur to you that others, besides yourself, may have inward convictions antagonistic to yours, and that occasionally theirs may be the true convictions, and yours the faults? Our friend, the advocate, for instance, do you think it barely possible that he would have undertaken the defense of Gautran, unless he had an inward conviction,

Starting point is 08:38:09 formed upon a sure foundation that the man was innocent of the crime imputed to him it was with some indignation that jacob hartrich replied that a man of honor would voluntarily come forward as a defender under any conditions than that of the firmest belief in the prisoner's innocence is incredible we agree upon this point i am happy to know and upon another that in the profession to which i have the honor to belong there are men whose actions are guided by the highest and finest principles and whose motives spring from what i conceive to be the most ennobling of all impulse a desire for justice who can doubt it how then stands the case as between you and my brother the advocate you have an inward conviction of gottrans guilt he an inward conviction of gottrans innocence up to a certain time you and he are on an equality your knowledge of the crime is derived from hearsay and newspaper reports upon that evidence you rest you have your business to attend to the value of money the fluctuations of the exchanges the public movements which affect securities in addition to the anxieties springing from your private transactions the advocate cannot afford to depend upon hearsay in the newspapers it is his business to investigate to unearth to bring together the scattered bones and fit them one with another to reason to argue to deduce as all the powers of your mind are brought to bear upon your business which is money so all the powers of his mind are brought to bear upon his which is money so all the powers of his mind are brought to bear upon his which is god

Starting point is 08:40:14 in connection with the crime of which he stands accused. His inward conviction of the man's innocent is strengthened, no less by the facts which come to light, than by the presumptive evidence he is enabled by his patience and application to bring forward in favor of his client. You and he are no longer on an equality. He is a man informed. You remain in ignorance.

Starting point is 08:40:44 he has dissected the body and all the arteries of the crime are exposed to his sight and judgment you merely raise up a picture a dark night a river a girl vainly struggling with her fate a murderer with veiled face flying from the spot or looking with brutal calmness upon his victim that is the entire extent of your knowledge you sees a brush you throw light upon the darkness you paint the river and the girl you paint the portrait of the murderer all is clear to you you have formed your own court of justice imagination affords the proof and prejudice is the judge it is an easy and agreeable task to find the prisoner guilty you are satisfied you believe you have fulfilled a duty whereas you have been but a stumbling block in the path of justice notwithstanding which said jacob hartrich who had thoroughly recovered his good humor i have as firmer conviction as ever in the guilt of gottrand the woodman admonish this member of a stiff-necked race father capelle said pierre lamont and tell him why reason was given to man earnest as the old lawyer was in the discussion and apparently engaged in it to the exclusion of all other subjects he had eyes and ears for everything that passed in the room retirement from the active practice of his profession had by no means rusted his powers on the contrary indeed for it had developed in him a finer and more subtle capacity of observation

Starting point is 08:42:42 it gave him time also to devote himself to matters which at an earlier period in his life he would have considered trivial thus when he moved in private circles freed from larger duties, there lurked in him always a positive danger, and although he would not do mischief for mischief's sake, he was irresistibly drawn in its direction. The quality of his mind was such as to seek out for itself and unerringly detect human blemish. He was ready, when it was presented to him, to recognize personal goodness, but while he recognized, he did not admire it. The good man was in his eyes a negative character, pithless, uninteresting. His dominant qualities being on the surface presented no field for study. He himself, as has already been seen, was not loath to bestow money in charity, but he was

Starting point is 08:43:50 destitute of benevolence. His soul never glowed with pity, nor did the sight of suffering touch his heart. While goodness did not attract him, he took no interest in the profligate or dissolute. His magnet was of the Machiavellian type, cunning, craft, duplicity, guile. Here he was at home in his glory, as easy to throw him off the scent as a bloodhound. Chiefly on this occasion was his attention given to the advocate's wife. not a movement not a gesture not a varying shade of expression escaped him any person noting his observance of her would have detected in it nothing but admiration and to this conclusion adelaide herself she knew when she was admired was by no means averse but his eye was upon her when she was not aware of it have i not heard of a case asked a guest of pier lamont in which a lawyer defended a murderer knowing him to be guilty yes said pierre lamont there was such a case

Starting point is 08:45:09 the murder was a ruthless murder the lawyer a man of great attainments his speech to the court was eloquent and thrilling and in it he declared his solemn belief in the prisoner's innocence and made an appeal to God to strengthen the declaration. It created a profound impression, but the evidence was conclusive, and the prisoner was found guilty. It then transpired that the accused in his cell had confessed to his advocate that he had perpetrated the murder. Confessed before the trial?

Starting point is 08:45:50 Yes, before the trial. What became of the lawyer? He was ruined, socially and professionally. A great career was blighted. A deserved punishment, remarked Father Capelle. Yes, it is an open question, said Pierre Lamont, whether the secrets of the prison cell should not be held as sacred as those of the confessional. Nothing can justify, said Father Capell, the employment of such an appeal used to frustrate the ends of justice.

Starting point is 08:46:30 Then, said Pierre Lamont with malicious emphasis, You admit the doctrine of responsibility. Your prompting of evil spirits. What becomes of it? Father Capel did not have time to reply, for a cry of terror from a visitor gave him. an unexpected turn to the gossip of the evening and diverted it into a common channel the person who had uttered this cry was the youngest daughter of jacob hartridge she had been standing at a window the heavy curtains of which she had held aside in an idle moment to look out upon the grounds which were wrapped in a pall of deep darkness upon the utterance of her terrified scream she had retreated into the room and was now gazing with affrighted eyes at the curtains which her loosened hold had allowed to fall over the window her mother and sister hurried to her side and most of the other guests clustered around her what had occasioned her alarm when she had sufficiently recovered she gave an explanation of it

Starting point is 08:47:43 she was looking out without any purpose in her mind thinking of nothing as she expressed it when in a distant part of the grounds there suddenly appeared a bright light which moved slowly onward and within the radius of this light of which it seemed to form a part she saw distinctly a white figure like a spirit the curtains of the window were drawn aside and all within the room with the exception of pierre lamont who was left without an audience peered into the grounds below nothing was to be seen no glimpse of light or white shadow no movement but the slight stir of leaf and branch but the young lady vehemently persisted in her statement and questioned more closely declared that the figure was that of a woman she had seen her face her hair her white robe the three persons whom her story most deeply impressed were the advocate's wife christian almer and father capell with the advocate it was a simple delusion of the senses with jacob hartrich nerves christian almer and father capelle went out to search the grounds and when they returned reported that nothing was to be seen during this excitement pierre lamont was absolutely unnoticed and it was not till a groan proceeded from the part of the room where he sat huddled up in the wheeled chair in which he was imprisoned that attention was directed to him

Starting point is 08:49:32 he was evidently in great pain his features were contracted with the spasms which darted through his limbs it almost masters me he said to the advocate as he laughed and winced this physical anguish i will not allow it to conquer me but i must humor it i am tempted to ask you to give me a bed to-night stop with us by all means said the advocate the night is too dark and your house too far for you to leave while you are suffering so it was arranged and within half an hour all the other guests had taken their departure End of Section 17. Section 18 of the House of the White Shadows. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. Section 18.

Starting point is 08:50:49 Book 4, chapters 3 and 4. Chapter 3. The Watch on the Hill. For more than 20 years, the House of White Shadows, may be to have been without a history. Its last eventful chapter ended with the death of Christian Alma's father, the tragic story of whose life has been related by Mother Denise. Then followed a blank, a dull uniformity of days and months and years, without the occurrence of a single event worthy of record in the annals of the family who had held the estate for four generations. The doors and windows of the villa were but seldom opened,

Starting point is 08:51:34 and on those rare occasions only by Mother Denise, who had too strict a regard for the faithful discharge of her duties to allow the costly furniture to fall into decay. Suddenly all this was altered. Light and life reigned again. Startling was the transformation. within a few short weeks the house of white shadows had become the center of a chain of events in which the affections which sway and the passions which dominate mankind were displayed in all their strangest variety

Starting point is 08:52:10 at a short distance from the gate on this dark night upon the rise of a hill which commanded a view of the villa sometimes stood and sometimes lay a man in the prime of life not a well-looking man nor a desirable man and yet one who in his better days might have passed for a gentleman even now with the aid of fine feathers he might have reached such a height in the judgment of those who were not given to close observation his feathers at the present time were anything but fine a sad fault for they have been once such as fine birds wear no barn door fowls but of the partridges quality so that between the man and his garments there was something of an affinity he was tall and fairly presentable and he bore himself with a certain air which in the eyes of the vulgar would have passed for grace but his swagger spoiled him and his sensual mouth which had begot a coarseness from long and unrestrained indulgence spoiled him and the blotches on his face spoiled him his hands were white and rings would have looked well on them if rings ever looked well on the hands of a man which may be doubted as he stood or lay his eyes were for the chief part of his time fixed on the house of white shadows following with precision his line of sight it would have been discovered that the point which claimed his attention were the windows of the advocate's study there was a light in them but no movement yet he is there muttered the man whose name was john van brue

Starting point is 08:54:08 for i see his shadow his sight unassisted would not have enabled him to speak with authority upon this but he held in his hand a field-glass and he saw by its aid what would otherwise have been hidden from him his guests have gone continued john van brue and he has time to attend to me i have that to sell edward which it is worth your while to purchase nay which it is vital you should purchase every hour's delay increases its price it must be near midnight and still no sign well i can wait i can wait He had no watch to take count of the time, which passed slowly, but he waited patiently, nevertheless, until the sound of footsteps, approaching in his direction, diverted his attention. They came nearer, nearer, until this other wanderer of the night was close upon him. Who, he thought, has taken it into his head to come my way? This is no time for honest men to be about.

Starting point is 08:55:23 and then he said aloud for the intruder had paused within a yard of him what particular business brings you here friend and why do you not pass on a sigh of intense relief escaped the breast of the newcomer who was none other than gautran with the cuff of his shirt he wiped the perspiration from his forehead and muttered in a grateful tone a man's voice that is something to be thankful for the sound of this muttering but not the words reached van brue's ears well friend said van brue who being unarmed felt himself at a disadvantage well repeated gartran are you meditating an attack upon me i am not worth the risk upon my honor if you are poor beholden me a brother in misfortune go to a more profitable market i don't want to hurt you i'll take your word for it pass on then the way is clear for you he stepped aside and observed that gautran took step with him instead of from him are you going to pass on asked upon my soul this is getting amusing and i should enjoy it if i were not angry am i going to pass on no i am not going to pass on neither am i and the name of all that is mischievous cried van brue what is it you want company was the answer till daylight that is all you need not be afraid of me

Starting point is 08:57:20 company exclaimed van brue my company yours or any man's something human something living and you must talk to me i'm not going to be driven mad by silence you are a cool customer with your this and that are you aware that you are robbing me i don't want to rob you but you are of solitude and you appropriate it no further fooling leave me not till daylight there is something strange in your resolve let me have a better look at you he laid his hand upon gautran's shoulder and the man did not resent the movement in the evening when he had arrived in geneva he had made an unsuccessful attempt to enter the courthouse therefore gotran being otherwise a stranger to him he did not recognize in the face of the man he was now looking into and which he could but dimly see in consequence of the darkness of the night the prisoner whose trial for murder had caused so great an excitement if i am any judge of human nature he said you are in a bad way i can see sufficient of you to discern that from a social point of view that from a social point of view he said you are in a bad way i can see sufficient of you to discern that from a social point of view you are a ruin a very wreck of respectability if your lines ever crossed in that direction in which respect i who was once a gentleman and am still cannot deny that there is something of moral kinship between us this confers distinction upon you upon me a touch of obloquy but i am old enough not to be squeamish we must take the world as we find

Starting point is 08:59:20 it, a villainous world. What say you? A villainous world! Go on talking! Van Brue stood with his face towards the house of white shadows, watching for the signal he had asked the advocate to give him. Gautran, facing the man upon whom he had forced his company, stood, therefore, with his back to the villa, the lights in which he had not yet seen. Our condition may be born, continued Van Brue, with greater or lesser equanimity, so long as we feed the body, the quality of our food being really of no great importance, so far as the tissues are concerned.

Starting point is 09:00:05 But when the mind is thrown off its balance, as I see by your eyes is the case with you, the condition of the man becomes serious. What is it you fear? nothing human yet you were at war with society i was but i am a free man now you have been in peril then plainly speaking a jail-bird what matters the world is apt to be too censorious i find no fault with you for your misfortune such things happen to the best of us but you are free now you see say, and you fear nothing in human shape? What is it, then, you do fear? Were you ever followed by a spirit? asked Gautran in a hoarse whisper. A moment, said Van Brue. Your question startles me. I have about me two mouthfuls of an

Starting point is 09:01:09 elixir without which life would not be worth the living. Share and share alike. He produced a bottle, containing about a quarter of a pint of brandy and saying, Your health, friend, put it to his lips. Gartran watched him greedily, and when he received the bottle, drained it with a gasp of savage satisfaction. That is fine, that is fine, he said. I wish there were more of it.

Starting point is 09:01:41 To echo your wish is the extent of my power in the direction of fulfillment. Now we can continue. Was I ever followed by a spirit? Of what kind? Of a woman, replied Gautran with a shudder. Being a spirit, necessarily a dead woman? Aye, a dead woman, one who was murdered.

Starting point is 09:02:08 A look of sudden and newly awakened intelligence flashed into Van Brue's face. He placed his hand again. upon Gautran's shoulder. A young woman, he said. I, responded Gautran. Fair and beautiful? Yes. Who met her death in the river Rhone?

Starting point is 09:02:35 Aye, it is known to all the world. One who sold flowers in the streets of Geneva, whose name was Madeline? The utterance of the world. the name conjured up the phantom of the murdered girl, and Gautran, with violent shudders, gazed upon the specter. "'She is there! She is there!' he muttered in a voice of agony. "'Will she never, never leave me?'

Starting point is 09:03:05 These words confirmed Van Brue's suspicion. It was Gautran who stood before him. "'Another winning card,' he said in a third. tone of triumph and with a strange smile. The man is guilty, else why should he fear? Van Brue, a life of ease is yours once more. Away with these rags, this money pinch which has nipped you for years. Days of pleasure, of luxury, are yours to enjoy. You step once more into the ranks of gentlemen. What would the great advocate in yonder study think, of this chance encounter, knowing what he has yet to learn, that I hold in my hands what

Starting point is 09:03:53 he prizes most, his fame and honor. Gautran heard the words. He turned and followed the direction of Van Brue's gaze. There is but one great advocate, the man who set me free. He lives yonder, then? You know it, rogue, replied Van Brue. There are of a lights in his study window. Gautran, you and I, must be better acquainted. But he was compelled to submit to a postponement of his wish, for the next moment he was alone. Gautran had disappeared. Chapter 4. The Silent in his study, the advocate had time to review his position. His first feeling, when he listened to Gautran's confession, had been one of unutterable horror, and this feeling was upon him when he entered the villa.

Starting point is 09:04:56 From his outward demeanor, no person could have guessed how terrible was his inward agitation. Self-repression was in him a second nature. The habit of concealing his thoughts had been of incalculable value in his profession and had materially assisted in many of his great victories. But now he was alone, and when he had locked the study door, he threw off the mask. He had been proud of this victory. It was the greatest he had ever achieved. He knew that it would increase his fame, and that it was an important step in the latter it had been the delight of his life to climb. Cold as he appeared, and apparently indifferent to success, his ambition was vast,

Starting point is 09:05:47 overpowering. His one great aim had been not only to achieve the highest distinction while he lived, but to leave behind him a name which should be placed at the head of all his class, a clear and unsullied name which men in after times would quote as a symbol of the triumph of intellect. It was the sublimity of egoism, contemptible when allied with intellectual inferiority and weakness of character, but justifiable in his case, because it was an association with the force of mental gifts, little short of marvelous. In the exercise of his public duties, he had been careful never to take a false step. Before he committed himself to a task, he invariably made a study of its minutest detail, conned it over and over, stripped it of its outward covering,

Starting point is 09:06:47 probed it to its very heart, added facets to it which lay not only within the region of probability, but possibility. And the result had been that his triumphs were spoken of with wonderment, as something almost higher than human and within the capacity of no other man. It had sometimes occurred that the public voice was against a prisoner whose defense he had undertaken, but it was never raised against himself, and perhaps the sweetest reward which was ever bestowed upon him was when, in an unpopular cause which he had conducted to victory, it was afterwards proved that the man he had championed,

Starting point is 09:07:32 whose very name was an offense, was in honest truth a victim instead of a wrongdoer. It had grown into a fashion to say, he must have right on his side or the advocate would not defend him here then was a triple alliance of justice truth and humanity and he their champion and the vindicator and upholder of right in another sphere of life and in times when the dragon of oppression was weighing heavily upon a people's liberties such achievements as his would have caused the champion to be worshipped as a saint, certainly as a hero imbued with kingly qualities. No man really deserves this altitude, though it be sometimes reached. Human nature is too imperfect, its undercurrents are not sufficiently translucent

Starting point is 09:08:29 for truth's face to be reflected as in a crystal. But we judge the deed, not the doer, and the man is frequently crowned, the working of whose inner life were it laid bare would shock and disgust it was when he was at the height of his fame that the advocate met adelaide hitherto he had seen but little of women or seeing them had passed them lightly by but there comes a time in the lives of most men even of the greatest when they are abruptly arrested by an influence which insensibly masters them Only once in his life had the advocate wandered from the path he had formed for himself. But it was an idle wandering, partly prompted by a small and unworthy desire to prove himself of two men, the superior, and he had swiftly and effectually thrown the folly aside, never again to be indulged in or renewed. That was many years ago, and had been long forgotten, when Adelaide appeared to him,

Starting point is 09:09:39 a star of loveliness which proved what few men would have believed that he had a heart the new revelation was to him at first a source of infinite gladness and he yielded to the enchantment but after a time he questioned himself as to the wisdom of this infatuation it was then however too late the spell was upon him and it did not lay in his power to remove it and when he found that this sweet pleasure did not as it would have done with most men interfere with his active duties nay that it seemed to infuse a keener relish into their fulfilment he asked himself the question why not in the simple prompting of the question lay the answer he possessed an immense power of concentration with many subjects claiming close attention he could dismiss them all but the one to which it was necessary he should devote himself and after much self-commuting he satisfied himself that love would be no block to ambition and indeed so it proved adelaide dazzled by the attentions of a man who stood so high accepted his worship and warned by friends not to be exigent made no demands upon his time which interfered with his duties he was a devoted but not a passionate lover on all sides she was congratulated it gratified her by many she was envied she was envied it delighted her and she took pleasure in showing how easily she could lead this man who to all other women was cold as ice

Starting point is 09:11:34 in those days it was out of her own vanity and thirst for conquest that she evolved pleasure from the association of her name with his after their marriage he strove to interest her in the cases upon which he was engaged but discovering that her taste did not lie in that direction he did not persist in his endeavor it did not lessen his love for her nor her hold upon him she was to him on this night as she had ever been a sweet affectionate pure woman who gave him as much love and honor as a man so much older than herself could reasonably expect something of what has been here expressed passed through his mind as he reflected upon the events of the day how should he deal with gartrand's confession that was the point he debated when he undertook the defence he had a firm belief in the man's innocence he had drawn the picture of gautran exactly as he had conceived it vile degraded brutal without a redeeming feature but not the murderer of madeline the flower girl he reviewed the case again carefully to see whether he could have arrived at any other conclusion he could not perceive a single defect in his theory he was justified in his own eyes he knew that the entire public sentiment was against him and that he had convinced men against their will he knew that there was imported into this matter a feeling of resentment at his successful efforts to set gottran free what then had induced him to come forward voluntarily in defense of this matter a feeling of resentment at his successful efforts to set gotran free

Starting point is 09:13:24 what then had induced him to come forward voluntarily in defence of this monster he asked the question of himself aloud and he answered it aloud a reverence for justice he had not indulged in self-deception when he declared to gottran's judges that the leading principle of his life had been a desire for justice in small matters as well as great for the meanest equally with the loftiest of his fellow-creatures that it did not clash with his ambition was his good fortune it was not tainted because of this human coincidence so far then he was justified in his own estimation but he must be justified also in the eyes of the world and here intruded the torturing doubt whether this were possible if he made it known to the world that gautran was guilty the answer would be we know it and knew it as we believe you yourself did while you were working to set him free why did you prevent justice being done upon a murderer but i believed him innocent he would say only now do i know him to be guilty upon what grounds would be asked upon gartrand's own confession given to me, alone, on a lonely road, within an hour after the delivery of the verdict. He saw the incredulous looks with which this would be received.

Starting point is 09:15:05 He put himself in the place of the public, and he asked, Why, at such a time and such a spot, did Gautran confess to you? What motive had he? You are not a priest, and the high road is not a confessional. he could supply to this question no answer which common sense would accept and say that ghatran were questioned as he would assuredly be he would deny the statement point-blank liberty is sweet to all men then it would be one man's statement against another's he would be on an equality with ghatran reduced to his level and in the judgment of numbers of people ghatran would have the advantage over him sides would be taken he himself in a certain sense would be placed upon his trial and public resentment which now was smothered and would soon be quite hushed would break out against him Was he strong enough to withstand this?

Starting point is 09:16:14 Could he arrest the furious torrent and stand unwounded on the shore, pure and scatheless in the eyes of men? He doubted. He was too profound a student of human nature not to know that his fair fame would be blotted, and that there would be a stain upon his reputation which would cling to him to the last day of his life. Still, he questioned him.

Starting point is 09:16:39 himself should he dare it and brave it and bow his head who humbles himself lays himself open to the blow and men are not merciful when the chance is offered to them but he would stand clear in his own eyes his conscience would approve to none but himself would this be known inward approval would be his sole reward his sole compensation a hero work, however. For a moment or two, he glowed at the contemplation. He soon cooled down, and with a smile, partly of self-pity, partly of self-contempt, proceeded to the calmer consideration of the matter. The meaner qualities came into play. The world did not know. What reason was there that it should be enlightened, that he should enlighten it, to his own injury. the secret belonged to two men to himself and gautran it was not likely that gautran would blurt it out to others he valued his liberty too highly so that it was as safe as though it were buried in the deep grave as for the wrong done it was a silent wrong to ruin oneself for a sentiment would be madness no one really suffered

Starting point is 09:18:08 the unfortunate girl was at rest she was a stranger no person knew her or was interested in her except for her beauty she left no family no father mother or sisters to mourn her cruel death there was certainly the woman spoken of as pauline but she had disappeared and was probably in no way related to madeline what more likely than that the elder woman's association with the younger arose out of a desire to trade upon the girl's beauty and appropriate the profits to her own use a base view of the matter but natural human and having reaped a certain profit out of their trade in flowers larger than was suspected the crafty woman of the world had deliberately deserted madeline and left her to her fate why then should he step forward as her avenger to the destruction of the great name he had spent the best fruits of his mind and the best years of his life to build up to think of such a thing was quixotism run mad one of the threads of these reflections that which forced itself upon him as the toughest and the most prominent was contempt of himself for permitting his thoughts to wander into currents so base but that was his concern it affected no other person so long as he chose to hold his own counsel the difficulty into which he was plunged was not of his own the difficulty into which he was plunged was not of his seeking fate had dealt him a hard stroke he received it on his shield instead of on his body who would say that that was not wise what other man having the option would not have done as he was about to do

Starting point is 09:20:06 cunning sophist cunning sophist his conscience whispered to him think not that wandering in these crooked paths of reasoning you can find the talisman which will transform wrong into right or remove the stain which will rest upon your soul he answered his conscience to none but myself is my soul visible who then can see the stain his conscience his conscience his conscience his conscience is my soul visible who then can see the stain his conscience replied god i will confess to him he said but not to man there is but one right course his conscience said juggle as you may you know that there is but one right course i know it he said boldly but i am cast in human mould and am not heroic enough for the sacrifice you would impose upon me listen said his conscience a voice from the grave is calling to you he heard the voice blood for blood he stood transfixed the images raised by that silent voice were appalling They culminated in the impalpable shape of a girl, with pallid face, gazing sadly at him, over whose form seemed to be traced in the air the lurid words, Blood for Blood! Heaven's decree! The vision lasted but for a brief space.

Starting point is 09:21:46 In the light of his strong will, such airy terrors could not long exist. Blood for blood! It won't. It wasn't. held undisputed sway but there are great and good men who look upon the fulfilment of the stern decree as a crime mercy humanity and all the higher laws of civilization were on their side but he could not quite stifle the voice he took another view say that he yielded to the whisperings of his conscience say that braving all the consequences of his action he denounced Gautran. The man had already been tried for murder and could not be tried again. Set this aside. Say that a way was discovered to bring Gautran again to the bar of earthly justice, of what value was the new evidence that could be brought against him, his own bare word, his recital of an interview of which he held no proof, and which Gautran's simple

Starting point is 09:22:54 denial would be sufficient to destroy. Place this new evidence against the evidence he himself had established in proof of Gautran's innocence, and it became a featherweight. A lawyer of mediocre attainments would blow away such evidence with a breath. He would injure only him who brought it forward. He decided, the matter must rest where it was. In silence lay safe. There was still another argument in favor of this conclusion. The time for making public the horrible knowledge of which he had become possessed was passed. After he had received Gautran's confession, he should not have lost a moment in communicating with the authorities. Not only had he allowed the hours to slip by without taking action,

Starting point is 09:23:49 but in the conversation initiated that evening by Pierre Lamont, in which he had joined, he had tacitly committed himself to the continuance of a belief in Gartrand's innocence. He saw no way out of the fatal construction, which all who knew him, as well as all who knew him not, would place upon this line of conduct. He had been caught in a trap of his own setting, but he could hide his wounds. Yes, the question was answered. He must preserve silence. This long self-communing had exhausted him.

Starting point is 09:24:30 He could not sleep. He could neither read nor study. His mind required relief and solace in companionship. His wife was doubtless asleep. He would not disturb her. He would go to his friend's chamber. Christian Almer would be awake. and they would pass an hour in sympathizing converse.

Starting point is 09:24:54 Almer had asked him, when they bade each other good-night, whether he intended immediately to retire to rest, and he had answered that he had much to do in his study and should probably be up till late in the night. I will not disturb you, Almer had said, but I too am in no mood for sleep. I have letters to write, and if you happen to need to need,

Starting point is 09:25:19 society, come to my room, and we will have one of our old chats. As he quitted the study to seek his friend, the soft silvery chimes of a clock on the mantle proclaimed the hour. He counted the strokes. It was midnight. End of Section 18. Section 19 of the House of the White Shadows. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. White Shadows by B. L. Fargin. Section 19. Book 4, chapters 5 and 6. Chapter 5. Gautran finds a refuge. When John Van Brue found himself alone, he cried, What? Tired of my company already? That is a fine compliment to pay to a gentleman of my

Starting point is 09:26:28 breeding. Gotran! Gotran! He listened, no answer came. A capital disappearance, he continued, in its way dramatic. The scene, the time, all agreeing. It does not please me. Do you hear me, Gautran, he shouted. It does not please me. If I were not tied to this spot in the execution of a most important mission, I would after you my friend and teach you better manners he drank my brandy too the ungrateful rogue a waste of good liquor a sheer waste he gets no more without paying its equivalent van brue indulged in this soliloquy without allowing his wrath to interfere with his watch not for a single moment did he shift his gauge from the windows of the advocate's study now what induced him he said after a pause to spirit himself away so mysteriously from the violent fancy he expressed for my company i regarded him as a fixture one would have supposed he intended to stick to me like a limpet to a rock suddenly without rhyme or reason and just as the conversation was getting interesting he takes french leave and makes himself scarce

Starting point is 09:27:57 i hope he has not left his ghost behind me the ghost of pretty madeline not likely though when a partnership such as that is entered into uncommonly unpleasant and inconvenient it must be it is not dissolved so easily perhaps he was spirited away wanted after the fashion of our dear lothario don giovanni there was no blue fire about however and i smell no brimstone no he disappeared of his own prompting it will repay thinking over he saw his phantom even my presence could not keep her from him he murdered her not a doubt of it and the advocate has proved his innocence. Were it not a double tragedy, I should feel disposed to laugh. We were speaking of the advocate when he darted off. But you cannot escape me, Gautran, we shall meet again. An acquaintanceship so happily commenced must not be allowed to drop, nor shall it, while it suits my purpose. At length, John Van Brue, you are learning to be wise. you allowed yourself to be fleeced suck dry and being thrown upon the rocks stripped of fortune and the means to woo it you strove to live as knaves live upon the folly of others like yourself

Starting point is 09:29:30 but you were a poor hand at the trade you were never cut out for a knave and you passed through a succession of reverses so hard as almost to break an honest man's heart it is all over now i see the sun bright days are before you john the old days over again but you will spend your money more prudently my lad no squandering exact its value be wise bold determined and you shall not go down with sorrow to the grave edward my friend if i had the liquor i would drink to you as it was he wafted a mocking kiss towards the house of white shadows and patiently continued his watch meanwhile gautran had not been idle upon quitting van brue the direction he took was from the house of white shadows but when he was not at a safe distance from van brue out of sight and hearing he paused and deliberately set his face towards the villa he skirted the hill at its base and walking with great caution pausing frequently to assure himself that he was alone and was not being followed arrived at the gates of the gate of the house and walking with great caution pausing frequently to assure himself that he was alone and was not being followed arrived at the gates of the villa he tried the gates they were locked could he climb over them he would have risked the danger they were set with sharp spikes had he not known that it would take some time and feared that some person passing along the high road might detect him he made his way to the back of the villa and carefully examined the walls

Starting point is 09:31:22 his eyes were accustomed to darkness and he could see pretty clearly it was a long time before he discovered a means of ingress afforded by an old elm which grew within a few yards of the wall and the far-spreading branches of which stretched over the grounds he climbed the tree and crept like a cat along the stoutest branch he could find it bent beneath his weight as he hung suspended from it it was a fall of twenty feet but he risked it he unloosed his hands and dropped to the earth he was shaken but not bruised his purpose thus far was accomplished he was within the grounds of the villa all was quiet when he had recovered from the shock of the fall he stepped warily towards the house now and then he was startled and alarmed at the shadows of the trees which moved athwart his path but he mastered these terrors and crept on and on till he heard the soft sound of a clock striking the hour he paused as the advocate had done and counted the strokes midnight when the sound had quite died away he stepped forward and saw the lights in the study windows was anybody there he guessed shrewdly enough that if the room was occupied it would be by no other person than the advocate well it was the advocate he came to see he had no design of robbery in his mind he stealthily approached a window and blessed his good fortune to find that it was partly open he peered into the study it was empty

Starting point is 09:33:21 he climbed the sill and dropped safely into the room what a grand apartment what costly pictures and vases what an array of books and papers beautiful objects met his eyes whichever way he turned there was the advocate's chair there the table at which he wrote the advocate had left the room for a while this was gottran's correct surmise and intended to return the lamps fully turned up were proof of this he looked at the papers on the table could he have read he would have seen that many of them bore his own name on a massive sideboard there were bottles filled with liquor and glasses he drank three or four glasses rapidly and then coiling himself up in a corner of the room in a few moments was fast asleep chapter six pierre lamont reads love verses to fritz the fool the bedroom allotted to pierre lamont by mother denise was situated on the first floor and adjoined the apartments prepared for christian almer as he was unable to walk a step it was necessary that the old lawyer should be carried upstairs his body servant expressly engaged to wheel him about and attend to his wants was ready to perform his duties but into pierre lamont's head had entered the whim that he would be assisted to his room by no person but fritz the fool the servant was sent in search of fritz who could not easily be found it was quite half an hour before the fool made his appearance and by that time all the guests with the exception of pierre lamont had left the house of white shadows

Starting point is 09:35:28 Out of sympathy with Pierre Lamont's sufferings, Father Capel had remained to chat with him until Fritz arrived. But the priest was suddenly called away. Mother Denise, entering the room, informed him that a peasant who lived ten miles from the house of white shadows urgently desired to see him. Father Capel was about to go out to the man when Adelaide suggested that he should be brought in,

Starting point is 09:35:58 and the peasant accordingly disclosed his errand in the presence of the advocate and his wife pierre lamont and christian almer i have been to your house said the peasant standing cap in hand in humble admiration of the grander by which he was surrounded and was directed here there is a woman dying in my hut what is her name and where does she come from i know not she has been with us for over three weeks and it is a sore burden upon us it happened in this way reverend father my hut you know is in the cleft of a rock at the foot of the burger pass a dangerous spot for those who are not familiar with the track some twenty-four days ago it was that my wife in the night roused me with the tale of a frightful scream which Proceeding from one in agony near my hut, pierced her very marrow, and woke her from sleep. I sprang from my bed and went into the open, and a few yards down I found a woman who had fallen from a height

Starting point is 09:37:14 and was lying in delirious pain upon the sharp stones. I raised her in my arms. She was bleeding terribly, and I feared she was hurt to death. i did the best i could and carried her into my hut where my wife nursed and tended her but from that night to this we have been unable to get one sensible word from her and she is now at death's door she needs your priestly offices reverend father and therefore i have come for you how interesting exclaimed adelaide who will pay you for your goodness to this poor creature. God, said Father Capel, replying for the peasant. It is the poor who help the poor, and in the kingdom of heaven our gracious Lord rewards them.

Starting point is 09:38:10 I am content, said the peasant. But in the contemplation of the hereafter, said Pierre Lamont, let us not forget the present. There are many whose loads are too heavy, for instance, acids. There are a few whose loads are too light, scoffers like myself. You have had occasion to rebuke me this night, Father Capel, and were I not a hardened sinner, I should be groaning in tribulation. That to the last hour of my life I shall deserve your rebukes,

Starting point is 09:38:47 proves me, I fear, beyond hope of redemption. Still I bear in mind the ass's burden. you have used my purse once in penance use it again and pay this man for the loss inflicted upon him by his endeavors to earn the great spiritual reward which in all humility i say it does not put bread into human stomachs father capelle accepted pierre lamont's purse and said i judge not by words but by works your offering shall be greatly administered come let us hasten to this unfortunate woman when he and the peasant had departed pierre lamont said with mock enthusiasm a good man a good man virtue such as his is a severe burden but i doubt not he enjoys it i prefer to earn my seed in heaven vicariously to which end my gold will materially assist it is as though paradise can be bought by weight or measure the longer the purse the greater the chance of salvation ah here is fritz good night good night bring dreams to all gently fritz gently continued the old lawyer as he was being carried up the stairs my bones are brittle brittle

Starting point is 09:40:21 brittle enough i should say rejoined fritz chicken bones they might be from the weight of you are diamonds heavy fool ha ha laughed fritz if i had the selling of you master lamont i should like to make you the valuer i should get a rare good price for you at that rate in the bedroom pierre lamont retained fritz to prepare him for him for bed. The old lawyer, undressed, was a veritable skeleton. There was not an ounce of superfluous flesh on his shriveled bones. What would you have done in the age of giants? asked Fritz, making merry over Pierre Lamont's attenuated form. This would have served, replied Pierre Lamont, tapping his forehead with his forefinger. I should have contrived so as to be. be a match for them. Bring that small table close to the bedside. Now place the lamp on it.

Starting point is 09:41:30 Put your hand into the tail pocket of my coat. You will find a silk handkerchief there. He tied the handkerchief, the color of which was yellow, about his head, and as the small, thin face peeped out of it, brown-skinned and hairless, it looked like the face of a mummy. fritz gazed at him and laughed immoderately and pierre lamont nodded and nodded at the fool with a smile of much humor on his lips enjoy yourself fool enjoy yourself he said kindly but don't pass your life in laughter it is destructive of brain power what do you think of the spirit fritz the appearance of which so alarmed one of the young ladies in our merry party to-night what do you think of it asked fritz in return with a quivering of his right eyelid which suspiciously resembled a wink ah ah knave cried pierre lamont chuckling i half suspected you you will not tell on me master lamont not i fool how did you contrive it with a white sheet and a lantern i thought it a pity that my lady should be disappointed should she leave the palace without some warranty that spirits are here the house would lose its character

Starting point is 09:43:03 then there is the young master your christian almer he spoke to me very much as if i were a beast of the field instead of a fool so i thought i would give him food for thought a dangerous trick fritz your secret is safe with me but i would not try it too often are there any books in the room look about fritz look about for books exclaimed fritz people go to bed to sleep i go to bed to think retorted pierre lamont and read people are idiots they don't know how to use the knights. Men are not owls, said Fritz. There are no books in the room. How shall I pass the night? Grumbled Pierre Lamont.

Starting point is 09:44:01 Open that drawer. There may be something to read in it. Fritz opened the drawer. It was filled with books. Pierre Lamont uttered a cry of delight. Bring half a dozen of them. Quick. Now I am happy.

Starting point is 09:44:17 he opened the books which fritz handed to him and placed them by his side on the bed they were in various languages lavater zimmermann a latin book on demonology poems of lopé de vega clingaman's tragedies italian poems by zappi philisagia cassiani and others you understand all these books master lamont of course fool what language is this latin and this spanish and this italian no common mind collected these books fritz the master that's dead father of him who sleeps in the next room ha ha interposed pierre lamont turning over the pages as he spoke he sleeps there does he yes his father was a great scholar i've heard a various scholar fritz if these books are an epitome of his mind love philosophy gloomy wanderings in dark paths here we have them all the lights and shatterings and shatterns of life. Which way runs your taste, fool? I love the light, of course. What use in being a fool if you don't know how to take advantage of your opportunities? Well said, let us indulge a little.

Starting point is 09:46:04 These poets are sly rascals. They take unconscionable liberties and play with women's beauty as other men dare not do. Fritz's eyes twinkled. "'It does not escape even you, Master Lamont.' "'What does not escape me, fool?' "'Woman's beauty, Master Lamont.' "'Have I not eyes in my head and blood in my veins?' asked Pierre Lamont. "'It warms me like wine to know that I and the loveliest woman for a hundred miles around

Starting point is 09:46:42 are caged within the same roof. Fritz indulged in another fit of laughter, and then exclaimed, She has caught you too, eh? Now who would have thought it? Two of the cleverest lawyers in the world fixed with one arrow. Beauty is a divine gift, Master Lamont. To possess it is almost as good as being born a fool.

Starting point is 09:47:10 I shall lie awake, and read love verses. Listen to Zappy, fool. And in a voice really tender, Pierre Lamont read from the book, A hundred pretty little loves in fun were romping, laughing, rioting one day. A hundred, cried Fritz, chuckling and rubbing his hands. A hundred pretty little loves. If Father Capel were to hear you, his face would be able to hear you, his face would grow as long as my arm. Wrong, Fritz, wrong. His face would beam,

Starting point is 09:47:50 and he would listen for the continuation of the poem. And Pierre Lamont resumed, Let's fly a little now, said one, I pray. Wither, to beauty's face. Agreed, tis done. Faster than bees to flowers they wing their way, to lovely maids to mine the sweetest one and to her hair and panting lips they run now here now there now everywhere they stray my love so full of loves delightful sight two with their torches in her eyes and two upon her eyelids with their bows alight you read rarely master lamont said fritz it is true is it not that when you were in practice you were called the lawyer with the silver tongue it has been said of me fritz

Starting point is 09:48:50 the picture of this withered dried-up old lawyer sitting up in bed with a yellow handkerchief for a nightcap tied around his head reading languishing verses in a tender voice and striving to bring into his weazened features an expression in harmony with them was truly a comical one why master lamont said fritz in admiration you were cut out for a gallant had you recited those lines in the drawing-room you would have had all the ladies at your feet supposing he added with the broad grim they had all been blind ah me said pierre lamont throwing aside the book with a mocking sighed too old, too old. And shrunken, said Fritz. It is not to be denied, Fritz, and shrunken. And ugly. You stick daggers into me.

Starting point is 09:49:58 Yes, and ugly. Ah, and with simulated wrath, he shook his fist in the air. If I were but like my brother, the advocate, eh? Fritz, A? Fritz shook his head slowly. If I were not a fool, I should say I would much rather be as you are, old and withered and ugly, and a cripple,

Starting point is 09:50:25 than be standing in the place of your brother, the advocate. And so would you, Master Lamont, for all your love-songs. I can teach you nothing, fool. Push the lamp a little nearer to me. give me my waistcoat here is a gold piece for you i owe you as much i think we will keep our own counsel fritz good-night good night master lamont i am sorry that trial is over it was rare fun end of section nineteen section twenty of the house of the white shadows this librovoc's recording is in the public domain the house of the white shadows by b l fargen section twenty book four chapter seven and eight chapter seven mistress and maid dianetta yes my lady the maid and her mistress were in adelaide's dressing-room and dionetta was brushing her lady's hair which hung down in rich heavy waves

Starting point is 09:51:46 she smiled at herself in the glass before which she was sitting and her mood became more joyous as she noted the whiteness of her teeth and the beautiful expression of her mouth when she smiled there was an irresistible fascination in her smile it flashed into all her features like a laughing sunrise she was never tired of admiring her beauty it was to her a most precious possession of which nothing but time could rob her. Today is mine, she frequently said to herself, and she wished with all her heart that there were no tomorrow. Yes, today was hers, and she was beautiful, and, gazing at the reflection of her fair self, she thought that she did not look more than eighteen.

Starting point is 09:52:40 Do you think I do, child? she asked of Dianetta. Think you do, what, my lady, inquired Deonetta. Adelaide laughed, a musical childlike laugh, which any man hearing would have judged to be an expression of pure, innocent delight. She derived pleasure even from this pleasant sound. I was thinking to myself, and I believed I was speaking aloud. Do you think I look twenty-five? No, indeed, my lady, not by many years. You look younger than I do. And you are not eighteen, Deonetta. Not yet, my lady. Adelaide's eyes sparkled. It was indeed true that she looked younger than her maid, who was in herself a beauty and young-looking.

Starting point is 09:53:35 "'Dianetta,' she said presently, after a pause, "'I have had a curious dream. "'I saw you close your eyes for a moment, my lady. "'I dreamt I was the most beautiful woman in all this wide world.' "'You are, my lady?' The words were uttered in perfect honesty and simplicity. Her mistress was truly the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. nonsense child nonsense there are others as fair although i should not fear to stand beside them it was only a dream and this but the commencement of it i was the most beautiful woman in the world

Starting point is 09:54:22 i had the handsomest features the loveliest figure and a shape that sculptors would have called perfection i had the most exquisite dresses that ever were worn and everything in that one way a woman's heart could desire. A happy dream, my lady? Wait, I had a palace to live in, in a land where it was summer the whole year through. Such gardens, Deonetta, and such flowers as one only seasoned dreams. I had rings enough to cover my fingers a dozen times over, diamonds in profusion for my hair and neck and arms, trunks full of them. and of old lace, and of the most wonderful jewels the mind can conceive.

Starting point is 09:55:12 Would you believe it, child, in spite of all this, I was the most miserable woman in the universe? It is hard to believe, my lady. Not when I tell you the reason, Deonetta. I was absolutely alone. There was not a single person near me, old or young, not one to look at me, to envy me, to admire me, to love me. What was the use of beauty, diamonds, flowers, dresses?

Starting point is 09:55:45 The brightest eyes, the loveliest complexion, the whitest skin, all were thrown away. It would have been just as well if I had been dressed in rags, and were old and wrinkled as Pierre Lamont. Now, what I learn from my dream is this, that beauty is not worth having unless it is admired and loved, and unless other people can see it as well as yourself. Everybody sees that you are beautiful, my lady. It is spoken of everywhere. Is it, Dianetta, really now, is it? Yes, my lady, and you are admired and loved. I think I am, child, I know I am, so that my dream goes for nothing. A foolish fancy, was it not, Deonetta?

Starting point is 09:56:40 But women are never satisfied. I should never be tired, never, never of hearing the man I love say, I love you, I love you, you are the most beautiful, the dearest, the sweetest. She leaned forward and looked closely at herself in the glass. and then sank back in her chair and smiled, and half-closed her eyes. Dianetta, she said presently, What makes you so pale? It is the shadow, my lady, that was seen to-night, replied Dianetta in a whisper.

Starting point is 09:57:18 I cannot get it out of my mind. But you did not see it? No, my lady, but it was there. You believe it? in ghosts? Yes, my lady. You would not have the courage to go where one was to be seen? Not for all the gold in the world, my lady. But the other servants are more courageous? They may be, but they would not dare to go. They said so tonight, all of them. They have been speaking of it then? Oh, yes, of scarcely nothing.

Starting point is 09:57:59 else. Grandmother said tonight that if you had not come to the villa, the belief in the shadows would have died away altogether. That is too ridiculous, interrupted Adelaide. What can I have to do with them? If you had not come, said Deonetta, Grandmother said our young master would not be here. It is because he is in the house, sleeping here for the first night for so many, many years. years, that the spirit of his mother appeared to him. But your grandmother has told me she did not believe in the shadows. My lady, I think she is changing her opinion, else she would never have said what she did. It is long since I have seen her so disturbed.

Starting point is 09:58:52 Adelaide rose from her chair, the fairest picture of womanhood eyes ever gazed upon. A picture an artist would have contemplated with delight. She stood still for a few moments, her hand resting on her writing desk. Your grandmother does not like me, Dianetta. She has not said so, my lady, said Dianetta after an awkward pause. Not directly, child, said Adelaide, and I have no reason to complain of want of respect in her, but one always knows whether one is really liked or not she is growing old murmured dionetta apologetically and has seen very little of ladies

Starting point is 09:59:39 neither have you child yet you do not dislike me my lady if i dare to say it i love you there is no daring in it child i love to be loved and i would sooner be loved by the young than the old come here pretty one your ears are like little pink shells and deserve something better than those common rings in them put these in their place she took from a jewel case a pair of earrings turquoise and small diamonds and with her own hands made the exchange oh my lady sighed dionetta with a rose light in her face they are too grand for me what shall i say when people see them the girl's heart was beating quick with ecstasy she looked at herself in the glass and uttered a cry of joy say that i gave them to you because i love you i never had a maid who pleased me half as much does this prove it and she put her lips to dionetta's face the girl's eyes filled with tears and she kissed adelaide's hand in a passion of gratitude i love you dionetta because you love me and because i can trust you you can my lady i will serve you with all my heart and soul but i have done nothing for you that any other girl could not have done would you like to do something for me that i would trust no other to do yes my lady eagerly answered dionetta i should be proud and you will tell no one

Starting point is 10:01:32 not a soul my lady if you command me i do command you it is easy to do merely to deliver a note and to say this is from my mistress oh my lady that is no task at all it is so simple simple as it is i do not wish even your grandmother to hear of it she shall not nor any person i swear it in the extravagance of her gratitude and joy she kissed a little cross that hung from her neck you have made me your friend for life said adelaide the best friend you ever had or ever will have she sat down to her desk and on a sheet of note-paper wrote these words dear christian i cannot sleep until i wish you good-night with no horrid people around us let me see you for one minute only adelaide placing the sheet of note-paper in an envelope she gave it to dionetta saying take this to mr almer's room and give it to him it is nothing of any importance but he will be pleased to receive it dionetta marvelling why her lady should place any value upon so light a service went upstairs with the note and returned with the note and returned with the information that Christian Almer was not in his room. "'But his door is open, my lady,' she said,

Starting point is 10:03:09 "'and the lamps are burning.' "'Go then again,' said Adelaide, and place the note on his desk. "'There is no harm, child. He cannot see you, as he is not there. And if you were, he would not be angry.' Dionetta obeyed without fear, and when she told her mistress that the note was placed where christian almer was sure to see it adelaide kissed her again and wished her good-night chapter eight in the home of his childhood

Starting point is 10:03:46 upon no person had the supposed appearance of a phantom in the grounds of the house of white shadows produced so profound an impression as upon christian almer this was but natural even supposing him not to have been a man of susceptibility the young lady's terror as she gazed at the shadow could not have failed to make an impression upon him it was the first night of his return after an absence of many years to the house in which he had been born and had passed his unhappy childhood's life and the origin of the belief in these white shadows which were said to haunt his estate estate was so closely woven into his personal history as almost to form a part of himself he had never submitted his mind to a rigid test of belief or disbelief in these signs one of the principal aims of his life had been not only to avoid the villa but to shut out all thoughts of the tragic events which had led to the death of his parents he loved them both with an equal love when he thought of his mother he saw a woman patient in suffering of a temper exquisitely sweet whose every word and act towards her child was fraught with tenderness when he thought of his father he saw a man high principled and just inflexible in matters of right and conscious patient also in suffering and bearing in suffering and bearing in silence, as his mother did, a grief which had poisoned his life and hers.

Starting point is 10:05:32 Neither of his parents had ever spoken a word against the other. The mystery which kept this tender, loving woman and this just high-principled man apart, was never disclosed to their child. On this subject, they entrenched themselves behind a barrier of silence which the child's love and winning ways could not penetrate. Only when his mother's eyes were closed, and her lips sealed by death, was he privileged to witness how deeply his father had loved her. Much of what had been disclosed to the advocate's wife by Mother Denise

Starting point is 10:06:11 was absolutely unknown to him. Doubtless, he could have learned every particular of the circumstances which had led to the separation of his parents, had his wish lain in that direction, but a delicate instinct whispered to him not to lift the veil, and he would permit no person to approach the subject in his presence.

Starting point is 10:06:35 The bright appearance of his sitting-room cheered him when he entered it, after bidding the advocate good-night, but this pleasurable sense was not unalloyed. His heart and his conscience were disturbed, and as he took up a handful, of roses, which had been thrown loose into a bowl and inhaled their fragrance, a guilty thrill shot through his veins. With the roses in his hand he stood before the picture of Adelaide,

Starting point is 10:07:06 which he had hung above his desk. How bright and beautiful was the face, how lovely the smile with which she greeted him. It was almost as if she were speaking to him, telling him that she loved him, and asking him to assure her once more that her love was returned for a moment the fancy came upon him that adelaide and he were like two stars wandering through a dark and dangerous path and that before them lay death and worse than death dishonour and irretrievable ruin and that she the brighter star holding him tightly by the hand was whispering i will guide you safely only love me there was one means of escape death a coward's refuge which might not even afford him a release from dishonor for adelaide in her despair might let their secret escape her why then should he torture himself unnecessarily it was not in his power to avert the inevitable he had not deliberately chosen his course fate had driven him into it was it not best after all to do as he had said to the advocate that night to submit without a struggle men were not masters but slaves when the image of the advocate of his friend presented itself to him he thrust it sadly from him but it came again and again like the ghost of banco conscience refused to be tricked

Starting point is 10:08:52 crumbling the roses in his hand and strewing the floor with the leaves he turned and saw gazing wistfully at him the eyes of his mother the artist who had painted her picture had not chosen to depict her in her most joyous mood in his heart also as she sat before him love's fever was burning and he knew while his brush was fixing her beauty on the canvas that his love was returned though treachery had parted them he had striven not unsuccessfully to portray in her features the expression of one who loved loved and to whom love was denied. The look in her eyes was wistful rather than hopeless, and conveyed to those who knew her history the idea of one who hoped to find in another world the happiness she had lost in this.

Starting point is 10:09:53 Sad and tender reminiscences of the years he had lived with his mother in these very rooms stole into Christian Almers' mind, and he allowed his thoughts to death. dwell upon the question, why had she been unhappy? She was young, beautiful, amiable, rich. Her husband was a man honored and esteemed, with a character above reproach. What secret would be revealed if the heart of this mystery were laid bare to his sight? If it were in his power to ascertain the truth, might not the revelation cause him additional sorrow? better than to let the matter rest no good purpose could be served by raking up the ashes of a melancholy past his parents were dead

Starting point is 10:10:46 and here occurred a sudden revulsion his mother was dead and but a few short minutes since her spirit was supposed to have appeared in the grounds of the villa almost upon the thought he hurriedly left the room and made his way into the gardens my neighbor and master of this house said pierre lamont who was lying wide awake in the adjoining room does not seem inclined to rest something disturbs him pier lamont was alone fritz the fool had left him for the night and the old lawyer himself in no mood for was reading and listening to the movements around him. There was little to hear, only an occasional muffled sound, which the listener interpreted as best he could. But Christian Almer, when he left his room, had to pass Pierre Lamont's door in his progress to the grounds,

Starting point is 10:11:50 and it was the clearer sound of his footsteps, which led Pierre Lamont to his correct conclusion. He is going out of the house, continued Pierre Lamont. For what? To look for his mother's ghost, perhaps. Fool Fritz, in raising this particular ghost, did not foresee what it might lead to. Ghosts, and fools still live who believe in them. Well, well, but for the fool's delusions, there would be little work for busy minds to accomplish.

Starting point is 10:12:26 as a fantastic piece of imagery i might conjure up an army of men sweeping the world with brooms made of brains of knavery folly trickery and delusion what is that a footstep human no too light for any but the feet of a cat but here pierre lamont was at fault it was dionetta who passed to door in the passage, conveying to Christian Almers' room the note written by the advocate's wife. Before the arrival of her new mistress, Dianetta had always worn thick boots, and the sound of her footsteps was plain to hear. But Adelaide's nerves could not endure the creaking and clattering, and she had supplied her maid with shoes. Besides, Dianetta had naturally a light step. Christian Almur met with nothing in the ground to disturb him.

Starting point is 10:13:31 No airy shadow appeared to warn him of the danger which threatened him. Were it possible for the spirits to be dead to make themselves seen and heard, assuredly the spirit of his mother would have appeared and implored him to fly from the house without delay. Happy for him would it have been, were he one of the credulous fools, P.r LeMont held in despisal. Happy for him, could he have formed, out of the shadows which moved around him,

Starting point is 10:14:02 a spirit in which he would have believed, and could he have heard, in the sighing of the breeze, a voice which would have impressed him with a true sense of the peril in which he stood? But he heard and saw nothing for which he could not naturally account, and within a few minutes of midnight, he re-entered his room. My neighbor has returned, said Pierre Lamont,

Starting point is 10:14:30 after his nocturnal ramble in search of the spirit of his dead mother. Hark! That sound again! As of some living thing stepping cautiously on the boards! If I were not a cripple, I would satisfy myself whether this villa is tormented by restless cats as well as haunted by unholy spirit. When will science supply mankind with the means of seeing, as well as hearing, what is transpiring on the other side of stone and wooden walls? Ah, that door of his is creaking. It opens, shuts. I hear a murmur of voices, but cannot catch a word.

Starting point is 10:15:16 Almer's voice, of course, and the advocates. No! the other voice and the soft footsteps are in partnership not the advocates nor any man's men don't tread like cats it was a woman who passed my door and who has been admitted into that room being a woman what woman if fool fritz were here he would ferret it out between us before we were five minutes older still talk talking talking like the soft murmur of peaceful waves ah a laugh by all that's natural a woman's laugh it is a woman and i should know that silvery sound there is a special music in a laugh which cannot be mistaken it is distinctive characteristic ah my lady my lady fair face false false false false heart, but woman, woman all over. And Pierre Lamont rubbed his hands and also laughed,

Starting point is 10:16:30 but his laugh was like his speech, silent, voiceless. End of Section 20. Section 21 of the House of the White Shadows. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. 21. Book 4, chapters 9 and 10. Chapter 9. Christian Alma receives two visitors. Upon Christian Almer's desk lay the note written by Adelaide.

Starting point is 10:17:17 He saw it the moment he entered the room and knew, therefore, that some person had called during his absence. At first he thought it must have been the advocate, who, not finding him in his room, had left the note for him. But as he opened the envelope, a faint perfume floated from it. "'It is from Adelaide,' he murmured. "'How often and how vainly have I warned her?' He read the note. "'Dear Christian, I cannot sleep until I wish you good-night, with no horrid people around us. Let me see you for one minute only.' adelaide to comply with her request at such an hour would be simple folly infatuated as he was he would not deliberately commit himself to such an act surely she cannot have been here he thought but if another hand placed this note upon my desk another person must share the secret which it is imperative should never be revealed i must be firm with her

Starting point is 10:18:27 there must be an end to this imprudence fortunately there is no place in edward's nature for suspicion he blushed with shame at the unworthy thought five years ago could he have seen he who up to that time never had stooped to meanness and deceit the position in which he now stood he would have rejected the mere suspicion of its possibility with indignation but by what fatally easy step had he reached it in the midst of these reflections his heart almost stopped beating at the sound of a light footstep without he listened and heard a soft tapping on the door not with the knuckles but with the finger-tips he opened the door and adelaide stood smiling before him with her finger at her lips she stepped into the room and closed the door behind her it would not do for me to be seen she whispered do not be alarmed i shall not be here longer than one little minute i have only come to wish you good-night give me a chair or i shall sink to the ground i am really very very frightened quick bring me a chair do you not see how weak i am he drew a chair towards her and she sank languidly into it as you would not come to me she said i was compelled to come to you compelled he said they spoke in low tones fearful lest their voices should travel beyond the room yes compelled i was urged by a spirit his face grew white a spirit

Starting point is 10:20:22 how you echo me christian yes by a spirit to which you yourself shall give a name shall we call it a spirit of restlessness or jealousnesses or love? She gazed at him with an art smile. Adelaide, he said, your imprudence will ruin us. Nonsense, Christian, nonsense, she said lightly, ruined because I happened to utter one little word. To be sure, I ought, so as to prove myself an apt pupil, to put a longer word before it, and call it platonic love.

Starting point is 10:21:03 how unreasonable you are what harm is there in our having a moment's chat we are old friends are we not no i will not let you interrupt me i know what you are going to say you are going to say think of the hour i decline to think of the hour i think of nothing but you and instead of looking delighted as you should do as any other man would do there you stand as serious as an owl now answer me sir why did you not come to me the moment you received my note i had but just read it when you tapped at my door i forgive you where have you been with the advocate no i have been walking in the grounds you saw nothing christian she asked with a little shiver nothing to alarm or disturb me there was a light in the advocate's study was there not yes he will remain up late and then he will retire to his room my life is a very bright and beautiful life with him he is so tender in his ways so fond of pleasure pays me so much attention and such compliments it is so tender in his ways so fond of pleasure pays me so much attention and such compliments it is so light-hearted and joyous sings to me dances with me oh you don't know him you don't indeed i remember asking him to join in a cotillion you should have seen the look he gave me she laughed out loud and clapped her hand on her mouth to stifle the sound i wonder whether he was ever young like you and me what a wonderful child he must have been

Starting point is 10:23:00 with scientific toys and books always under his arm yes a wonderful child holding in disdain little girls who wished him to join in their innocent games what is your real opinion of him christian it pains me to hear you speak of him in that way it should please you but men are never satisfied i speak lightly do i not but there are moments when i shudder at my fate confess it is not a happy one it is not he replied after a pause but if i had not crossed your path life would be full of joy for you it was not this he intended to say but there was such compelling power in her lightest words that his very thoughts seemed to be under her dominion there would have been no joy in my life she said without you we will not discuss it what is is sometimes when i think of things they make my head ache then i say i will think of them no longer if everybody did the same would not this world be a great deal pleasanter than it is oh you must not forget what the advocate called me to-night in your presence a philosopher in petticoats don't you see that even he is on my side though it is against himself of course one can't help respecting him he is a very learned man he should have married a very learned woman what a pity it is that i am not wise but that is not my fault i hate learning i hate science i hate theories what is the good of them

Starting point is 10:25:01 they say this is not right that is not right and all we poor creatures can do is to look on in a state of bewilderment and wonder what they mean if people would only let the world alone they would find a very beautiful world. But they will not let it alone. They will meddle. A flower now, is it not sweet? Is it not enough that it is sent to give us pleasure? But these disagreeable people say, of what is this flower composed? Is it as good as other flowers? Has it qualities? And what qualities? What do I care? I put it in my hair. I put it in my hair. I put it in my hair, and I am happy, because it becomes me, because it is pretty, because nature sent it to me to enjoy. Why, I have actually made you smile. Because there is a great deal of natural wisdom in what you are saying. Natural wisdom! There now! Does it not prove I am right? Thank you, Christian.

Starting point is 10:26:13 It comes to you to say exactly the right thing, exactly at the right time. i shall begin to feel proud and continued almer if you were only to talk to me like that in the middle of the day instead of the middle of the night she interrupted him again you have undone it all with your ifs what does it matter if it is in the middle of the day or the middle of the night what is right is right is it not without thinking of the time don't get disagreeable But indeed, I will not allow you to be anything but nice to me. You have made me forget everything I was going to say. Except one thing, he said gravely, which you came to say, good night. The minute is not gone yet, she said with a silvery laugh. Many minutes, many minutes, he said helplessly,

Starting point is 10:27:16 and every minute is fraught with danger. i will protect you she said with supreme assurance do not fear i see quite plainly that if there is a dragon to kill i shall have to be the st george well i am ready danger is sweet when you are with me he was powerless against her he resigned himself to his fate who brought your letter to my room he asked dionetta have you confided in her she knows nothing and she is devoted to me if the simple maid thought of the letter at all as to what was in it i mean she thought of course that it was something i wanted you to do for me to-morrow and had forgotten to tell you but even here i was prudent although you did not give me credit for prudence i made her promise not to tell a soul not even her grandmother that queer good old mother denise that she had taken a letter from me to you she did more than promise she swore she would not tell i bribed her christian i gave her things and to-night i gave her a pair of earrings you should have witnessed her delight i would wager that she is at this moment no more asleep than i am she is looking at herself in the glass shaking her pretty little head to make the diamonds glisten diamonds adelaide a simple maid like dionetta with diamond earrings what will the folks say oh they all know i am fond of her

Starting point is 10:29:08 they started to their feet with a simultaneous movement footsteps whispered almer the advocates said adelaide and she glided to the door and turned the key as softly as if it were made of velvet he will see a light in the room said christian he has come to talk with me what shall we do she gazed at him with a bright smile his face was white with apprehension hers red with excitement and exultation i am st george she whispered but really there is no dragon to kill we have only to send him to sleep of course you must see him-he I will conceal myself in the inner room, and you will lock me in and put the key in your pocket, so that I shall be quite safe. Do not be uneasy about me. I can amuse myself with books and pictures, and I will turn over the leaves so quietly that even a butterfly would not be disturbed. And when the dragon is gone, I will run away immediately. I am almost sorry I came, it is distressed you, so? She kissed the tips of her fingers to him and entered the adjoining room. Then, turning the key

Starting point is 10:30:35 in the door, Christian Alma admitted the advocate. Chapter 10. A brief survey of the web. Pause we hear a moment and contemplate the threads of the web which chance, fate, or retribution was weaving around this man. With the exception of a few idle weeks in his youth, his life had been a life of honor and renown his ambition was a worthy one and success had not been attained without unwearying labor and devotion close study and application zeal earnestness unflagging industry these were the steps in the latter he had climbed had it not been for his keen intellect these qualities would not have been sufficient to conduct him to the goal he had in view. Good luck is not to be despised, but unless it is allied with brain power of a high order, only an ephemeral success can be achieved. Never to outward appearance was a great reputation more stable or better deserved. His wonderful talents and the victories he had gained in the face of formidable

Starting point is 10:31:55 odds, had destroyed all the petty jealousies with which he had to cope in the outset of his career, and he stood now upon a lofty pinnacle, acknowledged by all as a master in his craft. Wealth and distinction were his, and higher honors lay within his grasp, and in addition, he had won for his wife one of the most beautiful of women. It seemed as if the world had nothing to add his happiness. And yet, destruction stared him in the face. The fabric he had raised, on a foundation so secure that it appeared as if nothing could shake it, was tottering, and might fall, destroying him and all he had worked for in the ruins. He stood at the door of the only man in the world to whom he had given the full measure of his friendship. With all the strength of his nature,

Starting point is 10:32:53 he believed in Christian Almer. In the gravest crisis of his life, he would have called this friend to his side and would have placed in his hands, without hesitation, his life, his reputation, and his honor. To Almer, in their conversation, he had revealed what may be termed his inner life, that life, the workings of which were concealed from all other men.

Starting point is 10:33:22 and in this friend's chamber his wife was concealed and dishonor hung over him by the slenderest thread not only dishonor but unutterable grief for he loved this woman with the most complete undoubting love little time had he for dalliance but he believed in his wife implicitly his trust in her was a perfect trust within the room at the door of which he was waiting stood his one friend with white face and guilty conscience about to admit him and grasp his hand had the heart of this friend been laid bare to him he would have shrunk from it in horror and loathing and from that moment to the last moment of his life the sentiment of friendship would have been to him the bitterest mockery and delusion with which man could be cursed not five yards from where he stood lay pierre lamont listening and watching for proofs of the perfidy which would bring disgrace upon him which would cause men and women to speak of him in terms of derision for his blindness and scorn for his weakness which would make a byword of him of him the great advocate who had played his part in many celebrated cases in which woman's faithlessness and disloyalty were the prominent features and which would cause him to regard the sentiment of love as the falsest delusion with which mankind was ever afflicted. In the study he had left but a few minutes since, slept a man who, in a certain

Starting point is 10:35:12 sense, claimed comradeship with him, a man whom he had championed and set free, a self-confessed murderer, a wretch so vile that he had fled from him in horror at the act he had himself accomplished. And in the open air, upon a hill a hundred yards from the high, house of white shadows, lay John Van Brue, a friend of his youth, a man disgraced by his career, watching for the signal which would warrant him in coming forward and divulging what was in his mind. If what John Van Brue had disclosed in his mutterings during his lonely watch was true, he held in his hands the key to a mystery which, revealed, would overwhelm the advocate with shame and infamy.

Starting point is 10:36:07 Thus was he threatened on all sides by friend and foe alike. End of Section 21. Section 22 of the House of the White Shadows. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. Section 22. Book 4, chapters 11 and 12. Chapter 11. A Crisis

Starting point is 10:36:44 Have I disturbed you, Christian? asked the advocate, entering the room. I hesitated a moment or two, hearing no sound. But seeing your lamp was lighted, I thought you were up and might be expecting me. I had an idea you would come, said Alma, with a feeling of relief at the advocate's statement, that he had heard no sound, and then he said, so that he might be. might be certain of his ground. You have not been to my room before tonight? No, for the last two hours I have not left my study.

Starting point is 10:37:23 Half an hour's converse with you will do me good. I am terribly jaded. The reaction of the excitement of the long trial in which you have been engaged. Probably, though I have endured fatigue as great without feeling as jaded as I do now, You must take rest. Your doctors who prescribed repose for you would be angry if they were aware of this strain you have put upon your mind. They do know.

Starting point is 10:37:55 The physician I placed the greatest faith in writes to me that I must have been mad to have undertaken Gautran's defense. It might have been better if I had not entered into that trial. You have one consolation, defended by a lawyer less eminent than yourself, an unfortunate man might have been convicted of a crime he did not commit. Yes, said the advocate slowly. That is true. You compel admiration, Edward.

Starting point is 10:38:29 With frightful odds against you, with a public voice against you, you voluntarily engage in a contest from which nothing is to be gained, and come out triumphant. I do not envy the feelings of the lawyers on the other side. At least, Christian, as you have said, they have the public voice with them. And you, Edward, have justice on your side and the consciousness of right.

Starting point is 10:38:59 The higher height is yours. You must regard these narrower minds with a feeling of pity. I have no feeling whatever, of them. They do not trouble me, Christian. We will quit the subject of Gautran. You can well understand that I have had enough of him. Let me speak of yourself. I am an older man than you, and there is something of a fatherly interest in the friendship I entertain for you. Since my marriage, I have sometimes thought, if I had a son, I should have been pleased if his nature resembled

Starting point is 10:39:36 yours, and if I had a daughter, it would be in the hands of such a man as yourself I should wish to place her happiness. You esteem me too highly, said Alma in a tone of sadness. I esteem you as you deserve, friend. Within your nature are possibilities you do not recognize. It is needful to be bold in this world, Christian, not arrogant or overconfident, or vain glorious, but modestly bold. Unless a man assert himself, his powers will lie dormant, and not to use the gifts with which we are endowed is a distinct reproach upon us. I have heard able men say it is a crime to neglect our powers, for great gifts are bestowed upon

Starting point is 10:40:28 us for others good as well as for our own. Besides, it is healthy in every way to lead a busy life, to set our minds upon the accomplishment of certain tasks. If we fail, well, failure is very often more honorable than success. We have at least striven to mount the hill which rises above the pettiness and selfishness of our everyday life. We have at least proved ourselves worthy of the spiritual influences which prompt the execution of noble deeds. You did not reply to letter I sent you in the mountains. But Adelaide heard from you, and that is sufficient. Sufficient also that you are here with us, and that we know we have a true friend in the house. You were many weeks in the mountains.

Starting point is 10:41:24 Yes. Were you engaged on any work? Did you paint or write? I made a few sketches, which pleased me one day and displeased me the the next, so I tore them up and threw them away. There is enough indifferent work in the world. Nothing short of perfection will satisfy you," said the advocate with a serious smile, but some men must march in the ranks. I am not worthy even of that position, said Alma, moodily." The advocate regarded him with thoughtful eyes. If your mind is not deeply reflective, if your power of observation applies only to the surface of things, you are capable of imparting what some men call tenderness, and I call

Starting point is 10:42:18 soul, to every subject which presents itself to you. I have detected this in your letters and conversation. It is a valuable quality. I grant that you may be unfit to cope with practical matters, but in your study you would be able to produce works which would charm if they did not instruct. There is in you a heart instinct, which, as it forms part of your nature, would display itself in everything you wrote. Useless, Edward, useless. My father was an author. It brought him no happiness. How do you know? It may have afforded him consolation. And that is happiness?

Starting point is 10:43:06 But I was not speaking of happiness. The true artist does not look to results. He has only one aim and one desire to produce a perfect work. His task being done, not that he produces a perfect work, but the ennoblement lies in the aspiration and the earnest application. That being done, he has accomplished something worthy, whatever its degree of excellence. The day upon which a man first devotes himself to such labor,

Starting point is 10:43:39 he awakes within his being a new and delightful life, the life of creative thought. Fresh wonders continually reveal themselves, quaint suggestions, exquisite fancies, and he makes use of them according to the strength of his intellect. He enriches the world. and if he is a poor man starves maybe but he wears the crown you however are rich nothing to be grateful for i had no incentive to effort therefore i stand to-day an idle aimless man you have spoken of books when i looked at crowded bookshelves i should blush at the thought of adding to them any rubbish of my own

Starting point is 10:44:31 my own creation. I find no fault with you for that. Blush, if you like, but work, produce. And let the world call me vain and presumptuous. Give it the chance of judging. It may be the other way. Perhaps the greatest difficulty we have to encounter in life is in the discovery of that kind of work for which we are best fitted.

Starting point is 10:44:59 fortunate the man who gravitates to it naturally and who having the capacity to become a fine shoemaker is not clapped upon a watchmaker's bench instead of a cobbler's stool being fitted he is certain to acquire some kind of distinction believe me christian it is not out of idleness or for the mere purpose of making conversation that i open up this subject It would afford me great pleasure if you were in a more settled frame of mind. You cannot disguise from me that you are uneasy, perhaps unhappy. I see at this very moment in your wandering glances, and in the difficulty you experience in fixing your attention upon what I am saying. You are not satisfied with yourself. You have probably arrived at that stage when a man questions himself as to what is before him, when he reviews the past,

Starting point is 10:46:04 and discovers that he has allowed the years to slip by without having made an effort to use them to a worthy end. You ask yourself, Is it for this I am here? Are there not certain duties which I ought to perform? If I allow the future to slip away as the past has done without having accomplished a man's work in the world, I shall find myself one day an old man, of whom it may be said,

Starting point is 10:46:33 He lived only for himself. He had no thought, no desire beyond himself. The struggles of humanity, the advance of civilization, the progress and development of thought which have affected such marvelous changes in the aspects of society, the exposing of error. These things touched him not. he bore no part in them but stood idly by a careless observer whose only ambition it was to utilize the hours to his own selfish pleasures a heavy charge christian what you want is occupation politics your inclinations do not lead that way trade is abhorrent to you you are not sufficiently frivolous to develop into a butterfly leader of fashion law is distasteful to you. Science demands qualities which you do not possess.

Starting point is 10:47:36 For a literary life, you are specially adapted. I say to you, turn your attention to it for a while. If it disappoints you, it is easy to relinquish it. It will be but an attempt made in the right direction. But understand, Christian, without earnestness, without devotion, without application, it will be useless to make the attempt. And that is precisely the reason why I hesitate to make it. I am wanting in firmness of purpose.

Starting point is 10:48:11 I doubt myself. I should have begun earlier. But you will think over what I have said? Yes, I will think of it, and I cordially thank you. And now, tell me how you enjoyed yourself in the mountains. Passably well, it was a negative sort of life. There was no pleasure in it and no pain. One day was so exactly like another that I should scarcely have been surprised

Starting point is 10:48:42 if I had awoke one morning and discovered that in the dull uniformity of the hours my hair had grown white and I into an old man. The principal subject of interest was the weather, and that palled, so soon that sunshine or storm became a matter of indifference to me look at me a moment christian they sat gazing at each other in silence for a little while there was an unusual tenderness in the advocate's eyes which pierced christian almer to the heart during the whole of this interview the thought never left his mind

Starting point is 10:49:23 if he knew the part i am playing towards him if he suspected that simply by listening at this inner door he could hear his wife's soft breathing in what way would he call me to account for my treachery he dreaded every moment that something would occur to betray him adelaide was careless reckless if she made a movement to attract attention if she overturned a chair if she let a book fall what was he to say in answer to the advocate's questioning look but all was quiet within he was tortured only by the whisperings of his conscience you are suffering christian said the advocate almer knew intuitively that on this point as on many others it would be useless to attempt to deceive the advocate to return an evasive answer might arouse suspicion he said simply yes i am suffering it is not bodily suffering though your pulse is feverish he had taken almer's wrist and his fingers were on the pulse your disease is mental he paused but almer did not speak it is no breach of confidence continued continued the advocate, to tell you that on the first day of my entering Geneva, Jacob Hartrich and I had a conversation about you. There was nothing said that need be kept private.

Starting point is 10:51:04 We conversed as two men might converse concerning an absent friend in whom both took an affectionate interest. He had noticed a change in you, which I have noticed since I entered this room. When you visited him, he was impressed by an unusual strangeness in your manner. That strangeness of manner, without your being aware of it, is upon you now. He said that you were restless and ill at ease. You were at this moment restless and ill at ease. The muscles of your face, your eyes, your hands, are not under your control. They respond to the mental disease which causes you to suffer. You will forgive me for saying that you convey to me the impression that you would be more at ease at the present time if i were not with you i entreat you said almer eagerly not to think so

Starting point is 10:52:05 i accept your assurance which nevertheless does not convince me that i am wrong in my impression the friendship which exists between us is too close and binding i may even go so far as to say too sacred for me a colder and more experienced man than yourself to allow it to be affected by any matter outside its boundary deprive it of sympathy and friendship is an unmeaning word i sympathize with you deeply sincerely without knowing how to relieve you i ask you frankly however one question which you may freely answer have you fixed your affections upon a woman who does not reciprocate your love the advocate was seated by the desk upon which almer had after reading it carelessly thrown the note written to him by adelaide and as he put the question to his friend he involuntarily laid his hand upon this damning evidence of his wife's disloyalty chapter twelve self-justification the slight action and the significant question presented a coincidence so startling that christian almer was fascinated by it that there was premeditation or design in the coincidence or that the advocate had cunningly led the conversation to this point for the purpose of confounding him and bringing him face to face with his treachery did not suggest itself to his mind he was indeed incapable of reasoning coherently all that he was momentarily conscious of was that discovery was imminent that the sword hung over him suspended by a hair would it fall and in its fall compel into a definite course the conflicting passions by which he was tortured it would perhaps be better so

Starting point is 10:54:18 already did he experience a feeling of relief at this suggestion and it appeared to him as if he were bending his head for the welcome blow but all was still and quiet and through the dim mist before his eyes he saw the advocate gazing kindly upon him then there stole upon him a wild prompting a mad impulse to expedite discovery by his own voluntary act. To say to the advocate, I have betrayed you. Read that note beneath your hand. Take this key and open yonder door. Find there your wife. What do you propose to do? The words did actually shape themselves in his mind, and he half believed that he had uttered them. They did not, however, escape his lips. He was instinctively received. by the consideration that in his punishment Adelaide would be involved.

Starting point is 10:55:25 What right had he deliberately to ruin and expose her? A cowardly act thus to sacrifice a woman who in this crisis relied upon him for protection? In a humiliating, shameful sense, it is true, but nonetheless was she under his direct protection at this moment. Self-tortured as he was, he could still show that he had some spark of manliness left in him. To recklessly dispose of the fate of the woman

Starting point is 10:55:58 whose only crime was that she loved him, this he dared not do. His mood changed. Arrived at this conclusion, his fear now was that he had betrayed himself, that in some indefinite way he had given the advocate the key to his thoughts, or that he had, by look or expression, conveyed to his friend a sense of the terrible importance of the perfume note which lay upon the

Starting point is 10:56:30 desk. You do not answer me, Christian, said the advocate. But Alma could not speak. His eyes were fixed upon Adelaide's note, and he found it impossible to divert his attention from the idle movements of the advocate's fingers. His unreasoning impulse to hasten discovery was gone, and he was afflicted now by a feeling of apprehension. It was his imperative duty to protect Adelaide.

Starting point is 10:57:02 While the advocate's hand rested upon the envelope which contained her secret, she was not safe. At all risks, even at the hazard of his life, must she be held blameless. Had the advocate lifted the envelope from the desk, Almer would have torn it from him. Why do you not speak? asked the advocate. Surely there is nothing offensive in such a question

Starting point is 10:57:30 between friends like ourselves. I can offer you no explanation of what I am about to say, replied Almer. It may sound childish, trivial, pitiful. but my thoughts are not under my own control while your hand is upon that letter with the slightest expression of surprise the advocate handed almer the envelope scarcely looking at it as it passed from his possession why did you not speak of it before he asked but when a mind is unbalanced trifling matters are magnified into importance i can only ask you to forgive me said almer placing the envelope in his pocket-book i have no doubt in the course of your career you have met with many small incidents quite as inexplicable then an excuse which would surely be accepted occurred to him it may be sufficient for me to say that this is the first night of my return to the house in which i was born and passed a not-too happy boyhood and that in this room my mother died

Starting point is 10:58:46 the advocate pressed almer's hand there is no need for another word you have been looking over some old family papers and they have aroused melancholy reminiscences i should have been more thoughtful i was wrong in coming to you it will be best to say good-night but almer anxious to avoid the slightest cause for suspicion in the right direction said nay stay with me a few minutes longer or i shall reproach myself for having behaved unreasonably you were asking a delicate question whether you love without being loved in return no edward that is not the case with me you have no intention of marrying no then your heart is still free you reassure me You are not suffering from what has been described as the most exquisite of all human sufferings, unrequited love. Neither have you experienced a disappointment in friendship? No, I have scarcely a friend with the exception of yourself.

Starting point is 11:00:04 And my wife! You must not forget her. She takes a cordial interest in you. Yes, and your wife. it was jacob hartridge who suggested that you might have met with a disappointment in love or friendship i disputed it in the belief that had it been unhappily so you would have confided in me i am glad that i was right shall i continue yes the banker who entertains the most kindly sentiments towards you based all his conjectures upon a certain remark which made a strong impression upon him you told him you were weary of the gaiety and the light and bustle of cities and that it was your intention to seek some solitude where by a happy chance you might rid yourself of a terror which possessed you i can understand your weariness of the false glare of fashionable city life it can never for any long period satisfy the intellect

Starting point is 11:01:15 but neither can it instill a terror into a man's soul that would spring from another and a deeper cause the words were hastily spoken look upon them as an exaggeration i certainly regard them in that light but they were not an invention and there must have been a serious motive for them it is not in vain that i have studied your character although i feel that i did not master the study i am subjecting you christian to a kind of mental analysis in an endeavor to arrive at a conclusion which will enable me to be of assistance to you and i do not disguise from you that were it in my power i would assist you even against your will our friendship and my age and more varied experience would justify me i do not seek to force your confidence but i ask you in the spirit of true friendship to consider not at present but in a few days when your mind is in a calmer state whether such counsel and guidance as it may be in my power to offer will not be a real help to you do not lightly reject my assistance in probing a painful wound i will use my knife gently there was a time when i believed there was nothing that could happen to either of us which we should be unwilling to confide each to the other freely and without restraint i find i am not too old to learn the lesson that the strongest beliefs the firmest convictions may be seriously weakened by the occurrence of circumstances for which the wisest foresight could not have provided

Starting point is 11:03:09 keep then your secret if you are so resolved and bear in mind that on the day you come to me and say edward help me guide me you will find me ready i shall not fail you christian in any crisis almer rose and slowly paced the room while the advocate sat back in his chair and watched his friend with affectionate solicitude does this lesson presently said almer which you are not too old to learn spring entirely from the newer impressions you are receiving of my character or has something in your mind which you have not disclosed helped to lead you to it it was a chance shot but it strangely hit the mark the question brought forcibly to the advocate's mind the position in which he himself was placed by gottran's confession and by his subsequent resolve to conceal the knowledge of gottran's crime what a web is the world he thought how the lines which here are widely apart but a short space beyond cross and are linked and closest companionship both christian and himself had something to conceal and it would be acting in bad faith to his friend were he to return an evasive answer it is not entirely from the newer impressions you speak of that i learn the lesson it springs partly from a matter which disturbs my mind referring to me no to myself you are not concerned in it in his turn almer now became the questioner a new experience of your own edward yes

Starting point is 11:05:12 which must have occurred to you since we were last together it originated during your absence which came upon you unaware for which your foresight could not have provided at all events it did not you speak seriously edward and your face is clouded it is a very serious matter can i help you is it likely that my advice would be of assistance? I can speak of it to no one. You also have a secret, then? Yes, I also have a secret. Christian Alma appeared to gather strength, a warranty, as it were, for his own wrongdoing,

Starting point is 11:06:06 from the singular direction the conversation had taken. It was as though part of a burden was lifted from him. He was not the only one who was suffering. He was not the only one who was standing on a dangerous brink. He was not the only one who had drifted into dangerous waters. Even this strong-brained man, this advocate who had seemingly held aloof from pleasure, whose days and nights had been given up to study,

Starting point is 11:06:37 whose powerful intellect could pierce dark mysteries and bring them into clear light, who was the last man in the world who could be suspected of yielding to a prompting of which his judgment and conscience could not approve, even he had a secret, which he was guarding with jealous care.

Starting point is 11:06:58 Was it likely, then, that he, the younger and the more impressionable of the two, could escape snares into which the advocate had fallen? The fatalist's creed, to him. All these matters of life were preordained. What folly, what worse than folly, what presumption for one weak man to attempt to stem the irresistible current? It was delivering himself up to destruction. Better to yield and float upon the smooth tide and accept what good or ill fate has in store for him. What use to infuse the infuse?

Starting point is 11:07:41 into the sunlight and the balmy air, and into all the sweets of life, the poison of self-torture. The confession he had extracted from the advocate was, in a certain sense, a justification of himself. He would pursue the subject still further. As he had been questioned, so he would question. It was but just. To judge from your manner, Edward, your own. secret is no light one. It is of most serious import. I almost fear to ask a question which occurs to me. Ask freely. I have been candid with you, in my desire to ascertain how I could help you in your trouble. Be equally candid with me. But it may be misconstrued. I am ashamed that it should have suggested itself, for which, of course, the worse part of me is responsible.

Starting point is 11:08:46 No, it shall remain unspoken. I should prefer that you asked it. Nay, I desire you to do so. There is no fear of misconstruction. Do you think I wish to stand in your eyes as a perfect man? That would be arrogant indeed. Or that I do not know that you and I and I and all men are possessed of contradictions which, viewed in certain aspects, may degrade the most

Starting point is 11:09:16 noble, the purest of us, men and women alike, have undignified thoughts, unworthy imaginings, to which we would be loath to give utterance. But sometimes, as in this instance, it becomes a duty. I have had occasion quite lately to question myself closely, and I have for fallen in my own estimation. There is more baseness in me than I imagined. Hesitate no longer. Ask your question, and as many more as may arise from it. These things are frequently hydra-headed.

Starting point is 11:09:57 I shall know how far to answer without disclosing what I desire shall remain buried. Almer put his question boldly, is the fate of a woman involved in your secret an almost imperceptible start revealed to almer's eyes that another chance arrow had hit the mark truly a woman's fate formed the colonel of the advocate's secret a virtuous innocent woman who had been most foully murdered he answered in set words without any attempt at evasion yes a woman's fate is involved in it your wife's had his life depended upon it almer could not have kept back the words no not my wife's in that case said almer slowly a man's honor is concerned your guess are right a man's honor is concerned yours mine for a few moments neither of them spoke and then the advocate said to men suspicious of each other as most men naturally are and generally with reason such a turn in our conversation and indeed the entire conversation in which we have indulged might be twisted to fatal disadvantage

Starting point is 11:11:32 in the way of conjecture i mean as to what is the essence of the secret which i do not reveal to my dearest friend and the essence of that which my dearest friend does not reveal to me it is fortunate christian that you and i stand higher than most we have rarely hesitated to speak heart to heart and soul to soul and if by some strange course of events there has arisen in each of our inner lives a mystery which we have decided not to reveal it will not weaken the feeling of affection we entertain for each other is that so christian yes it is so edward men of action of deep thought of strong passion of sensitive natures are less their own masters than peasants who take no part in the turmoil of the world an uneventful life presents fewer temptations and there is therefore more freedom in it we live in an atmosphere of wine and often miss our way well we must be indulgent to each other and be sometimes ready to be sometimes raised to say, the position of difficulty into which you have been thrust, the error you have committed, the sin, yes, even the sin, of which you have been guilty, may have fallen to my lot had I been placed in similar circumstances. It is not I who will be the first to condemn you.

Starting point is 11:13:08 Even, said Alma, if that error or that sin may be a grievous wrong inflicted against yourself, even then you would be ready to excuse and forgive yes even in that case i should be taking a narrow view of an argument if i applied to all the world what i hesitated to apply to myself so that the committal of a great wrong may be justified by circumstances yes i will go so far as that the fault of the child or the fault of the man is but a question of degree some err deliberately some are hurried into error by passions which master them by natural passions all such passions are natural although it is the fashion to condemn them when they clash with the conditions of social life the workings of the moral and sympathetic affections are beyond our own control of those who have erred with deliberate intention and those who have been hurried blindly into error which should you be most ready to forgive the latter replied the advocate conscious that in his answer he was condemning himself they are comparatively innocent having less power over and being less able to retrace their steps you pause said almer a sudden thrill agitating his veins why i thought i heard a sound like a suppressed laugh did you not hear it no i heard nothing

Starting point is 11:15:01 almer's teeth met in scorn of himself as he uttered this falsehood the sound of the laugh was low but distinct and it proceeded from the room in which adelaide was concealed the advocate stepped to the door by which he had entered and looked up and down the passage to which two lamps gave light it was quiet and deserted my fancy he said standing within the half-open door my physicians know more of the state of my nerves than i do myself it is interesting however to observe one's own mental delusions but i was wrong in mixing myself up with that trial still that trial always that trial it seemed to him as if he could never forget it-it seemed to him as if he could never forget it as if it would forever abide with him it colored his thoughts it gave form to his arguments would it end by changing his very nature you are overwrought edward said almer if you were to seek what i have sought solitude it might be more beneficial to you than it has been to me there is no solitude enough for me in this retired village said the advocate and had i not undertaken the defence of gautran my health by this time might have been completely established we are here sufficiently removed from the fierce passions of the world they cannot touch us in this primitive birthplace of yours do you recognize how truly i spoke when i said that men like ourselves are the slaves and peasants the free men

Starting point is 11:16:56 besides christian there is a medicine and friendship such as yours which i defy the doctors to rival even though there has been a veil over our confidences to-night i feel that this last hour has been of benefit to me you know that i am much given to thinking to myself as a rule at those times one walks in a narrow groove if he argues the contradiction he receives is of that mild character that it can be easily proved wrong no wonder when the thinker creates it for the purpose of proving himself right it is seldom healthy this solitary communionhip it leads rarely to just conclusions but in conversation new by-roads reveal themselves in which we wander pleasantly new vistas appear new suggestions arise to give variety to the argument and to show that it has more than one selfish side he who leads entirely a life of thought lives a dead life good-night christian i have kept you from your rest good night christian i have kept you from your rest good night sleep sleep End of Section 22. Section 23 of the House of the White Shadows. This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 11:18:42 The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargin. Section 23. Book 4, chapters 13 and 14. Chapter 13. Shadows. Almer stood at the door, gazing at the retreating figure of the advocate. It passed through the clear light of the lamps, became blurred, was merged in the darkness. The corridor was long, and before the advocate reached the end, he was a shadow among shadows. In Almer's excited mood, the slightest impressions became the medium for distorted reflection.

Starting point is 11:19:28 The dim form of the advocate was pregnant with meaning, and when it was finally lost to sight, Alma's eyes followed an invisible figure moving, not through space, but through events in which he and his friend and Adelaide were the principal actors. A wild world of images crowded to his mind, presenting in the midst of their confusion, defined and distinct pictures, the leading features of which were the consequences arising from the double betrayal of love and friendship.

Starting point is 11:20:06 Violent struggles, deadly embraces, in houses, in forests, on the brinks of precipices, in the torrents of furious rivers. The proportions of these images were vast, titanic. The forests were, in terms of,

Starting point is 11:20:24 The trees rose to an immense height. The rivers resembled raging seas. The presentments of animated life were of unnatural magnitude. Even when he and Adelaide were flying through a trackless wood and were overtaken by the advocate, this impression of gigantic growth prevailed, as though there were room in the world for not but themselves and the passions by which they were swore.

Starting point is 11:20:54 He was recalled to himself by a soft tapping at the door of the inner room. He instantly unlocked it and released Adelaide, who raised her eyes, beaming with animation to his. He was overcome with astonishment. He thought to see her pale, frightened, trembling. Never had he beheld her more radiant. He is gone, she said. in a gay tone. Hush, whispered Alma,

Starting point is 11:21:29 he may return. He will not, she said, you will see him no more tonight. Thank heaven the danger is averted. I feel as if I had been guilty of some horrible crime. Whereas you have simply indulged poor innocent me in a harmless fancy.

Starting point is 11:21:51 Christian, I heard every word. i thought you would have fallen asleep how could you have been so imprudent so reckless as to laugh how can i help being a woman of impulse were you very much frightened i was not i rather enjoyed it christian there is not a single thing my immaculate husband does which does not convince me he has no heart just think what might have happened if he had come to the right door and thrown it open and seen me there you look so horrified that i feel i have said something wrong again christian what did you mean by saying to him my thoughts are not under my control while you have your hand on that letter. What letter was it? Your note, which Deonetta left in the room. He was sitting by the desk upon which I had laid it, and his hand was upon it. And it made you nervous? To think that he had but to open that innocent bit of paper. What a scene there would have been. I should have gloried in the situation, yes indeed. There is no pleasure in life like the excitement of danger.

Starting point is 11:23:14 Those who say women are weak know nothing of us. We are braver than men, a thousand, thousand times braver. I tried to peep through the door, but there wasn't a single friendly crevice. What a shock it would have given him if I had suddenly called out as he held the letter, open it, my love, open it, and read it. That is what you call being prudent, asked Alma in despair. Tyrant, I cannot promise you not to think. I have a good mind to be angry with you. You are positively ungrateful.

Starting point is 11:23:56 You shut me up in a room all by myself, where I quietly remain, the very soul of discretion. You did not so much as hear me breathe, only forgetting myself once, when my feelings overcame me, and you don't give me one word of praise. Tell me instantly, sir, that I am a brave little woman. You are the personification of rashness. How ungrateful! Did you think of me, Christian while I was locked up there? My thoughts did not wander from you for a moment. If you had only given me a handful of these rose leaves so that I might have buried my face in them, and imagined I was not tied to a man who loves another woman than his wife, you seem amazed. Do you forget already what has passed between you? If it had happened that I loved him,

Starting point is 11:24:59 after his confession to-night, I should hate him. But it is indifferent to me upon whom he has set his affections. With all my heart, I pity the unfortunate creature he loves. She need not fear me. I shall not harm her. You got at the heart of his secret when you asked him if a woman was involved in it, and you compelled him to confess that his honor, and of course hers, mind does not matter, was at stake in his miserable love affair.

Starting point is 11:25:34 He loves a woman who is not his wife. With all his evasions he could not help admitting it. And this is the man who holds his head so high above all other men, the man who is never known to commit an indiscretion. Of course he must keep his secret close. Of course he could not speak of it to his friend, whom he tries to hoodwink with professional and twisted words he married me i suppose to satisfy his vanity he wanted the world to see that old as he was grave as he was no woman could resist him and i allowed myself to be persuaded by worldly friends

Starting point is 11:26:22 is it not a proof of my never having loved him that instead of hating him when in my hearing he confesses he loves another i simply laugh at him and despise him i should not shed a tear over him if he died to-night he has insulted me and what woman ever forgets or forgives an insult but he has done me a good service too and i thank him how sleepy i am good night my minute is up and i cannot stay longer i must think of my complexion good night christian that is all i came to say chapter fourteen the advocate fears he has created a monster the advocate did not immediately return to his study darkness was more congenial to his mood and he spent a few minutes in the gardens of the villa although he had stated to christian almer that the conversation which had passed between them had been of benefit to him he felt now that he was alone that there was much in it to give rise to disturbing thought and conjecture he had not foreseen the difficulty in social intercourse of avoiding the subject uppermost in his mind a morbid self-consciousness at present in its germ and from which he had hitherto been entirely free seemed to unlock all roads in its direction it was as it were the converging point of all matters even the most trivial affecting himself having put the seal upon his resolution with respect to gautran's confession

Starting point is 11:28:18 he became painfully aware that he had committed himself to a line of action from which he could not now recede without laying himself open to such suspicion from friend and foe alike as might fatally injure his reputation he was a lawyer and he knew what powerful use he could make of such a weapon against any man high or low if it could be turned against another it could be turned against himself he must not therefore waver in his resolution only his conscience could call him to account well he would reckon with that it was a passive not an active accuser gatran would seek some new locality in which he would be lost to sight as a matter of common prudence it was more than likely he would change his name the suspicion which attached itself to him and the horror with which he was regarded in the neighborhood in which he had lived would compel him to fly to other pastures in this and in the silence of time lay the advocate's safety for every day that passed would weaken the fever of excitement created by the trial after a few weeks if it even happened that gautran were insanely to make a public declaration of his guilt and to add to this confession a statement that the advocate was aware of it during the trial by whom would he be believed certainly not by the majority of the better classes of the people and in the event of such a contingency he could quote with effect the poet's words be thou chaste as ice and pure as snow thou shalt not escape calumny

Starting point is 11:30:19 so much then for himself but he was more than ever anxious and ill at ease regarding christian almer the secret which his friend dared not divulge to him was evidently of the gravest import probably as terrible in its way as that which lay heavily on the advocate's soul and the profound mystery in which it was rapt invested it with a significance so unusual even in the advocate's varied experience of human nature that he could not keep from brooding upon it was it a secret in which honor was involved he could not bring himself to believe that almer could be guilty of a dishonorable act but a man might be dragged into a difficulty against his will and might have a burden of shame unexpectedly thrust upon him which he could not openly fling off without disgrace and yet and yet that he should be so careful in concealing it from the knowledge of the truest of friends it was inexplicable ponder as long as he might the advocate could arrive at no explanation of it nor could his logical mind obtain the slightest clue to the mystery the cool air in the garden refreshed him and he walked about always within view of the lights in his study windows with his head uncovered. It was during the first five minutes of his solitude that an impression stole

Starting point is 11:32:01 upon him that he was not alone. He searched the avenues. He listened. He asked aloud, Is any person near, and does he wish to speak to me? No voice answered him. The gardens, with the exception of the soft rustling of leaf and branch, were as silent as the grave. Towards the end of his solitary rambling, and as he was contemplating leaving the grounds, this impression again stole upon him. Was it the actual sound of muffled footsteps, or the spiritual influence of an unseen presence which disturbed him? He could not decide. Again he searched the avenues. Again he listened. Again he asked. Again he asked. Again he asked a question aloud all was silent this was the third time during the night that he had allowed himself to be beguiled

Starting point is 11:33:04 once in christian almer's room when he thought he had heard a laugh and now twice in the solitude of the grounds he set it down as an unreasoning fancy springing from the agitation into which he had been thrown by his interview with Gautran, and he breathed a wish that the next fortnight were passed, when his mind would almost certainly have recovered its equilibrium. The moment the wish was born, he smiled in contempt of his own weakness. It opened another vein in the psychological examination to which he was subjecting himself. He entered his study and did not perceive Gautran, who was asleep. in the darkest corner of the room. But his quick, observant eye immediately fell upon the glass,

Starting point is 11:34:01 out of which Gautran had drunk the wine. The glass was on his writing table. It was not there when he left his study. He glanced at the wine bottles on the sideboard. They had been disturbed. Some person has been here in my absence, he thought. Who, and for me. what purpose? He hastily examined his manuscripts, and, missing none, raised the wine-glass and

Starting point is 11:34:32 held it mouthed downwards. As a couple of drops of red liquor fell to the ground, he heard behind him the sound of heavy breathing. An ordinary man would have let the glass fall from his hand in sudden alarm, for the breathing was so deep and strong and horse, that it might have proceeded from the throat of a wild beast who was preparing to spring upon him. But the advocate was not easily alarmed. He carefully replaced the glass and wheeled in the direction of the breathing. He saw the outlines of a form stretched upon the ground in a distant corner. He stepped towards it, and, stooping, recognized Gautran. he was not startled it seemed to be in keeping with what had previously transpired that gautran should be lying there slumbering at his feet he stood quite still regarding the sleeping figure of the murderer in silence

Starting point is 11:35:42 he had risen to his full height one hand rested upon the back of a massive oak chair his face was grave and pale his face was grave and pale his head was downwards bent so he stood for many minutes almost motionless not the slightest agitation was observable in him he was calmly engaged in reflecting upon the position of affairs as though they related not to himself but to a client in whose case he was interested and he was evolving from them by perfectly natural reasoning the most extraordinary complications and results in all his experience he had never been engaged in a case presenting so many rare possibilities and he was in a certain sense fascinated by the powerful use he could make of the threads of the web in which he had become so strangely and unexpectedly entangled gotran's features were not clearly visible to him they were too much in shadow he took from his writing-table a lamp with a soft strong light and set it near to the sleeping man it brought the ruffian into full view his unshaven face his coarse matted hair his brutal sensual mouth his bushy eyebrows his large ear his large ear his bared neck, his soiled and torn clothes, the perspiration in which he was bathed,

Starting point is 11:37:25 presented a spectacle of human degradation as revolting as any the advocate had ever gazed upon. By what means, he thought, did this villain obtain information of my movements and residence? And what is his motive in coming here? when he accosted me to-night he did not know where i lived of that i am convinced for he had no wish to meet me and believed he was threatening another man than myself on the high road that was a chance meeting in this also a chance encounter no there is premeditation in it had he entered another house he would have laid his hands on something valuable and decamped, his purpose being served. He would not dare to rob me, but he dares to thrust his company upon me. Of all men, I am the man he should be most anxious to avoid, for only I know him to be guilty. Have I created a monster who is destined to be the

Starting point is 11:38:38 terror and torture of my life? Is he shrewd enough? clever enough, cunning enough to use his power as I should use it, were I in his place and he and mine? That is not to be born, but what is the alternative? I could put life into the grotesque oaken features upon which my hand is resting, and they might suggest a remedy. The branches of the tree within which these faces grew in some old forest, waved doubtless over many a mystery, but this in which I am at present engaged

Starting point is 11:39:19 matches the deepest of them. Some demon seems to be whispering at my elbow. Speak then. What would you urge me to do? The unseen. Gontran entered unobserved. The advocate. That is apparent, or he would not be lying here, with the hand of fate above him.

Starting point is 11:39:45 The unseen. No person saw him. No person is aware that he is in your study, at your mercy. The advocate. At my mercy, you could have found a better word to express your meaning. The unseen. You know him to be a murderer. The advocate.

Starting point is 11:40:11 True The unseen He deserves death You have already heard the whisperings of the voice Which urged you to fulfill the divine law Blood for Blood The advocate Speak not of what is divine

Starting point is 11:40:32 Temptor Have you not the courage to come straight to the point The unseen Kill him where he lies. He will not be missed. It is night, black night. Every living being in the house, with the exception of yourself, is asleep. You have twisted justice from its rightful course.

Starting point is 11:40:58 The wrong you did you can repair. Kill him where he lies. The advocate. And have the crime of murder upon my son. soul? The unseen. It is not murder. Standing as you are standing now, knowing what you know, you are justified. The advocate. I will have no juggling. If I kill him, it is not in the cause of justice. Speak plainly. Why should he die at my hands? The unseen. His death is necessary for your safety."

Starting point is 11:41:43 The Advocate. Ah, that is better. No talk of justice now. We come to the core selfishness of things, which will justify the deadliest crimes. His death is necessary for my safety. How am I endangered? Say that his presence here is a threat. Am I not strong enough to avoid?

Starting point is 11:42:09 the peril? How vile am I that I should allow such thoughts to suggest themselves? Christian, my friend, whatever is the terror which has taken possession of you, and from which you vainly strive to fly, your secret is pure in comparison with mine. If it were possible that the secret which oppresses you concerned your dearest friend concerned me, whom perchance it has in some hidden way wronged, how could I withhold from you pity and forgiveness, knowing how sorely my own actions need pity and forgiveness? For the first time in my life I am brought face to face with my soul, and I see how base it is. Has my life then been surrounded by dreams?

Starting point is 11:43:03 and do i now awake to find how low and abominable are the inner workings of my nature i must arouse this monster he shall hide nothing from me he spurned gottran with his foot it was with no gentle touch and gotran sprang to his feet and would have thrown himself upon the advocate had he not suddenly recognized him End of Section 23. Section 24 of the House of the White Shadows. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. Section 24. Book 4, chapters 15 and 16.

Starting point is 11:44:02 Chapter 15. Gautran and the Advocate. How long have I been asleep? muttered Gautran, shaking himself and rubbing his eyes. It seems but a minute. The clock on the mantel struck the hour of two. I counted twelve when I was in the grounds. I have been here two hours.

Starting point is 11:44:28 You might have let me sleep longer. It is the first time I have enjoyed for weeks, asleep without a dream, as I used to sleep before. He shuddered and did not complete. the sentence. Give me something to drink, Master. You have been helping yourself to my wine, said the advocate.

Starting point is 11:44:51 You know everything, Master. Yes, it was wine I drank, as mild as milk. It went down like water. Good for gentlemen, perhaps, but not for us. I must have something stronger. He looked anxiously around the room. and sighed and smiled. No appalling vision greeted his sight.

Starting point is 11:45:18 Ah, he said, I am safe here. Give me some brandy. You will have none, Gautran, said the advocate sternly. Ah, master, implored Gautran. Think better of it. I must have brandy. I must. Must, echoed the advocate with a frown. yes master must i shall not be able to talk elves my throat is parched you can hear for yourself that it is as dry as a ravens i must have drink and it mustn't be milk wine i am not quite a fool master if that horrible shadow were never to appear to me again i would show those who have been hard on me a trick or two that would astonish them if you've a spark of compassion in you master give a poor wretch a glass of brandy the advocate considered a moment and then unlocked a small cupboard from which he took a bottle of brandy

Starting point is 11:46:27 he filled a glass and gave it to gautran here's confusion to our enemies said gautran ah this is fine i have never tasted such before it puts life into a man what makes you drink to our enemies gautran asked the advocate why master are not my enemies yours and yours mine we row in the same boat if they found us out it would be as bad for you as it would be for me worse master worse for you have much to lose i have nothing you see master i have been thinking over things since we met in the lane yonder you are bold and imprudent what if i were to summon my servants and have you marched off to jail what would you accuse me of i have not stolen anything you may search me if you like no no master i will take nothing from you what you give i shall be grateful for but rob you no you're mistaken in me i owe you too much already i am bound to you for life you do not seem afraid of the jail gottran you do not seem afraid of the jail gottran not when you threaten me with it master for you are jesting with me it is not worth your while i am a poor creature to make sport of yet i am dangerously near handing you over to justice for what master for what for coming into your room and not finding you there throwing myself in a corner like a dog it is sufficient and

Starting point is 11:48:26 And you have stolen my wine. These are crimes which the law is ready to punish, especially in men with evil reputations. You are right, I've no doubt. You know more about the law than I do. I don't intend to dispute with you, Master. But when they got hold of me, they would question me, and my tongue would be loosened against my will. I say again, you are just a good. with me. How warm and comfortable it is in this grand room, and how miserable outside.

Starting point is 11:49:05 Ah, why wasn't I born rich? It was a most unfortunate accident. Your tongue would be loosened against your will. What could you say? What everybody suspects, but could not prove, Master, thanks to you. They owe me a grudge in the prison, yonder. lawyers and judges and jailers, and nothing would please them better than to hear what I could tell them, that I killed the girl, and that you knew I killed her. You don't look pleased, Master. You drove me to say it. You slanderous villain! I don't mind what you call me, Master. I can bear anything from you. I am your slave,

Starting point is 11:49:55 and there is nothing you could set me to do that I am not ready to perform. I mean it, master, try me, only try me. Think of something fearful, something it would take a bold, desperate man to do, and see if I shrank from it. The jailer was right when he said I was a lucky dog to get such an advocate as you to defend me. You knew the truth. You knew I did the truth. the deed. You knew no one else could save me, and you wanted to show them how clever you were,

Starting point is 11:50:32 and what a fool any lawyer was to think he could stand against you. And you did it, Master, you did it. How mad they must be with you! I wonder how much they would give to cry quits! And you've done even more than that, master! The spirit which has been with me night and day, in prison and out of prison, lying by me in bed, standing by my side in the court, you saw it there, master, dogging me through the streets and lanes, hiding behind trees, and gliding upon me when I thought I had escaped it, it is gone, master, it is gone. It will not come where you are. It is afraid of you. I don't care whether it is a holy or an unholy power you possess. I am your slave, and you can do with me as you will.

Starting point is 11:51:31 But you must not send me to prison again. No, you must not do that. Why, master, simple as I am, and ignorant of the law, I feel that you are joking with me when you threaten to summon your servants to march me off to jail for coming into your house. I should say to them, You are a pack of fools. Don't you see he is jesting with you? Here have we been talking together for half an hour, and he has given me his best brandy as a mark of friendship. There is the bottle.

Starting point is 11:52:10 Feel the rim of it, and you will find it wet. Look at the glass, if you don't believe me. Smell it, smell my breath. Why, then they would ask you again if you were in earnest. and you would have to send them away master i was never taught to read or write and there is very little i know but i know well that there is a time to do a thing and a time not to do it and that unless a thing is done at the proper time there is no use afterwards attempting it i will tell you something though i dare say i might save myself the trouble for you can read what is in me if madeline when she ran from me along the river's bank had escaped me it is likely she would be alive at this moment for the fiend that spurred me on to kill her might never again have been so strong within me, might never again have had such power over me as he had that night.

Starting point is 11:53:16 But he was too strong for me, and that was the time to do the deed, and she had to die. Do you think I don't pity her? I do when she is not tormenting me. But when she follows me, as she has done tonight, when she stands looking at me with eyes in which there is fire, but no light, I feel that I could kill her over again if I dared, and if I could get a good grip of her. Are all spirits silent? Have they no voice to speak? It is terrible, terrible. I must buy masses for her soul, and then, perhaps, she will rest in peace. Master, give me another glass of that rare brandy of yours. Talking is dry work.

Starting point is 11:54:12 You'll get no more till you'll leave me. I am to leave you, then? When I have done with you, when our conversation is at an end. I must obey you, master. You could crush me if you liked. I could kill you if I liked, said the Atter. in a voice so cold and determined that got trance shuddered you could master i know it well enough not with your hands i am your match there few men can equal me in strength but you would not trust to that you are too wise you would scorch and wither me with a lightning touch i should be a fool to doubt it if you will not give me

Starting point is 11:55:04 brandy, give me a biscuit or some bread and meat. Since noon I have had nothing to eat but a few apples, to which I help myself. The jailers rod me of my dinner in the middle of the day, and put before me only a slice of dry bread. I would cut off two of my fingers to be even with them. In the cupboard which contained the brandy and other liquors was a silver basket, containing biscuits, which the advocate brought forward and placed before Gautran, who ate them greedily and filled his pockets with them. During the silence, the advocate's mind was busy with Gautran's words. Ignorant as the man was, and confessed himself to be, there was an undisputable logic in the position he assumed. Shrink from it as he might, the advocate could not

Starting point is 11:56:04 avoid confessing that between this man, who was little better than an animal, and himself, who had risen so high above his fellows, that in these extremes of intellectual degradation and superiority, existed a strange and, in its suggestiveness, an awful equality. And what afforded him food for serious reflection from an abstract point of view was that, though they traveled upon roads so widely apart, they both arrived at the same goal. This was proved by Gautran's reasoning upon the advocate's threat to put him in prison for breaking into the house of white shadows. Sound logic, thought the advocate, learnt in a school in which the common laws of nature

Starting point is 11:56:58 are the teachers. A decided kinship exists between the same. murder and myself. Am I, then, as low as he, and do the best of us, in our pride of winning the crown, indulge in self-delusions at which a child might feel ashamed? Or is it that, strive as he may, the most earnest man cannot lift himself above the groveling motives which set in motion every action of a human life? "'Now, master,' said Gautran, having finished munching. Now, Gautran, said the advocate, why do you come to me? I belong to you, replied Gautran. You gave me my life and my liberty. You had some meaning in it.

Starting point is 11:57:51 I don't ask you what it is, for you will tell me only what you choose to tell me. I am yours, master, body, and soul. And soul? questioned the advocate, ironically. So long, said Gautran, crossing himself, as you do not ask me to do anything to imperil my salvation. Is it not already imperiled, murderer? I have done nothing that I cannot buy off with masses. Ask the priests. If I could not get money any other way to save myself,

Starting point is 11:58:30 I would rob a church. Admirable. exclaimed the advocate you interest me gotran how did you obtain admission into the grounds over the wall at the back it is a mercy i did not break my bones and into this room how did you enter through the window knowing it was my room yes master how did you gain that knowledge how did you gain that knowledge i was told and told as well that you lived in this house by whom were you told as i ran from madeline she had left me forever i hope i came upon a man who for some purpose of his own was lingering on a hill a little distance from here i sought company and was glad of his own-i sought company and was glad of his I made up my mind to pass my night near something human, and did not intend to leave him. But when he said that yonder was the house in which the great advocate lived,

Starting point is 11:59:46 and when he pointed out your study window, I gave him the slip, knowing I could do better than remain with him. That is the truth, master. You are acquainted with this man? No, I never saw him before. for i saw but little of him as it was the night was so dark but i know voices when i hear them his voice was strange to me how happened it then that you conversed about me i can't remember exactly how it came about he gave me some brandy out of a flask not such liquor as yours master but i was thankful for it and i asked him if he had ever been followed by the spirit of a dead woman he questioned me about this woman asking if she was fair and beautiful whether she had met her death in the rhone whether her name was madeline

Starting point is 12:00:49 yes he called her up before me and i was spellbound when i came to my proper senses he was talking to himself about a great advocate in the house he was staring at and I said there was only one great advocate you who set me free and I asked him if you lived in the house he said yes and that the lights I saw were the lights in your study windows upon that I left him suddenly and secretly and made my way here was the man watching this house it had the look of it he is the look of it he is the no friend of yours, that I can tell you. When he spoke of you, it was with the voice of a man who could make you wince, if he pleased. You have served him some trick, and he wants to be revenged, I suppose. But you can take care of yourself, master. That will do. Leave me and leave this house, and as you value your life, enter it no more. Then you will see you will see you. You will

Starting point is 12:02:02 see me elsewhere. Where, Master, and when? I will see you in no place and at no time. I understand the meaning of looks, Gautran, and there is a threat in your eyes. Beware, I have means to punish you. You have escaped the penalty of your crime, but there is no safety for you here. You do not wish to die. The guilt of blood is a on your soul, and you are afraid of death. Well, may you be afraid of it? Such terrors await you in the life beyond as you cannot dream of. Live then, and repent, or die and be eternally lost. Dare to intrude yourself upon me, and death will be on your portion, and you will go straight to your punishment. Here, and at this moment only, you have the truth. You have the truth.

Starting point is 12:03:02 choice of either fate. Choose and swiftly. The cold, stern, impressive voice, the commanding figure, had their effect upon Gautran. He shook with fear. He was thoroughly subdued. If I am not safe here, master, where shall I find safety? In a distant part of the country where you are not known. How am I to get there? I have not. I have not. money i will give you sufficient for flight and subsistence here are five gold pieces now go and let me never see your murderous face again master said gotran humbly as he turned the money over in his hand and counted it i must have more not for myself but to pay for masses for the repose of madeline's soul then i may hope for forgiveness then she will leave me in peace the advocate emptied his purse into gottran's open palm saying let no man see you depart as secretly as you came but gotran lingered still you promised me some more brandy master the advocate filled the glass and gottran with fear

Starting point is 12:04:31 eagerness drank the brandy you will not give me another glass master no murderer i have spoken my last word to you gotran spoke no more but with head sunk upon his breast left the room and the house a vulgar expedient mused the advocate when he was alone but the only one likely to prove effective with such a monster. It is perhaps best that it has happened. This man watching upon the hill is none other than John Van Brue. I had almost forgotten him. It has not come in friendship. Let him watch and wait. I will not see him. Chapter 16. Pierre Lamont seeks the hospitality of the House of White Shadows. The following day Pierre Lamont did not leave his bed and was visited in his room by the advocate and Christian Alma.

Starting point is 12:05:42 To the advocate he said, I trust I shall not incommode you, for I am compelled to throw myself upon your hospitality. Get well, then, said the advocate, and enjoy it, which you cannot do thus confined. i do not know i do not know said the old lawyer gazing at the advocate and wondering how it was possible that this profound thinker and observer could be blind to the drama which was being acted at his very door one can still follow the world have you read the papers this morning no i have not troubled myself to look at them here is one that will interest you what is called the freedom of the press is growing into a scandal editors and critics abuse their character and need some wholesome check but you are not likely to be moved by what they say

Starting point is 12:06:47 he handed a newspaper to the advocate who walked to the window and read the editorial comments upon the trial and the part he had played in it the trial of gotran is over and the monster whom all believed to be guilty of a foul murder is set free the victim unavenged is in her grave and a heavy responsibility lies not only upon the city but upon the nation neither for good nor ill can the words we write affect the future of gottran released by the law he is universal universally condemned. Justice is not satisfied. In all Switzerland, there is but one man who, in his soul, believes the degraded wretch to be innocent, and that this man should be right and all others wrong, we refuse to believe. Never in a cause so weighty have we felt at our duty to raise our voices against a verdict reluctantly rung from the citizens, whose lot of it was to judge a human being accused, and we insist righteously accused, of a horrible crime,

Starting point is 12:08:07 the verdict cannot be disturbed. Gautran is free. There is a frightful significance in these words. Gautran is free. Removed from the feverish excitement of the court in which the trial took place, the report of the proceedings reads more like a stage of the case. drama than the episode of a real life. All the elements which led to the shameful result are eminently dramatic, and were, without doubt,

Starting point is 12:08:40 planned by the great advocate who defended the accused with an eye to dramatic effect. It would scarcely surprise us where the climax now reached to be followed by an anticlimax, in which Gautran's champion of yesterday, would become his accuser. of today. Our courts of justice are becoming accustomed to this kind of theatrical display. Consider the profound sensation which would be produced by the great lawyer coming forward and saying, Yesterday, after a long and exciting struggle, I proved to you that Gautran was innocent, and by my efforts he was let loose upon society. Today, I propose, to prove to you that he is guilty, and I ask you to meet out to him his just punishment.

Starting point is 12:09:36 A dangerous temptation, indeed, to one who studies effect, but there is a safeguard against such a course. It would so blacken the fame of any man who adopted it, however high that man might stand in the estimation of his peers and the people, that he could never hope to rise from the depths of shame into which his own act had plunged him. Many persons who believe that way will doubtless argue that there is something providential in the history of this ruthless murder of an unfortunate innocent being. She is slain. Not a soul comes forward to claim kinship with her.

Starting point is 12:10:22 Nonetheless, she is a child of God. Human reason leads to the arrest, imprisonment of Gautran. Providence brings upon the scene a great lawyer who, unsolicited, undertakes the defense of a monster, association with whom is defilement. The wretch is set free, and justice stands appalled at what has been done in the name of the law. But this is not the end. Providence may have something yet in store which will bring punishment to the guilty and unravel this tangled skein? What then will the great advocate have to say, who deliberately and voluntarily brought about the miscarriage of justice so flagrant as to cause

Starting point is 12:11:13 every honest heart to thrill with indignation? The advocate did not read any further, but laid the paper aside, and said, men who take part in public matters are open to attacks of this kind. There is nothing to complain of. And yet, thought Pierre Lamont, when the advocate left him, there was in his face, as he read the article, an expression denoting that he was moved. Well, well, men are but human, even the greatest.

Starting point is 12:11:52 Later in the day, He was visited by Christian Almer, to whom he repeated his apologies. I have one of my bad attacks on me. They frequently last for days. At such times, it is dangerous for me to be moved about. Then do not be moved about, said Almer with a smile. But despite this smile, Almer was inwardly disquieted. He had not been aware of it.

Starting point is 12:12:24 on the previous night that Pierre Lamont occupied the next room to his. After the departure of the advocate, Adelaide had not been careful. Her voice had been frequently raised, and Almer was anxious to ascertain whether it had reached the old lawyer's ears. "'You slept well, I hope,' he said. "'Yes, until the early morning, a little after sunrise. i am a very deep sleeper for four or five hours the moment i close my eyes sleep claims me and holds me so securely that were the house on fire it would be difficult to arouse me but the moment the sunshine peeps into my room my rest is at an end when i had the use of my limbs i was an early riser almer's mind was relieved

Starting point is 12:13:24 sleeping in a strange bed is often not conducive to repose i have slept in so many strange beds and pierre lamont thought as he spoke but never in a stranger bed than this you can still find occupation said almer pointing to the books on table and bed ah books books books said pierre lamont what would the world do without them how did it ever do without them but i am old and i am talking to a young man my father was a bookworm and a student said almer were he alive he would be disappointed that i do not tread in his footsteps perhaps not he was a wise man with a comprehensive mind It would not do for us all to be monks. End of Section 24. Section 25 of the House of the White Shadows. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 12:14:49 The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. Section 25. Book 4. Chapter 17. Chapter 17. Fritz the Fool relates a strange dream to Pierre Lamont. Half a dozen times in the course of the day, Pierre Lamont had sent in search of Fritz the Fool, and it was not till the afternoon that Fritz made his appearance.

Starting point is 12:15:20 You should have come earlier, fool, said Pierre Lamont with a frown. I was better engaged, said Fritz, coolly. You fired me with those lovely, verses last night, and I have been studying what to say to my peach. The pretty Dianetta! Rehearse, then! I am dull. Ah, I have much to tell you. I am thinking of saying to the peach, Deonetta, place your hand in mine, and we will both save Pierre Lamont.

Starting point is 12:15:56 He will give us a home. He will pay us liberally. And when he dies, he will not leave unprovided for. And if the peach should laugh in your face? I would reason with it. I would say, Look you now, you cannot be always ripe, and you cannot be always mellow and luscious. Do not waste the precious sunshine of life,

Starting point is 12:16:23 but give yourself to a clever fool who cares quite as much for your fair face and beautiful skin as he does for the diamond bibles in your ears. Diamond earrings, Fritz. Are you dreaming? Not at this moment, though I had a dream last night, after I left you, which I may tell you, if I don't repent of it before I disclose it. Yes, Master Lamont, diamond earrings.

Starting point is 12:16:55 As I'm a living fool, diamonds of value. See, Master Lamont, I don't want this peach to be gathered yet. It is well placed. It is in favor. It is making itself in some way useful, not to finer, but to richer fruit. Heaven only knows what may be reigned upon it, when the very first summer shower brings a diamond finger ring, and the second, a pair of diamond earrings. A diamond brooch, perhaps, money, for certain, if it will take a fool's advice. and of course it will do that if seeing that the fool is a proper fool the peach says kindly i am yours that is the way of it is it not master lamont i am waiting to hear more fritz said pierre lamont with a full enjoyment of fritz's loquacity behind the summer-house master lamont lies a lovely lake clear as crystal in where it is not covered with fairy lilies.

Starting point is 12:18:06 I am as good as a pair of eyes to you to tell you of these beauties. The water is white and shining, and at one part there is a mass of willows bending over. Then there is a break, clear of the shadow of branch and leaf. Then there is another mass of willows. From a distance you would think that there was no break in the foliage.

Starting point is 12:18:32 you have to go close to it to make the discovery and once you are there you are completely hidden from sight not more than two hours ago i was passing this spot at the back of the willows when i heard a voice a girl's voice master lamont saying quite softly oh how lovely how beautiful how beautiful it was dionetta's voice i should know it among a thousand. Through the willows I crept with the foot of a cat till I came to the break, and there was Deonetta herself, bending over the water and sighing, Oh, how lovely, how beautiful! She could not see me, for her back was towards me, and I took care she did not hear me. She was shaking her pretty head over the water, and I shouldn't deserve to be called a fool if I had not. felt curious to see what it was in the lake that was so lovely and beautiful.

Starting point is 12:19:38 Perhaps it was her own face she was admiring. Well, she had a perfect right, and I was ready to join in the chorus. I crept up to her as still as a mouse and looked over her shoulder. She gave a great scream when she saw my face in the lake, and I caught hold of her to prevent her from falling in. Then I saw what almost took away my breath. In her ears there flashed a pair of diamond earrings, the like of which I never in my life beheld in our village.

Starting point is 12:20:16 Her face got as red as a sunset as I gazed at her. How you frightened me, Fritz, she said. I set the earrings swinging with my fingers and said, where did you get these wonderful things from? She answered me, Pat. My lady gave them to me. They are yours, then, I asked. Yes, Fritz, she said.

Starting point is 12:20:43 They are mine, and I came here to see how I look in them. They are so grand that I am ashamed to put them on unless I am alone. Don't tell anybody, will you, Fritz? If Grandmother knew I had them, she would take them from me. She would never, never let me wear them. Don't tell anybody. Why, of course I said I would not,

Starting point is 12:21:09 and then I asked why my lady gave them to her, and she said it was because my lady loved her. So, so, thought I, as I left my peach, I would like to have given her just one kiss, but I did not dare to try. so so my lady gives her maid a pair of diamond earrings that are as suitable to her as a crown of gold to an ass's head there is something more common between lady and maid what is it master lamont what is it a secret fool which if you get your peach to tell will be worth much to you and as you and i are going to keep our own counsel learn from me that this secret has but one of two kernels love or jealousy set your wits at work fritz set your wits at work and keep your eyes open i may help you to your peach fool

Starting point is 12:22:13 and now about that dream of yours were you asleep or awake at the time fritz stepped cautiously to the door opened it looked along the passage closed the door, and came close to the bedside. Master Lamont, he said, what I dreamed is something so strange that it will take a great deal of thinking over. Do you know why I tell you things? I might guess wrong, Fritz. Save me the trouble.

Starting point is 12:22:49 You have never been but one way with me. You have never given me a hard word. You have never given me. given me a blow. When I was a boy, 20 years ago and more, Master Lamont, you were the only man who spoke kind words to me, who used to pat my head and pity me. For, if you remember, Master Lamont, I was nothing but a castaway, living on charity, and everybody but you made me feel it. cuffed by this one and that one kicked and laughed at but never by you even a fool can bear these things in mind well well fritz go on with your dream you are making me hungry it came nearly two hours after midnight at that time i was in the grounds all was dark there was nobody about but me until the advocate

Starting point is 12:23:50 came. Then I slipped aside and watched him. He walked up and down, like a machine. It was not as if a man was walking, but a figure of steel. It was enough to drive me crazy it was so like clockwork. Twice he almost discovered me. He looked about him, he searched the grounds, still with the same measured step, he called aloud and asked if anybody was near. Then he went into the house and into the study. I knew he was there by the shifting of the lights in the room. Being alone with the shadows, your love-verses came into my mind, and you may believe me, Master Lamont, I made my way to the window of the room in which

Starting point is 12:24:42 Deonetta sleeps, and stood there, looking up at it. i should have been right down ashamed of myself if i hadn't been dreaming is it the way of lovers master lamont faster than bees to flowers they wing their way that is how the line runs is it not well there stood i a bee dreaming in the dark night before the window of my lover an invisible flower unfortunately but thoughts are free. You can't put chains on them. So there stood I, for how many minutes I cannot say, imagining my flower. Now, if I had known that her pretty head was lying on the pillow, with great diamond earrings in her ears, for that is a certainty, I might not perhaps have been able to tear myself away. Luckily for my dream, that knowledge had still to come to me, so i wandered off and found myself once more staring at the lights in the advocate's study windows now what made me step quite close to them and put my eye to a pane which the curtains did not quite cover

Starting point is 12:26:03 i could see clear into the room imagine my surprise master lamont when i discovered that the advocate was not alone master lamont you know every man in the very man in the very man in the very man village, but I would give you a thousand guesses, and you would not hit upon the name of the advocate's friend. From where I stood, I could not hear a word that was said, but I saw everything. I saw the advocate go to a cupboard and give this man liquor. He poured it out for him himself. Then they talked. Then the advocate brought forward a silver basket of biscuits, and the man ate some and stuffed some into his pockets they were on the very best of terms with each other the advocate gave his friend some money pieces of gold master lamont i saw them glitter the man counted them and by his action asked for more and more was given the advocate emptied his purse into the man's hand then after further conversations the man turned to leave the room it was time for me to scuttle from my peephole

Starting point is 12:27:25 presently the man was in the grounds stepping almost as softly as i stepped after him for i was not going to lose him master lamont my curiosity was wedded to that degree that it would have taken a great deal to prevent me from following this friend of the advocates how will he get out thought i the gates are locked he will hardly venture to scale them two or three times he stopped and looked behind him he did not see me he arrived at the wall which stretches at the back he climbed the wall so did i in another and an easier part he dropped down with a thud and a groan i let myself to the ground without disturbing a leaf presently he picked himself up and walked off with more haste than before. I followed him. He stopped, I stopped. He walked on again, and so did I. Again he stopped and cried aloud, I hear you follow me. Is not one killing enough for you? And then he gave a scream so awful that the hair rose in my head. She is here, he screamed. She is here and is driving me to.

Starting point is 12:28:54 a madness. With that he took to his heels and tore through field and forest really like a madman. I could not keep up with him, and after an hour's running, I completely lost sight of him. There was nothing for me to do but to get back to the villa. I returned the way I came, I had plenty to think about on the road, and I was once more before the windows of the advocate's study. The lights were still there. The advocate, I believe, can live without sleep. I peeped through the window, and there he was, sitting at his table, reading, with an expression of power in his face, which might well make any man tremble who dared to oppose him. That is the end of my dream, Master Lamont.

Starting point is 12:29:50 But the man, Fritz, the man! exclaimed Pierre Lamont. i am still in ignorance as to who this strange nocturnal visitor can be there lies the pith of my dream if i were to tell you that this man who makes his way secretly into the grounds in the darkness of the night who is closeted with the advocate for an hour at least who is treated to wine and cake who is presented with money and grumblingly asked for more and gets it if I were to tell you that this man is Gautran, who was tried for the murder of Madeline, the flower girl, and who was set free by the advocate, what would you say, Master Lamont? I should say, replied Pierre Lamont, with some difficulty, controlling his excitement, that you were mad, fool Fritz.

Starting point is 12:30:52 Nevertheless, said Fritz with great composure, it is so. I have related my dream as it occurred. The man was Gautran and no other. Can you explain that to me in one word? No, said Pierre Lamont, gazing sharply at Fritz. You are not fooling me, Fritz? If it were my last word, it would make no difference. I have told you the truth. you know gottran's face well i was in the court every day of the trial and there is no chance of my being mistaken see here master lamont i can do many things that would surprise people i can draw faces give me a pencil and some paper with a few rapid strokes he produced the very image of pierre lamont sitting up in bed with thin cadaverous face with high forehead and large nose even the glitter of the old lawyer's eyes was depicted pierre lamont examined the portrait with admiration i am proud of you fritz he said you have the true artist's touch fritz was busy with the pencil again who may this be he asked holding another sketch before pier lamont the advocate to the life fritz to the life this is also to the life said fritz producing a third portrait

Starting point is 12:32:40 this is gotran it is all i can draw master lamont human faces i could do it when i was a boy there is murder in gottran's face there was murder in gottran's face there was murder in the words i heard him speak as i followed him is not one killing enough for you there is only one meaning to such words i leave you to puzzle it all out master lamont you have a wise head i am a fool mother denise may be right after all when she said not knowing i was within hearing that it was an evil day when my lady the advocate's wife set foot in the the grounds of the House of White Shadows. But it is no business of mine, only I must look after my peach, or it may suddenly be spirited away on a broomstick. Unholy work, Master Lamont, unholy work. What do you say to letting Father Capellan to the mystery? Not for worlds, cried Pierre Lamont. Priests in such matters are the rarest bernard bunglers. No, the secret is ours, yours and mine. You shall be well paid for your share in it.

Starting point is 12:34:04 Without my permission, you will not speak of it. Do you hear me, Fritz? I hear you and will obey you. Good lad. Ah, what would I give if I had the use of my limbs? But you shall be my limbs and my eyes, my second self. Help me to dress, Fritz. Quick, quick. Master Lamont, said Fritz with a sly laugh. Be careful of your precious self. You are ill, you know, very, very ill. You must keep your bed. I cannot run the risk of losing so good a master. I have a dozen years of life in me yet, fool. This is a little bit. This this dried up old skin these withered limbs this lack of fat are my protection if i were a stout fine man i might go off at any moment

Starting point is 12:35:05 as it is i may live to a hundred old enough to see your grandchildren fritz but yes yes yes i am indeed very ill and weak let everybody know it-so weak and ill that it is so weak and ill that it is not possible for me to leave this hospitable house for many many days the medicine i require is the fresh air of the gardens with my own eyes i must see what i can of the comedy that is being played under our very noses i also had dreams last night for its rare dreams ah what a comedy what a comedy but there are tragic VINES IN IT FOOLE, which make it all the more human. End of Book 4. End of Section 25. Section 26 of the House of the White Shadows. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 12:36:19 The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. Section 26. Book 5, chapters 1 through 3. Book 5. THE DOM OF Gautran. Chapter 1. Adelaide strives to propitiate Pierre Lamont. The following night was even darker than the preceding one had been. In the afternoon, portents of a coming storm were apparent in the sky.

Starting point is 12:36:51 Low mutterings of thunder in the distance traveled faintly to the ears of the occupants of the house of white shadows. The advocate's wife shuddered as she heard the sounds. "'There are only two things in the world I am afraid of,' she said to Pierre Lamont, "'and those are thunder and lightning. "'When I was a little child, a dreadful thing occurred to me. "'I was playing in a garden when a storm came on. "'I was all alone, and it was some distance to the house.

Starting point is 12:37:24 "'The storm broke so suddenly that I had not time to reach shelter without getting myself drenched. I dare say, though, I should have run through it had I not been frightened by the flashes of lightning that seemed to want to cut me in two. I flew behind a tree and stood there, trembling. Every time a flash came, I shut my eyes tight and screamed. But the storm did not allow my cries to be heard. You can imagine the state I was in.

Starting point is 12:37:58 it would not have mattered except for the wedding had i kept my eyes closed but like a little fool i opened them once and just at that moment a flash seemed to strike the tree behind which i stood i can almost hear the shriek i gave as i fell and fainted dead away there lying on the wet grass i was found a dreadful looking object i must have been they carried me into the house and when i was conscious of what was passing around me i asked why they did not light the gas the fact is i was quite blind and remained so for several days was it not shocking i shall never never forget my fright can you imagine anything more dreadful than being struck blind to be born blind cannot be half as bad for one does not know what one loses never having seen the flowers and the fields and the beautiful skies but to enjoy them and then to lose them it is altogether too horrible to think of she was very gracious to the old lawyer during the afternoon do you know she said i can't quite make up my mind whether to be fond or frightened of you be fond of me said pierre lamont with a queer look i shall see how you behave i am afraid you are very clever i don't like clever people they are so suspicious pretending to know everything always i am very simple said pierre lamont laughing inwardly he knew that she wanted to propitiate him and beauty can lead me by a silken threat

Starting point is 12:39:55 is that another of your compliments i declare you speak as if you were a young man she did indeed desire to win pierre lamont entirely to her and she would have endured much to make him her friend instead of her enemy christian almer had told her that the old lawyer had slept in the next room to his and she had set herself the task of sounding the old fellow to ascertain whether his suspicions were aroused and whether she had anything to fear from him she could not help saying to herself what a fool mother denise who looked after the household arrangements was to put him so close to christian i do believe thought adelaide that she did it to spite me her mind however was quite at ease after chatting with the old lawyer i am so glad we are friends she said to him it is altogether so much nicer pierre lamont looked reproachfully at her and asked how she could ever have supposed he was anything but her most devoted admirer lawyers are so fond of mischief she replied that if it does not have supposed he was anything but her most devoted admirer lawyers are so fond of mischief she replied that if it does not come to them ready-made, they manufacture it for themselves. I am no longer a lawyer, he said. If I were twenty years younger, I should call myself a lover.

Starting point is 12:41:28 If you were twenty years younger, she rejoined gaily, I should not sit and listen to your nonsense. Being called from his side, she turned and gave him an arch look. All that only makes the case. stronger, my lady, he said inwardly. You cannot deceive me with your wiles. Chapter 2. Gautran seeks John Van Brew. During the chief part of the day, Gautran concealed himself in the woods.

Starting point is 12:42:05 Twice had he ventured to present himself to his fellow creatures. He was hungry and in sore need of food, and he went to a wayside inn and called for cold meat and bread and brandy. Can you pay for it? asked the innkeeper, suspiciously. Gautran threw down a gold piece. The innkeeper took it, bid it, turned it over and over, rang it on the wooden table, and then set the food before Gautran. The murderer ate ravenously.

Starting point is 12:42:40 It was the first sufficient meal he had eaten for days. The innkeeper gave him his change, and he ordered more meat and brandy, and paid for them. While he was disposing of this, two men came up, eyed him, and passed into the inn. Gautran was eating at a little table in the open air. Presently the innkeeper came out and looked at him. Then the innkeeper's wife did the same. Then other men and women came and cast wrathful glances about. upon him. At first he was not conscious that he was being thus observed, he was so ravenously

Starting point is 12:43:21 engaged, but his hunger being appeased, he raised his head and saw seven or eight persons standing at a little distance from him, and all with their eyes fixed upon his face. "'What are you staring at?' he cried. "'Did you never see a hungry man eat before?' they did not answer him but stood whispering among themselves the idea occurred to gottran to take away with him a supply of food and he called to the innkeeper to bring it to him instead of doing so the innkeeper removed the plates and glasses in which the meal had been served having done this he joined the group and stood apart from gottran without addressing a word to him do you hear me shouted gotran are you deaf and dumb neither deaf nor dumb replied the innkeeper we hear you plain enough bring me the bread and meat then he said not another morsel said the innkeeper be off with you when i get the food you will get none here nor would you have had

Starting point is 12:44:40 or sup if I had known. Known what? demanded Gautran fiercely. Is not my money as good as another man's? No. Why? Because there is blood upon it. If this did not convince him that his name was known and execrated, what next transpired would have enlightened him.

Starting point is 12:45:06 The innkeeper's wife came out with a glass and two plates in her hands. Are these the things, she asked of her husband, the monster has been eating out of? Yes, replied the innkeeper. She dashed them to the ground and shivered them to pieces, and the onlookers applauded the act.

Starting point is 12:45:29 Why do you do that, mistress? cried Gautran. So that honest men shall not be poisoned, was the answer, by eating out of a murderer's dish or putting their lips to a murderer's glass. And the onlookers again applauded her and kicked away the pieces. Gautran glared at the men and women and asked, Who do you take me for?

Starting point is 12:45:57 For Gautran, there is but one such monster. If you do not know your own face, look upon it there. She pointed to the window, and there he beheld his own portrait cut out of an illustrated newspaper and beneath it his name gotran to which had been added in writing the words the murderer of madeline the flower girl he could not read the inscription but he correctly divined its nature the moment before he saw his portrait it had entered his mind to deny himself he recognized now how futile the attempt would be. What if I am, Gartran, he exclaimed. Do you think the law would set me free if I was guilty?

Starting point is 12:46:48 To which the innkeeper's wife replied, You have escaped by a quibble. You are a murderer, and you know yourself to be one. Mistress, he said, if I had you alone, I would make you smart. How does that sound, men? cried the innkeeper's wife with excited gestures. Is it the speech of an innocent man? He would like to get me alone.

Starting point is 12:47:16 Yes, he got one poor girl alone, and we know what became of her. The coward, the murderer! Hunt him away, neighbors! It is a disgrace to look upon him. They advanced towards Gautran threateningly, and he drew his knife and snapped it open. who will be the first he asked savagely and seeing that they held together he retreated backwards with his face to them until a turn in the road hid them from his sight

Starting point is 12:47:49 then he fled into the woods and with wild cries slashed the trees with his knife which he had sharpened in the early morning on the second occasion he presented himself at a cottage door with the intention of begging or buying some food. He knocked at the door, and not receiving an answer, lifted the latch. In the room were two children, a baby in a cradle, and a five-year-old boy sitting on the floor, playing with a little wooden soldier. Looking up and seeing the features of the ruffian, the boy scrambled to his feet and rushing past Gautrin, ran screaming down the road. Enraged almost to madness, Gartran ran after the child, and catching him, tossed him in the air, shouting, What, you two, brat? This for your pains.

Starting point is 12:48:49 And standing over the child was about to stamp upon him when he found himself seized by the throat. It was the father, who, hearing the child's screams, came up just in time to save him. Then ensued a desperate struggle, and Gautran, despite his boast to the advocate, found that he had met more than his match. He was beaten to the ground, lifted, and thrown into the air as he had thrown the child. He rose, bruised in bleeding, and was slinking off when the man cried, "'Holy mother! It is the murderer, Gautran!' some laborers who were coming across the fields were attracted by the scuffle and the father called out to them here is gartrand the murderer and he has tried to murder my child

Starting point is 12:49:45 this was enough for them they were armed with reaping hooks and they raced towards gautran with loud threats they chased him for full a mile but he was fleeter afoot than they and despair gave him strength he escaped them and sank panting to the ground the advocate had spoken truly there was no safety for him he was known for miles round he was known for miles round and the people were eager for vengeance. He would hide in the woods for the rest of the day. There was but one means of escape for him. He must seek some distant spot where he and his crime were unknown. But to get there, he would be compelled to pass through villages in which he would be recognized. It was necessary that he should disguise himself.

Starting point is 12:50:41 In what way could this be done? He pondered upon it for hours. In the afternoon he heard the muttering of the thunder in the distant mountains. There's a storm coming, he said, and he raised his burning face to meet the welcome rain. But only a few heavy drops fell, and the wind moaned through the woods as if in pain. Night stole upon him swiftly and wrapped him in horrible darkness. He bit his lips. He clenched his hands. His body shook with fear. Solitude was worse than death to him. He tried to sleep in vain.

Starting point is 12:51:26 Terrible images crowded upon him. Company he must have at all hazards. Suddenly he thought of John Van Brue, the man he had met the night before on the hill, not far from the Advocate's house. this man had not avoided him he would seek him again and if he found him would pass the night with him so resolving he walked with feverish steps toward the hill on which john van brue was keeping watch chapter three gautran resolves on a plan of escape the distance was longer than gautran had calculated and he did not shorten it by the devious tracks he took in his anxiety to a distance to a distance was longer than gottran had calculated and he did not shorten it by the devious tracks he took in his anxiety to a avoid meeting with his enemies. The rainstorm still kept off, but in spite of the occasional flashes of lightning, the darkness seemed to grow thicker and thicker, and he frequently missed his way. He kept on doggedly, however, and although the shadow of his crime

Starting point is 12:52:33 waited upon his steps, and made itself felt in the sighing and moaning of the wind, in the bending of every branch, and in the fluttering of every leaf, the craving for human companionship in which there was something of sympathy and from which he would not be hunted like a dog, imbued him with courage to fight these terrors. Often, indeed, did he pause and threaten with fearful words the specter of the girl he had murdered, and sometimes he implored her to leave him,

Starting point is 12:53:07 and told her he, he told her, was going to pay for masses for the repose of her soul. Occasionally he was compelled to take the high road, and then he was grateful for the darkness, for it prevented his face from being seen. At those times he slunk close to the hedges, as though dreading that the slightest contact with a human being would lead to discovery. Terrible as the night was to him, he feared the approach of day when it would be more difficult to conceal himself from his pursuers. He knew that his life was not safe while he remained in this fatal neighborhood. He must escape, and in disguise, before he was many hours older.

Starting point is 12:53:55 How was this to be accomplished? Once, in the roadway, he followed with stealthy steps two men who were conversing. He would have avoided them, as he had, had avoided others, had it not been that he heard his name mentioned, and was morbidly curious to hear what they were saying about him. Said one, I have not said eyes upon this man, monster, but I shall know him if I meet him in the light. To which the other replied, How will you manage that if you have never seen his face? You ask a foolish question. Have not full descriptions of the murderer been put about

Starting point is 12:54:37 everywhere his features the color of his hair his clothes from his cap to his boots all is known his face he might disguise by the slash of his knife if he has courage enough for it or he might stain it and in that way too he might change the color of his hair but his clothes would remain the shirt he wears is one in a thousand, and there is no mistaking it. It is blue with broad yellow bands, which encircle his villainous body like rings. Let him get another shirt if he can. The country is aroused for twenty miles around, and men are resolved to take justice into their own hands. The law has allowed him to slip through its fingers. He shall not slip through hours. Why, he said to, to a woman this morning that he would know how to serve her if he had her alone, and not long

Starting point is 12:55:40 afterwards he tried to murder a child. Shall such a monster be allowed to remain at liberty to strike women down and murder the helpless? No, we don't intend to let him escape. Men are on the watch for him everywhere, and when he is caught he will be beaten to death or hung upon the nearest tree. There is another end for him, if he chooses to take it. He can hide in the woods and starve, and when his body is found, we'll drive a stake through it. Take my word for it.

Starting point is 12:56:19 Gatran the murderer has not long to live. Gatran shook with fear and rage. I could spring upon them with my knife, he thought, but they are two to one. And then, when the men were out of hearing, he shook his fist at them and muttered, "'Curs you! I will cheat you yet!' "'But how?'

Starting point is 12:56:45 The description given of his shirt was a faithful one. The broad yellow bands were there, and he remembered that, two days before the end of his trial, the jailers had taken it from his cell in the night and returned it to him in the morning, washed, with the yellow color brighter than it had been for months. He knew now that this had been done out of malice, in case he should be acquitted, so that he might be the more readily recognized and shunned, or the more easily tracked and caught if he was again wanted.

Starting point is 12:57:20 There loomed upon him a way to foil those who had vowed to kill him. The man he was seeking had spoken in a reckless manner, He had complained of the world and was doubtless in want of money. He had gold which the advocate had given him. He would offer to buy the man's clothes and would give him his own, and one, two, or even three gold pieces in exchange. An easy thing to accomplish. But if the man would not consent to the bargain!

Starting point is 12:57:55 He smiled savagely and felt the edge of his knife. he was thoroughly desperate he would sacrifice a thousand lives to save his own out of this murderous alternative and out of the words uttered by the man he had overheard his face he might disguise by the slash of his knife if he has the courage for it grew ideas which as he plodded on gradually arranged themselves into a scheme which would insure him an almost sure escape from those who had leagued themselves against him its entire success depended upon certain physical attributes in john van brue but he would risk it even if these were not as he wished them to be the plan was horrible in its design and needed strength and his strength and his own cunning. He had both, and would use them without mercy to ensure his safety. John Van Brue, with whose name he was not acquainted, was probably a stranger in the locality. Something in Van Brue's speech caused him to suspect this. He would assure himself first of the fact, and then the rest was easy. Van Brue was about his own height and bill. He had stood

Starting point is 12:59:18 by his side and knew this to be so. Gautran should die this night in the person of another man, and should be found in the morning, murdered, with features so battered as to defy recognition. But he would be attired in Gautran's clothes, and would by those means be instantly identified. Then he, the true Gautran, would be forever safe. in john van bruce garments he could make his way to a distant part of the country and take another name no one would suspect him for ghatran would be dead and he would buy masses for the repose of madeline's soul and so purge himself of blood guiltiness as to this second contemplated crime he gave it no thought except that it was necessary and must be done End of Section 26. Section 27 of the House of the White Shadows.

Starting point is 13:00:31 This Libervox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargin. Section 27. Book 5, chapters 4 through 6. Chapter 4. Heaven's Judgment. Within half an hour of midnight, he arrived at the hill. hill and saw the shadow of a man who was leaning against a tree. Gautran had been walking for nearly three hours, and during the whole time, the storm of

Starting point is 13:01:06 thunder and lightning had continued at intervals, now retreating, now advancing. But its full force had been spent many miles away, and it did not seem likely to approach much nearer to the house of white shadows. The man is there. muttered gautran with his face still towards the advocate's window what is his purpose he was curious about that too and thought he would endeavor to ferret it out it might be useful to him in the future for it concerned the advocate there was plenty of time before him to accomplish his own murderous design john van brue heard gottran's footsteps who comes this way he cried a friend replied gottran that is easily said cried van brue i am not in a trustful mood hold off a bit or i may do you mischief do you not know me asked gottran approaching closer and measuring himself with the dark form of van brue they were of exactly the same

Starting point is 13:02:23 height. What, Gautran! exclaimed Van Brew in a gay tone. Yes, Gatran. Welcome, friend, welcome, said Van Brew with a laugh. Give me your hand. Veritable flesh and blood. You have a powerful grip, Gatran. I thought we should meet again. What caused you to make yourself scare so suddenly last night. You vanished like a cloud. I had business to do. Have you got any more of that brandy about you? I am not sure whether you deserve it. After emptying my flask, you may make off again. A poor return for hospitality, my friend. I promised to remain with you, it is what I came for, if you give me

Starting point is 13:03:21 brandy. I take your word, said Van Brue, producing a flask. Drink, but not too greedily. Gautran took a long draught and returned the flask, saying, You have no food, I suppose? Why, yes, I have. Warned by previous experiences, I supplied myself liberally for this night's watch. not refuse you, though I spent my last Frank on it."

Starting point is 13:03:56 "'Ah,' said Gautran, with some eagerness, for an amicable exchange of clothing would render the more villainous part of his task easier of accomplishment. "'You are poor, then?' "'Poor? Yes, but not for long, Gautran. The days of full purses are coming. Here is the food. Eat, rogue, eat. It is honest bread and meat, bought and paid for, but none the sweeter for that.

Starting point is 13:04:29 We know which fruit is the sweetest. So you had business to do when you took French leave of me. How runs the matter? I had just pointed out the advocate's window to you, your own special advocate, my friend, to whom you have so much reason to be grateful, when you disappeared like an arrow from a What follows, then, that leaving me so abruptly your business was important, and that it concerned the advocate? Right or wrong, rogue?

Starting point is 13:05:04 Right, replied Gautran, as he devoured the food. Come, that's candid of you, and spoken like a friend. You did not know, before I informed you, that he lived in the villa yonder? I did not. I begin to have hopes of you, and, learning it from me, you made up your mind on the spur of the moment, your business being so important, to pay him a friendly visit, despite the strangeness of the hour for a familiar call. You've hit it, said Gautran.

Starting point is 13:05:44 John Van Brue pondered a while. These direct answers, given without hesitation, puzzled him. He had expected to meet with prevarication, and he was receiving instead straightforward confidence. You are not afraid, he said, to speak the truth to me, Gautran? I am not, but I am a stranger to you. That's true.

Starting point is 13:06:15 Why, then, do you confide in me?' It was Gatran's turn now to pause, but he soon replied, with a sinister look which John Van Brue in the darkness could not see, "'Because, after what passes between us this night, I am sure you will not betray me.' "'Good,' said Van Brue, "'then it is plain you sought me deliberately, because you think I can in some way serve you. Yes, because you can in some way serve me. That is why I am here. Then you intend to

Starting point is 13:06:56 hide nothing from me? Nothing, for the reason I have given. A flash of lightning seemed to strike the spot on which he and Gautran were conversing, and he waited for the thunder. It came, long, deep, and threatening. There is a terrible storm somewhere, he said. It does not matter, rejoined Gautran with a shudder, so long as a man is not alone. Don't mind my coming so close. I have walked many a mile to find you.

Starting point is 13:07:33 I have not a friend in the world, but you. Not even the advocate? Not even him. he will see me no more he told you that last night yes but how did you get to him gottran you did not enter by the gates no i dropped over the wall at the back tell me it is but fair i answer you honestly enough what are you watching his house for a man does not do as you are doing on such black nights as this for idle pastime? No, indeed, Gautran. I also have business with him,

Starting point is 13:08:20 and, strangely enough, you, whom I met in the flesh for the first time within these last 24 hours, are indirectly concerned in it. Am I? Strange enough, as you say, but it will not matter after tonight. Some hidden meaning in Gautran's tone

Starting point is 13:08:41 struck warningly upon John Van Brue, and caused him to bestow a clearer observance upon Gautran's movements from this moment. "'There is a thing I wish to know, Gatran,' he said. "'Between vagabonds like ourselves, there is no need for concealment. It is a delicate question, but you have been so frank with me that I will venture to ask it. besides there are no witnesses and you will not therefore incriminate yourself this girl madeleine whose spirit follows you van brue hesitated the question he was about to ask trembled on his lips and he scarcely knew how to give it shape in words that would not provoke an outbreak on the part of gotran he had no desire to come into open collision with this ruffian of whose designs upon himself he was inwardly warned gotran with brutal recklessness assisted him

Starting point is 13:09:49 you want to know if i killed her why yes though you put it roughly what matter well then she died at my hands john van brue recoiled from the murder in horror, and in a suppressed tone, asked, "'When the advocate defended you, did he know you were guilty?' "'Aye, we kept the secret to ourselves. "'It was cleverly worked, was it not?' "'And last night,' continued John Vanbrue, "'he received you in his study.

Starting point is 13:10:30 "'Aye, and gave me liquor and food and money. Listen to it. He rattled the gold pieces in the palms of his hands. Look, you, I have answered questions enough. I answer no more for a while. It is my turn now. Proceed, Gartran, said Van Brue. I may satisfy you or not, according to my whim.

Starting point is 13:10:58 You'll satisfy me, or I'll know the reason why. There is no harm, in what I am going to say. You are a stranger in these parts. There is no offense in that, is there? None. Yes, I am a stranger in these parts. Heavens, what a flash!

Starting point is 13:11:19 The storm is coming nearer. All the better. You will hardly believe that I have been bothering myself about the color of your hair. I hate red-haired men. Yours now. is there any offence in asking the color of it none my hair is black gotran's eyes glittered and a flash of lightning illuminated his face and revealed to van brue the savage and ruthless look was shown there and your height and build about the same as mine said gotran let us strike a bargain i have gold you have none i have taken a fancy to your clothes i will buy them of you

Starting point is 13:12:10 two gold pieces in exchange for them and mine thrown in the clothes of a murderer said van brue slowly retreating as gotran advanced upon him thank you for nothing not for two hundred gold pieces poor as i am keep off do not come so near to me why not you're no better than i three gold pieces that should content you you have my answer gotran leave me i have had enough of you you will have had more than enough before i have done with you said gottran and van brue was satisfied now from the man's brutal tones that it was a deadly foe who stood within a few inches of him if you do not do as i bid you say done and done you had better by fair means or foul i mean to have what i want not by fair means you murderous villain be warned i am on my guard if you will have it then cried gautran and with a savage shout he threw himself upon van brue so sudden and fierce was the attack that van brue could not escape from it but although he was no match for gautran in strength he had had in former years some experience in wrestling which came to his aid now in this terrible crisis the struggle that ensued was prolonged and deadly and while the men were locked in each other's arms the storm broke immediately over their heads the thunder pealed above them the lightning played about their forms

Starting point is 13:14:09 you villain gasped van brue as he felt himself growing weaker have you been paid by the advocate to do this deed yes answered gotran between his clenched teeth he is the fiends agent and i am his he bade me kill you your last moment has come not yet cried van brue and byrude by a supreme and despairing effort he threw gautran clear from him and stood again on the defensive simultaneously with the movement a flash of forked lightning struck the tree against which van brue had been leaning when gautran first accosted him and clefted it in twain and as gautran was about to spring forward a huge mass of timber fell upon him with fatal force and bore him to to the earth, where he lay imprisoned, crushed and bleeding to death. Chapter 5 Father Capel discovers Gautran in his peril. Father Capel was wending his way slowly over the hill from the bedside of the sick woman

Starting point is 13:15:30 whom he had attended for two nights in succession. On the first night, she was in a state of delirium, and Father Capel could not arouse her to a consciousness of surrounding things. in her delirium she had repeatedly uttered a name which had powerfully interested him madeline madeline my madeline she moaned again and again is it possible thought the priest that the girl whose name she utters with agonized affection is the poor child who is so ruthlessly murdered on this the second night the woman whose last minutes on earth were approaching was conscious and she made certain disclosures to father capel which veiled as they were had grievously disturbed his usually serene mood she had also given him a mission to perform which did not tend to compose his mind he had promised faithfully to obey her and they were to meet again within a few hours to his earnest request that she would pray with him she had impatiently answered there will be time enough after i have seen the man you have promised to bring with you i shall live till then

Starting point is 13:16:58 so he had knelt by her bedside and had prayed for her and for himself and for all the airing his compassionate heart had room for them all for twenty miles around there was no man better loved than he his life had been reproachless and his tender nature never turned from the performance of a good deed though it entailed suffering and privation upon himself these were matters not to be considered when duty beckoned to him a poor man and one who very often deprived himself of a meal in the cause of charity a priest in the truest sense of the word seldom in the course of a long merciful and charitable career had he met with so much cause to grieve as on the present occasion in the first place of a long merciful and charitable career had he met with so much cause to grieve as on the present occasion in the first place because it was an added proof to the many he had received that a false step in life in the taking of which one human being caused another to suffer was certain to bring at some time or other its own bitter punishment in the second place because in this particular instance the punishment and the remorse that must surely follow were as terrible as the mind of man could conceive his road lay towards the hill upon which the desperate conflict between john van brue and gautran was taking place there was no occasion for him to cross this hill by skirting its base he could follow the road he could follow the road he intended to take. But as he approached the spot, the wind bore to him, in moments when the fury of the

Starting point is 13:18:52 storm was lulled, cries which sounded in his ears like cries of pain and despair. They were faint and difficult to ascribe to any precise definite cause. They might be the cries of an animal. But even in that case, it was more than likely that Father Capel would have perceived. in their direction. Presently, however, he heard a human cry for help. The word was distinct, and it decided his movements. Without hesitation, he began to climb the hill. As he approached nearer and nearer to the spot on which the struggle was proceeding, there was no longer room to doubt its nature. "'Holy mother!' murmured the priest, quickening his head.

Starting point is 13:19:43 priest quickening his steps will the evil passions of men never be stilled it seems as if murder were being done here grant that i am not too late to avert the crime then came the terrific lightning flash followed immediately by gautran's piercing scream as he was struck down by the tree who calls for help cried father capel in a loud voice but his words were lost in the peals of thunder which shook the earth and made it tremble beneath his feet when comparative silence reigned he shouted again who calls for help i am a priest and tender it gautran's voice answered him here here i am crushed and dying this appeal was not coherently made but the groans which accompanied it guided father capell to the spot upon which gautran lay he felt amid the darkness and shuddered at the touch of blood and then he clasped gottran's right hand the tree had fallen across the murderer's legs and had so crushed them into the earth that he could not move the lower part of his body his chest and arms were free a heavy branch had inflicted a terrible gash on his forehead and it was from this wound that he was bleeding to death who are you said father capelle kneeling by the dying man that lies here in this sad condition i cannot see you is this heaven's deed or man's it is heavens gasped gottran and i am justly punished i heard the sounds of a struggle between two men are you one of those who were fighting in the midst of this awful darkness yes i am one

Starting point is 13:21:53 and the design continued father capel was murder you do not answer me your silence is sufficient confirmation are you hurt much i am hurt to death in a few minutes i shall be an external fire unless you grant me absolution and forgiveness for my crimes speak first the truth were you set upon or were you the attacker in this evil combat i attacked him first then he may be dead exclaimed father capel and rising hastily to his feet he peered into the darkness and felt about with his hands and called aloud to know if the other man was conscious this is horrible said the priest in deep perplexity scarcely knowing what it was best to do one man dying another in all likelihood dead he turned as if about to go and gottran divining his intention cried in a tone of agony do not leave me father do not leave me truly murmured the priest it seems to me that my present duty is more with the living than the dead he knelt again by the side of miserable wretch if the man you attacked be dead you have murdered him and you have been smitten for your crime it may not be the only sin that lies upon your soul

Starting point is 13:23:41 it is not it is not groaned gottran my strength is deserting me i can hardly speak father is there hope for a murderer do not let me die yet give me something to revive me i am fainting i have nothing with me to restore your strength to go for wine and for assistance to remove this heavy timber which imprisons you my weak arms cannot stir it cannot be accomplished in less than half an hour it will be best perhaps for me to take this course in the meantime pray miserable man with all the earnestness of your heart and soul for divine forgiveness what is your name i am gotran faintly answered the murderer father capelle's frame shook under the influence of a strong agitation from the bedside of the woman i have left within the hour he murmured to this point to this point of the woman i have left within the hour he murmured to this point poor sinner who has but a few minutes to live. The hand of God is visible in it. He addressed himself to the dying man.

Starting point is 13:25:05 You are he who was tried for the murder of Madeline, the flower girl? I am he, moaned Gatran. Harken to me, said Father Capel, for that crime you were tried and acquitted by an earthly tribunal, which pronounced you innocent. But you are now about to appear before the divine throne for judgment, and from God nothing can be hidden. He sees into the hearts of men,

Starting point is 13:25:36 who is ready, as you but now admitted to me, to commit one murder, and who, perhaps, has committed it, for, from the silence, I infer that the body of your victim lies at no great distance, will not shrink from committing two. Answer me truly, as you hope for mercy. Were you guilty or innocent of the murder of Madeline? I was guilty, groaned Gautran.

Starting point is 13:26:07 Wretch that I am, I killed her. I loved her, father, I loved her. Gautran, from whose lips these words had come amid gasps of agony, could say, no more. His senses were fast leaving him. Ah me, ah me, sighed Father Capel. How shall such a crime be expiated? Father, moaned Gautran, rallying a little. Had I lived till tomorrow, I intended to buy masses for the repose of her soul. I will buy them now, and for my own soul. And for my own soul, too. I have money. Feel in my pocket. There is gold. Take it all, all, every piece,

Starting point is 13:27:01 and tell me I am forgiven. Father Capel did not attempt to take the money. Stolen gold will not buy absolution or the soul's repose, he said sadly. crime upon crime sin upon sin Gautran evil spirits have been luring you to destruction I did not steal the gold gasped Gatran It was given to me freely given Forgiveness you cannot hope for said Father Capell If in these awful moments you swerve from the truth by a hair's breath

Starting point is 13:27:45 confess you stole the gold and tell me from whom so that it may be restored. May eternal torments be mine if I stole it? Believe me, Father, believe me, I speak the truth. Who gave it to you then? The Advocate The Advocate? He who defended you and so blinded the judgment of men is to cause them to set a murderer loose?

Starting point is 13:28:19 Yes, he and no other man. From what motive, Gatran? Compassion? No, from fear. What reason has he to fear you? I have his secret, as he had mine, and he wished to get rid of me, so that he and I should never meet again.

Starting point is 13:28:44 It was for that he gave me the gold. What is the nature of this secret which made him fear your presence? He knew me to be guilty. What do you say? When he defended you, he knew you to be guilty? Aye, he knew it well. Incredible, horrible, exclaimed Father Capel, raising his hand. He shared then your crime. Yes, though he committed not the deed,

Starting point is 13:29:23 his guilt is as heavy as the guilt of the murderer. How will he atone for it? How can atone for it? And if what I otherwise fear to be true, what pangs of remorse await him? A frightful scream from Gautran arrested his further speech. save me father save me shrieked the wretch send her away tell her i repent see there there she is creeping upon me along the tree

Starting point is 13:30:00 what is it you behold amidst the darkness of this appalling night asked father capell crossing himself it is madeline her spirit that will never never leave me will you not be satisfied you with my punishment is not my death enough for you you fiend you fiend i will strangle you if you come closer have mercy mercy you are a priest have you no power over her then what is the use of prayer it is a mockery a mockery my eyes are filled with bluish Blood! Ah! Then all was silent. Gautran, whispered Father Capelle. Take this cross in your hand. Put it to your lips and repeat the words I say. Gautran, do you hear me? No sound, no sound! He has gone to his account, unrepentant and unforgiven.

Starting point is 13:31:12 Father Capel rose to his feet. I will seek assistance at once. There is another to be searched for. Ah, terrible, terrible night. Heaven have mercy upon us. And with a heart overburdened with grief, the good priest left the spot to seek for help. Chapter 6

Starting point is 13:31:39 The Written Confession During the whole of this interview, view, John Van Brue had lain concealed within two or three yards of the fallen tree, and had heard every word that had passed between Gautran and Father Capel. For a few moments after he had thrown Gautran from him, he was dazed and exhausted by the struggle in which he had been engaged, and by the crashing of the timber which had saved him from his deadly foe. Gradually he realized what had occurred, and when Father Capel's voice reached his ears, he resolved not to discover himself and to be a silent witness of what transpired. In this decision lay safety for himself

Starting point is 13:32:30 and absolute immunity, for Gautran knew nothing of him, not even his name, and to be dragged into the light, to be made to give evidence of the scene in which he had been a principal actor, would have seriously interfered with his plan of action respecting the advocate. Favored by the night, he had no difficulty in concealing himself, and he derived an inward satisfaction from the reflection that he might turn even the tragic and unexpected event that had occurred to his own immediate advantage. He had not been seriously hurt in the conflict,

Starting point is 13:33:11 a few bruises and scratches comprised the injuries he had received. Among his small gifts lay the gift of mimicry. He could imitate another man's voice to perfection, and when Father Capel left Gautran for the purpose of obtaining assistance, an idea crossed his mind which he determined to carry out. He waited until he was assured that Father Capel was entirely, out of hearing, and then he stepped from his hiding place, and knelt by the side of Gautran. Having now no fear of his enemy, he placed his ear to Gautran's heart and listened.

Starting point is 13:33:57 He breathes, he muttered. There is yet a little life left in him. He raised Gautran's head upon his knee, and taking his flask of brandy from his pocket, he poured some of the liquor down the dying man's throat. It revived him. He opened his eyes languidly, but he had not strength enough left in him to utter more than a word or two at the time. I have returned, Gautran, said John Van Brue,

Starting point is 13:34:30 imitating the voice of the priest. I had it not in my heart to desert you in your last moments. The man you fought with is, dead and in his pocket i found this flask of brandy it serves one good purpose it will give you time to earn salvation you have two murders upon your soul are you prepared to do as i bid you yes replied gotran answer my questions then what do you know of the man whom you have slain nothing was he then an absolute stranger to you yes do you not even know his name no there is no time to inquire into your reasons for attacking him for i perceive from your breathing that your end is very near and the precious moments must not be wasted it is your soul your soul that has to be saved and there is only one way the guilty must be punished you have met your punishment heaven's lightning has struck you down these gold pieces which i now take from your pocket shall be expended in masses

Starting point is 13:35:56 rest easy rest easy gotran there is but one thing for you to do and then you will have made atonement you hear me you understand me yes quick quick to die leaving behind you no record of the guilt of your associate of the advocate who knowing you to be a murderer deliberately defeated the ends of justice will be to provoke divine anger against you there is no hope for pardon in that case can you write no your name with my assistance you could trace perhaps i will write a confession which you must sign you shall receive absolution he poured a few drops of brandy into gottran's mouth and they were swallowed with difficulty after this he allowed gottran's head to rest upon the earth and tore from his pocket-book some sheet-book some sheet of the earth of blank paper upon which, with much labor, he wrote the following. I, Gautran the Woodman, lately tried for the murder of Madeline, the flower girl, being now upon the point of death, and conscious that I have only a few minutes to live,

Starting point is 13:37:28 and being in full possession of my reason, hereby make oath and swear, that being thrown into prison awaiting my trial, I believed there was no escape from the doom I'd justly merited for the reason that I was guilty of the murder. That some days before my trial was to take place, the advocate who defended me voluntarily undertook to prove to my judges that I was innocent of the crime I committed, that with this full knowledge,

Starting point is 13:38:02 he conducted my case with such ability that I was set free and pronounced innocent. That on the night of my acquittal, after midnight had struck, and when every person but himself in the house of white shadows was asleep, I secretly visited him in his study and remained with him some time,

Starting point is 13:38:25 that he gave me food and money and bade me go my way, that I am ignorant, of the motives which induced him to whom I was a perfect stranger to deliberately defeat the ends of justice, that the proof that he knew me to be guilty lies in the fact that I made a full confession to him, to which I solemnly swear, being about to appear before a just God to answer for my crime, I pray for forgiveness and mercy. Signed, and here

Starting point is 13:39:02 John Van Brue left a space for Gautran's name. He read the statement to Gautran, who was now fast-sinking, and then he raised the dying man's head in his arms, and holding the pencil in the almost nerveless fingers, assisted him to trace the name Gautran. This was no sooner accomplished than Gatran, with a wild scream, fell back. john van brue lost not another moment with an exultant smile he placed the fatal evidence in his pocket and prepared to depart as he did so he heard the voices of men who were ascending the hill this paper thought van brue as he crept softly away in an opposite direction is worth i should say at least half the advocate's fortune

Starting point is 13:40:02 it is the ruin of his life and career and if he does not purchase it of me on my own terms let him look to himself when father capell with the men he had summoned to his assistance arrived at the spot upon which gotran lay the murderer was dead end of book five End of Section 27. Section 28 of the House of the White Shadows. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargin. Section 28. Book 6.

Starting point is 13:40:59 Chapters 1 through 3. Book 6. A Record of the Past. Chapter 1. The Discovery of the Manuscript All was silent in the House of White Shadows. Strange as was the drama that was in progress within its walls, it found no open expression, and to the advocate, seated alone in his study,

Starting point is 13:41:27 was about to be unfolded a record of events long buried in the past, the disclosure of which had not, up to this moment, been revealed to man. during the afternoon the advocate had said to christian almer now that i have leisure i intend with your permission to devote some time to your father's works in his day certainly for a number of years he was celebrated and well known in many countries and i have heard surprise expressed that a career which promised to shed lasting lustre upon the name you bear seemed suddenly to come to an end. Of this abrupt break in the labors of an eminent man, there is no explanation as to what led to it and in what way it was broken off. I may chance upon the reason of a singular and complete diversion from a pursuit which he loved. It will interest me if you will give me permission to search among his papers. A permission, rejoined Christian Almmer,

Starting point is 13:42:36 freely accorded. Everything in the study is at your disposal. For my own part, the impressions of my childhood are of such a nature as to render distasteful the records of my father's labors. But you are a student and a man of deeper observation and research than myself. You may unearth something of value. I place all my father's manuscripts at your unreserved disposal. pray read them if you care to do so and use them in any way you may desire thus it happened that two hours before midnight the advocate after looking through a number of manuscripts most of them in an incomplete shape came upon some written pages the opening lines of which exercised upon him a powerful fascination the only heading of these pages was a faithful rubeful The only heading of these pages was A Faithful Record, and it was made in the following strain. Chapter 2. Christian Almer's Father

Starting point is 13:43:45 It devolves upon me, earnest Christian Almer, as a duty to set down here in a brief form before I die, the record of certain events in my life, which led me to the commission of a crime. Whether justifiable or not, whether this which I call a crime may be otherwise designated as an accident, or as the execution of a just punishment for trust and friendship betrayed, is for others to determine. It is probable that no human eye will read what I am about to write until I am dead. But if it should be brought to light in my lifetime, I am ready to bear the consequences of my act. The reason why I myself do nothing to assist directly in the discovery, except insofar as making this record and placing it without concealment among my manuscripts, is that I may in that way

Starting point is 13:44:48 be assisting in bringing into the life of my dear son, Christian Almer, a stigma and a reproach which will be a cause of suffering to him. If it should happen that many years elapse before these lines fall into the hands of a human being, it may perhaps be for the best. What is done is done and cannot be recalled. Even had I the power to bring the dead to life, I doubt whether I should avail myself to it.

Starting point is 13:45:20 My name is not unknown to the small world in which I live and move, and I once cherish to hope that I should succeed in making it famous. That hope is now like a flower burnt to ashes, never more to blossom. It proves the vanity of ambition upon which we pride ourselves, and which we imbue with false nobility. As a lad, I was almost morbidly tender in my nature. I shrank from giving pain to living creature. The ordinary pursuits of childhood, in which cruelty to insects formed so prominent a feature,

Starting point is 13:46:01 were to me revolting. To strip even a flower of its leaves was, in my eyes, a cruel proceeding. And yet I have lived to take a human life. My earliest aspiration was to win a name in literature. Every book I read and admired assisted in making this youthful aspiration a fixed purpose when I became a man.

Starting point is 13:46:28 Often, as I read the last works of a book which had fired my imagination, would I think, and sometimes say aloud, gladly would I die were I capable of writing a work so good, so grand as this? My parents were rich, and allowed me to follow, my bent. When they died, I was left sole heir to their wealth. I had not to struggle as poorer men in the profession to which I resolved to devote myself of had to do, so much the worse for me, perhaps.

Starting point is 13:47:04 But that now matters little. Whether the books I hope to write would be eagerly sought after or not was of no moment to me. What I desired was to produce. For the books I hoped to write, for the the rest as to being successful or unsuccessful, I was equal to either fortune. I made many friends and acquaintances, who grew to learn that they could use and enjoy my house as their own. In setting this down, I lay no claim to unusual generosity. It was on my part, simply the outcome of a nature that refused to become a slave to rigid forms of hospitality. The trouble entailed would have been too great, and I declined to undertake it. I chose to employ my hours after my own fashion, the fashion of solitude.

Starting point is 13:48:00 I found great pleasure in it, and to see my friends around me, without feeling myself called upon to sacrifice my time for their enjoyment, knowing, as they well knew, that they were welcome to the best my wealth and means could supply them with, this added to my pleasure a peculiar charm. They were satisfied, and so was I, and only in one instance was my hospitality abused, and my friendship betrayed. But had I been wise, this one instance would never have occurred to destroy the hopes of my life. Although it is running somewhat ahead of the sequence of events, I may mention here the name of the man who proved false to friendship. It was Monsieur Gabriel.

Starting point is 13:48:51 He was almost young enough to be my son, and when I first knew him he was a boy and I was a man. He was an artist with rare talents, and at the outset of his career I assisted him, for, like the majority of artists, he was poor. This simple mention of him will be, for the present as when i was a lad i took no delight in the pleasures of lads of my own age so when i was a man i did not go the way of men in that absorbing passion to which is given the name of love those around me were drawn into the net which natural impulse and desire spread for mankind there was no credit in this it was simply that it did not happen i was by no means a woman hater

Starting point is 13:49:45 but it would seem as if the pursuits to which i was devoted were too engrossing to admit of a rival so i may say what few can say that i had passed my fortieth year and had never loved my turn came however among my guests were the lady who afterwards became my wife and her parents a sweet and beautiful lady twenty-five years my junior my unhappiness and ruin sprang from the chance which brought us together as did her wretchedness and misery in this i was more to blame than she much more to blame in the ordinary course of a life which had reached beyond its middle age i should have acquired sufficient experience to learn that youth should mate with youth that nature has its laws which it is dangerous to trifle with but such experience did not come to me at forty-five years of age i was as unlearned as a child in matters of the heart i had no thought of love or marriage and the youngest man of my acquaintance would have laughed at my simplicity had the opportunity been afforded him of seeing my inner life it was not the fault of the young lady that she knew nothing of this simplicity no claim whatever had i to demand to be judged by special and exceptional rules she had a perfect right to judge me as any other man of my age would have been judged all that can be said of it was that it was most unfortunate for her and for me

Starting point is 13:51:36 if it should happen which is not unlikely for the unforeseen is always occurring that these pages should be read by a man who is contemplating marriage with one young enough to be his daughter i would advise him to pause and submit to his daughter-i would advise him to pause and submit to his own his case to the test of natural reason, for if both live, there must come a time when nature will take its revenge for the transgression. The glamour of the present is very alluring, but it is the duty of the wiser and the riper of the twain to consider the future, which will press more hardly upon the woman than upon the man. With the fashion of things as regards the coupling of the sexes, I have nothing to do. Fashions are artificial, and often most mischievous. Frequently, when the deeper laws of nature are involved, they are destructive and fatal. It was my misfortune that during the visit of the young lady and her parents, the father,

Starting point is 13:52:44 an old and harmless gentleman, met his death through an accident while he, I, and other gentlemen, were riding. In my house he died. It occasioned me distress and profound sorrow, and I felt myself in some way accountable, though the fault was none of mine. Before his death he and I had private confidences in which he asked me to look after his affairs, and if, as he feared, they were in an embarrassed state, to act as protector to his daughter. I gave him the promise readily, and when he died, I took a journey for the purpose of ascertaining how the widow and the orphan were circumstanced. I found that they were literally beggars.

Starting point is 13:53:36 As gently as I could, I broke the news to them. The mother understood it. The daughter scarcely knew its meaning. Her charming, artless ignorance. of the consequences of poverty deeply interested me, and I resolved in my mind how I could best serve her and render her future a happy one. Speaking as I am in a measure to my own soul,

Starting point is 13:54:03 I will descend to no duplicity. That I was entirely unselfish in my desire that her life should be bright and free from anxieties with which she could not cope is true. But nonetheless, Thus true is it that, for the first time, I felt myself under the dominion of a passion, deeper and more significant than I had ever felt for woman. It was love, I believe, but love in which there was reason.

Starting point is 13:54:35 For I took myself to task. I set my age and hers before me. I did this on paper, and as I gazed at the figures, I said, Absurd! It is not in nature, and I must fight it down. I did wrestle with it, and although I did not succeed in vanquishing it, I was sufficiently master of myself to keep the struggle hidden in my own breast. How, then, did this hapless lady become my wife? Not, in the first instance, through any steps voluntarily and unreasoningly taken by myself.

Starting point is 13:55:15 I had firmly resolved to hold my feelings in check. It was the mother who accomplished that upon which she had set her heart. I may speak freely. This worldly mother has been long dead, and my confession cannot harm her. It was she who ruined, at least the happiness of one life, and made me what I am. Needless here to recount the arts by which she worked, to the end she desired needless to speak of the deceit she practised to make me believe her daughter loved me it may be that the fault was mine and that i was too ready to believe sufficient to say that we fell into the snare she prepared for us that intoxicated by the prospect of an early heaven i accepted the meanings she put in her daughter's reserve and apparent coldness and

Starting point is 13:56:15 and that, once engaged in the enterprise, I was animated by the ardor of my own heart, in which I allowed the flower of love to grow to fruition. So we were married, and with no doubt of the future, I set out with my wife on our bridal tour. She was both child and wife to me, and I solemnly resolved and most earnestly desired to do my duty by her. Before we were many days away, news arrived that my wife's mother had met with an accident,

Starting point is 13:56:51 in a part of the grounds which was being beautified by my workman, according to plans I had prepared for the pleasure of my young bride, an accident so serious that death could not be averted. In sadness we returned to the villa. My wife's coldness I ascribed to grief, to no other cause. and indeed apart from the sorrow i felt at the dreadful news i was myself overwhelmed for a time by the fatality which had deprived my wife of her parents within so short a time on my estate and while they were my guests but it will pass away i thought and i will be parents lover husband to the sweet flower who has given her happiness into my keeping when we arrived at the villa her mother was dead i allowed my wife's grief to take its natural course seeing that she wished for solitude i did not intrude upon her sorrow

Starting point is 13:57:56 i had to study this young girl's feelings and impulses it was my duty to be tender and considerate to her i was wise and thoughtful and loving as i believed and i spared no effort to comfort to comfort without disturbing her. Time will console her, I thought, and then we will begin a new life. She will learn to look upon me, not only as a husband, but as a protector who will fully supply the place of those she has lost.

Starting point is 13:58:28 I was patient, very patient, and I waited for the change. It never came. She grew more and more reserved towards me, and still I had. waited and still was patient. Not for a moment did I lose sight of my duty. But after a long time had passed, I began to question myself. I began to doubt whether I had not allowed myself to be deceived. Is it possible, I asked myself, that she married me without loving me? When this torturing

Starting point is 13:59:06 doubt arose, I thrust it indignantly from me. It was as though I was casting a stain upon her truth and purity. Chapter 3. A Dishonorable Concealment. I will not recount the continual endeavors I made to win my wife to cheerfulness, and a better frame of mind, sufficient to say that they were unsuccessful, and that many and many a time I gave up the attempt in despair, and, and to renew it again under the influence of false hopes unhappy and disheartened the pursuits in which i had always taken delight afforded me now no pleasure and though i sought relief in solitude and study i did not find it my peace of mind was utterly wrecked there was however in the midst of my wretchedness one ray of light in the course of a little while a child would be born to us and this child might affect what i was unable to accomplish when my wife pressed her baby to her breast when it drew life from her bosom she might be recalled to a sense of duty and of some kind of affection which i was ready to accept in the place of that thorough devoted love which i bore to her and which i had hoped she would bear to me

Starting point is 14:00:35 considering this matter with as much wisdom as i could bring to my aid i recognized the desirability of surrounding my wife with signs of pleasant and even joyful life gloomy parents are cursed with gloomy children i would fill my house once more with friends my wife should move in an atmosphere of cheerfulness there should be music laughter sunny looks happy voices these could not fail to influence for good both my wife and our little one soon to be born i called friends around me and i took special care that there should be many young people among them their presence however did not at first arouse my wife from her melancholy and it was not until the man whose name i have already mentioned m gabriel arrived that i noticed in her any change for the better he came and i introduced him to my wife believing them to have been hitherto strangers to each other i had no reason to believe otherwise when i presented m gabriel to her had they met before it would have been but honest that one or both should have made me acquainted with the fact they did not by direct or indirect word and i had therefore no cause for suspicion things went on as usual for a week or two after m gabriel's arrival and then i noticed with joy that my wife was beginning to grow more cheerful my happiness was great i have been too impatient i thought with this young girl the shock of losing her parents one after another under circumstances so distressing was sufficient to upset a stronger mind than hers

Starting point is 14:02:34 how unwise in me that i should have tormented myself as i had been doing for so many months past and how unjust to her that because she was sorrowful and silent i should have doubted her love for me but all was well now comfort had come to her bruised heart and the book of happiness was not close to me as i had feared a terrible weight a gnawing grief were lifted from me for i could imagine no black or treason than that a woman should deliberately deceive a man into the belief that she loved him and that she should marry him under such conditions my wife had not done this i had wronged her most fervently did i thank heaven that i had discovered my error before it was too late to repair it i saw that my wife took pleasure in m gabriel's society and i made him as free of my house as if it had been his own he had commissions to execute pictures to paint paint them here i said to him you bring happiness to us I look upon you as though you belong to my family. In the summer house was a room which he used as a studio. No artist could have desired a better,

Starting point is 14:03:59 and Monsieur Gabriel said he had never been able to paint as well as he was doing in my house. It gladdened me to observe that my wife, who had for a little while been reserved towards Monsieur Gabriel, looked upon him now as a sister might look upon a brother. i encouraged their intimacy and was grateful to m gabriel for accepting my hospitality in the free spirit in which it was tendered he expressed a wish to paint my wife's portrait and i readily consented my wife gave him frequent sittings sometimes in my company sometimes alone and still no word was spoken to acquaint me with the fact that my wife and he had known each other before they met in my house.

Starting point is 14:04:49 My child was born, a boy. My happiness would have been complete, had my wife shown me a little more affection, but again, after the birth of our child, it dawned upon me that she cared very little for me, and that the feelings she entertained for me, in no wise, resembled those which a loving woman should feel towards a husband who was indefatigable,

Starting point is 14:05:15 as indeed I was, in his efforts to promote her happiness. Even then it did not strike me that she was happier in Monsieur Gabriel's society than she was in mine. The truth, however, was now to be made known to me. It reached me through the idle, tiddle-tattling of one of my guests. Of my own prompting, I doubt whether I should ever have discovered it. I overheard this lady making some injurious observations respecting my wife. No man's name was mentioned, but I heard enough to cause me to resolve to hear more, and to put an end at once to the utterances of a malicious tongue.

Starting point is 14:06:01 During my life, in matters of great moment, I have seldom acted upon impulse, and the value of calm deliberation after sudden excitement of feeling, has frequently been made apparent to me i sought this lady and told her that i had overheard the remark she had made on the previous day that i was profoundly impressed by them and intended to know what foundation there was for even a breath of scandal i had some difficulty in bringing her to the point but i was determined and would be satisfied with no evasions i love my wife madam i said too well to be content with half-words and innuendoes which in their effect are worse than open accusations accusations exclaimed the lady good heavens i have brought none it is for that reason i complain i said accusations can be met and are by no means so much to be feared as idle words which is for that reason i complain i said accusations can be met and are by no means so much to be feared as idle words which affect the honor of those who are the subject of them. I merely repeated, then, said the lady, what others have been saying for a long time past.

Starting point is 14:07:22 And what have others been saying for a long time past, madam, I asked, with an outward calmness, which deceived her into the belief that I was not taking the matter seriously to heart. I am sure it is very foolish of them, said the lady, and that there is a nothing in it. But people are so mischievous and place such dreadful constructions upon things. It is, after all, only natural that when, after a long separation, young lovers meet, they should feel a little tender towards each other, even though one of them has gotten married in the interval. We all go through such foolish experiences, and when we grow as old as you and I are, we laugh at them.

Starting point is 14:08:12 Probably, madam, I said, still with exceeding calmness, but before we can laugh with any genuineness or enjoyment, it is necessary to have some knowledge of the cause of our mirth. When young lovers meet, you said, after a long separation, it is natural they should feel a tenderness towards each other. But we are speaking of my wife. Yes, she replied, of your wife, and I am sure you are too sensible a man, so much older than that sweet creature, to make any unnecessary bother about it.

Starting point is 14:08:51 She knew well how to plant daggers in my heart. My wife, then, is one of those young lovers? You really must answer me, madam. These are, after all, but foolish experiences. i am glad you are taking it so sensibly she rejoined yes your wife is one of the young lovers and the other madam why who else should it be but m gabriel i did not speak for a few moments the shock was so severe that i required time to recover some semblance of composure my mind is much relieved i said said, there is not the slightest foundation for scandal, and I trust that this interview will put an effectual stop to it. My wife and Monsieur Gabriel have not been long acquainted. They met each other for the first time in this house.

Starting point is 14:09:55 Ah, cried the lady very vivaciously, you want to deceive me now, but it is nonsense. Your wife and Monsieur Gabriel have known each other for many years. They were once affianced. Had you not stepped in, there is no knowing what might have occurred. It is much better as it is, I am sure you think so. What can be worse for a young and beautiful creature than to marry a poor and struggling artist? Monsieur Gabriel is very talented, but he is very poor. By the time he is a middle-aged man, he may have made his young, He may have made his way in the world, and then his little romance will be forgotten,

Starting point is 14:10:42 quite forgotten. I dare say you can look back to the time when you were as young as he is, and can recall somebody you were madly in love with, but of whom you never think, except by the merest chance. These things are so common, you see. And now don't let us talk any more about it. i had no desire to exchange another word with the lady on the subject i allowed her to rest in the belief that i had been acquainted with the whole affair and did not wish it to get about she promised me never to speak of it again to her friends in any injurious way said it was a real pleasure to see what a sensible view i took of the matter and our interview was at an end i had learnt all at length

Starting point is 14:11:33 at length at length my eyes were opened and the perfidy which had been practised towards me was revealed all was explained my wife's constant coldness her insensibility to the affectionate advances i had made towards her her pleasure at meeting her lover the unworthy picture lay before my sight there was no longer any opportunity for self-deception had i not recognized and acknowledged the full extent of the treason i should have become base in my own esteem it was not that they had been lovers that knowledge in itself would have been hard to bear but that they should have concealed it from me that they should have met in my presence as strangers that they should have tacitly agreed to trick me for hours i could not think with calmness upon these aspects of the misery which had been forced upon me. For she, my wife, was in the first instance responsible for our marriage. She could have refused me.

Starting point is 14:12:43 I was in utter ignorance of a love, which, during all these years, had been burning in her heart, and making her life and mine a torture. Had she been honest, had she been true, she would have said to me, I love another, how then can I accept the love you,

Starting point is 14:13:02 offer me, and how can you hope for a return? If circumstances compel me to marry you, there must be no concealment, no treason. You must take me as I am, and never, never make my coldness the cause of reproach or unhappiness. Yes, this much he might have said to me when I offered her my name, a name upon which there had hitherto been no stain and no dishonor, i should not have married her i should have acted as a father towards her i should have conducted her to the arms of her lover and into their lives and mine would not have crept this infamy this blight this shame which even death cannot efface of such a nature were my thoughts during the day then came the resolve to be sure before i took action in the matter the evidence of my own senses should convince me that in my own house my wife and her lover were playing a base part were systematically deceiving me and laughing at me of this man this friend whom i had taken to my heart my horror and disgust were complete I, whose humane instincts had in my youth been made the sport of my companions, who shrank from

Starting point is 14:14:31 inflicting the slightest injury upon the meanest creature that crawled upon the earth, who would not even strip the leaves from a flower, found myself now transformed. Had Monsieur Gabriel been in my presence at any moment during these hours of agonizing thought, I should have torn him limb from limb and rejoiced in my cruelty. So little do we know ourselves. End of Section 28. Section 29 of the House of the White Shadows. This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 14:15:21 The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. Section 29. Book 6, chapters 4 through 7. chapter four monsieur gabriel is dismissed i was up the whole of the night i did not close my eyes and when morning broke i had schooled myself to the task before me to assure myself of the truth and the extent of the shame i kept watch and did not betray myself to them and what i saw filled me with amazement at my blindness and credulity that my wife was not guilty that she was not faithless to me in the ordinary acceptation of the term was no palliation of her conduct steadfastly i kept before me one unalterable resolve in the eyes of the world the name i bore should not be dishonored if by any means it could be prevented we would keep our shame and our deep unhappiness within our own walls in the light of this resolve it was impossible that i could challenge m gabriel he must go unpunished by me my name should not be dragged through the mire to become a byword for pity by degrees upon one excuse and another i got rid of my visitors and there remained in the villa only i my wife and child and m gabriel

Starting point is 14:16:58 then in m gabriel's studio i broke in upon the lovers and found my wife in tears for a moment or two i gazed upon them in silence for a moment or two i gazed upon them in silence and they who had risen in confusion when i presented myself confronted me also in silence waiting for the storm of anger which they expected to burst from me an outraged husband they were mistaken i was outwardly calm madam i inquired addressing my wife may i inquire the cause of your tears she did not reply monsieur gabriel did let me explain he said but i would not allow him to proceed i do not need you i said to interpose between man and wife i may presently have something to say to you till then be silent again i addressed my wife and asked her why she was weeping they are not the first tears i have shed she replied since i entered this unhappy house i am aware of it madam i replied yet the house was not an unhappy one before you entered it honor and truth and faithfulness were its characteristics and towards no man or woman who has received hospitality within these walls has any kind of treachery been practised by me its master and your husband. Tears are a sign of grief, and suffering from it, as I perceive you are,

Starting point is 14:18:43 I ask you why have you not sought consolation from the man whose name you bear, and whose life, since you and he first met, has had but one aim, to render you happy? You cannot comfort me, she said. Can he? I asked, pointing to Monsieur Gabriel. you insult me she said with great dignity i will leave you we can speak of this in private you will not leave me i said and we will not speak of this in private until after some kind of explanation is afforded me from your own lips and the lips of your friend in saying i insult you there is surely a mistaken idea in your mind as to what is due from you to me m gabrielle whom i once called a friend is here enjoying my hospitality of which i trust he has had no reason to complain i find you in tears by his side and he by his attitude endeavoring to console you when i ask you in his presence why being in grief you do not come to me for consolation you reply that i cannot comfort you yet you were accepting comfort from him who is not your husband it suggests itself to me that if an insult has been passed it is not your husband it suggests itself to me that if an insult has been passed it is

Starting point is 14:20:16 has been passed upon me. I do not, however, receive it as such, for if an insult has been offered to me, Monsieur Gabriel is partly responsible for it, and it is only between equals that such an indignity can be offered." "'Equels!' cried Monsieur Gabriel. He understood my words in the sense in which I intended them. I am certainly your equal. It has to be proved, I retorted. I used the term in so far as it affects honor and upright conduct between man and man. You can bring against me no accusations of having failed in those respects in my behavior toward you. It has to be seen whether I can,

Starting point is 14:21:07 in truth, bring such an accusation against you, and if I can substantiate you, and if I can substantiate by evidence which the commonest mind would not reject. You are not my equal. I see that this plain and honest reasoning disturbs you. It should not without sufficient cause. Something more. If, in addition, I can prove that you have violated my hospitality, you are not only my equal, but you have descended to a depth of baseness to describe which I can find no fitting terms. he grew hot at this i declined to be present any longer he said at an interview conducted in such a manner and he attempted to leave me but i stood in his way and would not permit him to pass from this moment i said i discharge myself of all duties towards you as your host you are no longer my guest and you will remain at this interview during my place you will remain at this interview during my place pleasure.

Starting point is 14:22:14 He made another attempt to leave the room, and as he accompanied it by violence, I seized his arms and threw him to the ground. He rose and stood trembling before me. I make no excuse, madam, I said to my wife, for the turn this scene has taken. It is unseemly for men to brawl in presence of a lady, but there are occasions when, of two evils, least must be chosen. Should I find myself mistaken, I shall give to M. Gabriel the amplest apology he could desire. Let me recall to your mind the day on which M. Gabriel first entered my gates as my guest. I brought him to you and presented him to you as a friend whom I esteemed,

Starting point is 14:23:05 and whom I wished you also to esteem. You received him as a stranger, and I had no reason to suspect that he and you had been intimate friends, and that you were already well known to each other. You allowed me to remain in ignorance of this fact. Was it honest? It was not honest, she replied. It made me happy, I continued, to see, after the lapse of a few days, that you found pleasure in his society, and I regarded him in the light of a brother to you. i trusted him implicitly and although madam you and i have been most unhappy i had no suspicion that there was any guilt in this as i believed newly formed friendship there was no guilt in it she said very firmly i receive your assurance and believe it in the sense in which you offer it but in my estimation the word i use is the proper word in the concealment from me of a fact with which you or he should have hastened to make me acquainted in the secret confidences necessarily involved in the carrying out of such an intimacy as yours

Starting point is 14:24:26 there was treachery from wife to husband from friend to friend and in that treachery there was guilt by an accident within the past month a knowledge has come to me of a shameful scandal which had i not nipped it in the bud would have brought open disgrace upon my name and house but the secret disgrace remains and you have brought it into my family a shameful scandal she exclaimed and her white face grew whiter who has dared the world has dared madam the world over whose tongue we have no control the nature of the intimacy existing between you and m gabriel far exceeding the limits of friendship has provoked remark and comment from many of your guests and we who should have been the first to know it have been the last from a lady stopping in my house i learnt that you and m gabriel were lovers before you and i met that you were affianced madam had you informed me of this fact you would have spared yourself the deepest unhappiness under which any human being can suffer for then you and i would not have been bound to each other by a tie which death alone can sever i have at all events the solace which right doing sometimes sheds upon a wounded heart that solace cannot unhappily be yours you have erred consciously and innocent though you proclaim yourself you have brought shame upon yourself and me i pity you but cannot help you further than by the action i intend to take

Starting point is 14:26:21 of preventing the occurrence of a deeper shame and a deeper disgrace falling upon me for m gabriel i have no feelings but those of utter abhorrence i request him to remove himself immediately from my presence and from this house this evening he will send for his paintings which shall be delivered to his order they will be placed in this summer house and in your presence madam i give monsieur gabriel the warning that if at any time or under any circumstances he intrudes himself within these walls he will do so at his own peril the protection which my honour not safe in your keeping madam needs i shall while i live be able to supply this in substance is all that took place while my wife was with us. When she was gone, I gave instructions that Monsieur Gabriel's paintings and property should be brought to the summer-house immediately, and I informed him of my intentions regarding them and the room he had used as a study. He replied that I would have to give him a more satisfactory explanation of my conduct. I took no notice of the threat, and I carried out my resolve, which

Starting point is 14:27:49 converted the study into a tomb in which my honor was buried. And on the walls of the study, I caused to be inscribed the words, The Grave of Honor. On the evening of that day, my wife sent for me, and in the presence of Denise, our faithful servant, heard my resolve with reference to our future life, and acquainted me with her own. The gates would never again be open to friends. Our life was to be utterly secluded, and she had determined never to quit her rooms, unless for exercise in the grounds, at such times as I was absent from them. After tonight, she said, I will never open my lips to you, nor willingly will I ever again listen to your voice. In this interview, I learned the snare set by my wife.

Starting point is 14:28:49 mother into which we both had fallen i left my wife and our new life commenced a life with hearts shut to love or forgiveness but i had done my duty and would bear with strength and resignation the unmerited misfortunes with which i was visited not my wife's i repeat the fault alone i should have been wiser and should have known apart from any consideration of Monsieur Gabriel, that my habits, my character, my tastes, my age, were entirely unsuitable to the fair girl I had married. I come now to the event which has rendered this record necessary. Chapter 5 The Thief in the Night The impressions left upon me by the tragic occurrence I am about to narrate have, strangely enough, given me a confused idea as to the exact date upon which it took place,

Starting point is 14:29:58 but I am correct in saying that it was within a month of the agreement entered into, between my wife and myself, that we should live separate lives under the same roof. I expected to receive a challenge from Monsieur Gabriel, a challenge which for the reason I have given, that I would not afford the world an opportunity, of discussing my private affairs. I firmly resolved not to accept. To my surprise, no such challenge reached me, and I indulged the hope that Monsieur Gabriel had removed himself forever from us. It was not so. The night was wild and dark. The wind was sweeping around the house,

Starting point is 14:30:46 the rain was falling. I had resumed my old half. I had resumed my old half. and was awake in my study in which i am now writing i did no intelligent work during those sad days if i forced myself to write i invariably tore up the sheets when i read them with a clearer mind my studies afforded me neither profit nor relief the occupation which claimed me was that of brooding over the circumstances attendant upon my wooing and my marriage. Forever brooding. Walking to and fro, dwelling upon each little detail of my intimacy with my girl-wife, and revolving in my mind whether I could have prevented what had occurred, whether, if I had done this or that, I could have averted the misery in which our lives were wrapped. It was a profitless occupation, but I could not tear myself from it. there was a morbid fascination in it which held me fast that it harrowed me tortured me made me smart and bleed mattered not it clung to me and i to it

Starting point is 14:32:06 thus do we hug our misery to our bosoms and inflict upon ourselves the most intolerable sufferings i strove to escape from it to fix my mind upon some abstruse subject upon some difficult study but like a demon to whom i had sold my soul it would not be denied there intruded always this one picture the face of a baby boy mine my dear son lying asleep in his mother's arms let me say here that i never harbored the thought of depriving my wife of this precious consolation that never by the slightest effort have i endeavored to estrange him from her the love he bore to me and i thank heaven that he grew to love me sprang from his own heart which also must have been sorely perplexed and have endured great pain in the estrangement that existed between his parents well this pretty baby face always intruded itself this soul which i had brought into life lay ever before me waited with myriad mysterious and strange suggestions it might live to accomplish great and noble deeds it might live to inspire to worthy deeds it might become a saviour of men a patriot an emancipator and but for me it would never have been even the supreme tribulation of his parents lives might be productive of some great actions which would bring a blessing upon mankind in that case it was good to suffer. After some time, not in those days, but later on, this thought became a consolation

Starting point is 14:34:03 to me, although it troubled and perplexed me to think whether the birth of a soul which was destined to shine as a star among men was altogether a matter of chance. A dark, stormy night. I created voices in the sweeping of the wind. They spoke to me in growing, groans, in whispers, in loud shrieks. Was it fancy that inspired the wail? Tonight, tonight shall be your undoing. Midnight struck. I paced to and fro, listening to the voices of the wind.

Starting point is 14:34:44 Presently another sound, a sound not created by my imagination, came to my ears. It was as though something heavy had fallen in the wind. the grounds. Perhaps a tree had been blown down, or did it proceed from another cause, which warned me of danger? I hastened immediately into the grounds. The sense of danger exhilarated me. I was in a mood which courted death as a boon. Willingly would I have gone out to meet it, as a certain cure for the anguish of my soul. Thus I believe it is sometimes with soul, but soldiers, and they become heroes by force of desperation. I could see nothing.

Starting point is 14:35:31 I was about to return when a moving object arrested my purpose. I sprang towards it, threw myself upon it, and in my arms I clasped the body of a man, just recovering consciousness from a physical hurt. I did not speak a word. I lifted the body in my arms. it had not yet sufficient strength to repel me and carried it into my study the moment the light of my lamps shone on the face of the man i recognized him it was m gabriel i laughed with savage delight as i placed him on a couch you villain you villain i muttered your last hour or mine has come this night one or one

Starting point is 14:36:23 or both of us shall die. I drew my chair before the couch, so that his eyes, when he opened them, should rest upon my face. He was recovering consciousness, but very slowly. I could kill you here, I said aloud, and no man would be the wiser,

Starting point is 14:36:45 but I will first have speech with you. His eyelids quivered, opened, and we were gazing at each other, face to face. The sight of me confounded him for a while, but presently he realized the position of affairs, and he strove to rise. I thrust him back fiercely. Stay you there, I said, until I learn your purpose. You have entered my house as a thief, and you have given your life into my hands. I told you, if you ever intruded yourself within these walls that you would do so at your peril. What brought you here? Are you a would-be thief or

Starting point is 14:37:31 murderer? You foul betrayer and coward? So you climb walls in the dark in pursuance of your villainous schemes? Answer me, do you come here by appointment? And are you devil enough to strive to make me believe that a pure and misguided girl would be weak enough to throw herself into your arms? Fill up the measure of your baseness and declare as much. No, he replied, I alone am culpable. No one knew of my coming, no one suspected it. I could not rest. I interrupted him. After tonight, I said gloom. you will rest quietly. Men such as you must be removed from the earth. You steal into my house, you thief and coward, with no regard for the fair fame of the woman you profess to love. Reckless,

Starting point is 14:38:36 what infamy you cast upon her and of the lifelong shame you would deliberately fling upon one who has been doubly betrayed. You have not the courage to suffer in silence. but you would proclaim to all the world that you are a martyr to love the very name of which becomes degraded when you placed in association with natures like yours you belong to the class of miserable sentimentalists who bring ruin upon the unhappy women whom they entangle with their maudlin theories mischief enough have you accomplished this night will put an end to your power to work further ill. What do you intend to do with me? he asked. I intend to kill you, I replied, not in cold blood, not as a murderer, but as an avenger.

Starting point is 14:39:34 Stand up. He obeyed me. His fall had stunned him for a time. He was not otherwise injured. I will take no advantage of you, I said. here is wine to give you false courage drink and prepare yourself for what is to come as surely as you have delivered yourself into my hands so surely shall you die chapter six the hidden crime he drank the wine not wisely or temperately as a cool-headed man whose life was at stake would have done but hastily feverishly and with an air of desperation. You are a good fencer, I said,

Starting point is 14:40:26 the best among all the friends who visited me during the days of your treachery. You were proud of showing your skill, as you were of exhibiting every admirable quality with which you were gifted. Something of the mount-bank in this. At least, he said, rallying his courage, do not insult me.

Starting point is 14:40:49 Why not? Have you not outraged what is most honorable and sacred? Here are repairs ready to our hands. A duel, he cried, here and now? Yes, I replied. A duel, here and now. There is no fear of interruption. The sound of clashing steel will not fall upon other ears than ours.

Starting point is 14:41:18 It will not be a fair combat. he said you are no match for me with the rapier let me depart do not compel me to become your murderer you will never more set foot outside these walls i said here you will find your grave it was my firm belief i saw him already lying dead at my feet if i should kill you he said how shall i escape as best you may i replied you are an adept at climbing walls if you kill me what happens to you thereafter is scarcely likely to interest me but do not allow that thought to trouble you what will take place to-night is ordained i began to move the furniture from the centre of the room so as to afford a clear space for the duel. The tone in which he next spoke convinced me that I had impressed him. Indeed, my words were uttered with the certainty of conviction, and a fear stole upon him that he had come to his death.

Starting point is 14:42:37 I will not fight with you, he said. The duel you propose is barbarous, and I decline to meet you unless witnesses are present. So that we may openly involve the fair name of a lady in our quarrel? I retorted quietly. No, that will not be. Before witnesses, it is I who would decline to meet you. Are you a coward? It matters little what you call me, he said,

Starting point is 14:43:10 as no other person is near. You cannot force me to fight you. i think i can i said and i struck him in the face and proceeded with my work my back was towards him a loaded gun was hanging on the wall unperceived by me he unsung it and fired at me i did not know whether i was hit or not maddened by the cowardly act i turned and lifting him in the air dashed him to the ground his head struck against one of the legs of my writing-table he groaned but once and then lay perfectly still it was the work of a moment and the end had come he lay dead before me i had no feeling of pity for him and i was neither startled nor deeply moved his punishment was a just punishment and my honor was safe from the babble of idle and malicious tongues all that developed upon me now was to keep the events of this night from the knowledge of men there was however one danger a gun had been fired the sound the sound might have aroused my wife or some of the servants in which case an explanation would have to be given at any moment they might appear what lay on the floor must not be seen by other eyes than mine

Starting point is 14:44:51 i dragged a cloth from a table and threw it over the body and with as little noise as possible swiftly replaced the furniture in its original position then i sat on my chair and waited for a few minutes i was in a state of great agitation but after i had sat for an hour without being disturbed i knew that my secret was safe i removed the cloth from the face of the dead man and gazed at it strange to say the features wore an expression of peacefulness death must have been instantaneous gradually as i gazed upon the form of the man i had killed the selfish contemplation in which i had been engaged during the last hour of suspense a contemplation devoted solely to a consideration of the consequences of discovery so far as i was concerned and in which the fate of the dead man formed no part became merged in the contemplation of the act itself apart from its earthly consequences i had taken a human life i whose nature had been proverbial humane was in a direct sense of the word a murderer that the deed was done in a moment of passion was no excuse a man is responsible for his acts the blood i had shed shone in my eyes what hopes what yearnings what ambitions were here destroyed by me for setting aside the unhappy sentiment which had conducted events to this end m gabriel was a man of genius of whose career high expectations had been formed

Starting point is 14:46:47 i had not only destroyed a human being i had destroyed art would it have been better had i allowed myself to be killed were death preferable to a life weighed down by a crime such a crime such as well as it had been better had i allowed myself to be killed were death preferable to a life weighed down by a crime such as mine? For a short time these reflections had sway over me, but presently I steadily argued them down. I would not allow them to unmanned me. This coward and traitor had met a just doom. What remained for me now to do was to complete the concealment. The body must be hidden. after to-night, unless chance or the hand of Providence led to its discovery, the lifeless clay at my feet must never more be seen. There was a part of my grounds, seldom, if ever, intruded upon by the servants, that portion in which, for the gratification of my wife, I had at the time of our marriage, commenced improvements which had never been completed. There it was that my wife's mother had met with the accident which resulted in her death. I thought of a pit deep enough for the concealment of the bodies of 50 men.

Starting point is 14:48:09 Into this pit, I would throw the body of Monsieur Gabriel, and would cover it with earth and stones. The task accomplished, there would be little fear of discovery. First, satisfying myself that all of the first, satisfying myself that all, was quiet and still in the villa, and that I was not being watched, I raised the body of Monsieur Gabriel in my arms. As I did so, a horror and loathing of myself took possession of me. I shuddered in disgust. The work I was performing seemed to be the work of a butcher. However, what I resolved to do was done. In the dead of night, with darkness,

Starting point is 14:48:56 surrounding me, with the rain beating upon me, and the accusing wind shrieking in my ears, I consigned to its last resting place the body of the man I had killed. Years have passed since that night. My name has not been dragged into the light for scandal-monjures to make sport of. Open shame and derision have been avoided, but at what a price. from the day following that upon which I forbade Monsieur Gabriel my house, not a single word was exchanged between my wife and myself. She sent for me before she died, but she knew she would be dead before I arrived.

Starting point is 14:49:44 A fearful gloom settled upon our lives, and will cover me to my last hour. This domestic estrangement, this mystery of silence, between those whom he grew to love and honor weighed heavily upon my son Christian. His child's soul must have suffered much, and at times I have fancied, I see in him the germs of a combination of sweetness and weakness which may lead to suffering. But suffer as he may, if honor be his guide, I am content. I shall not live to see him as a man.

Starting point is 14:50:25 my days are numbered in the time to come in the light of a purer existence i may learn whether the deed i have done is or is not a crime but one thing is clear to me had it not been for my folly shame would not have threatened me misery would not have attended me and i should not have taken a human life the misery and the shame did not affect me alone they waited upon a young life and blighted its promise it is i who am culpable i who am responsible for what has occurred it is impossible without courting unhappy it is impossible without courting unhappiness to divert the currents of being from their natural channels youth needs youth is attracted to youth seeks youth as flowers seek the sun roses do not grow in ice mine then the sin a sin too late to expiate i would have my son marry when he is young as in the course of nature he will love when he is young. It is the happier fate, because it is in accordance with natural laws. If he into whose hands these pages may fall can discern a lesson applicable to himself

Starting point is 14:51:56 in the events I have recorded, let him profit by them. If the circumstances of his life in any way resemble mine, I warn him to bear with wisdom and patience the penalty he has brought upon himself, and not to add, in the person of another being to whom he is bound, and who is bound to him, to an unhappiness, most probably a secret unhappiness, of his own creating. And I ask him to consider well whether any good purpose will be served by dragging into the open day the particulars of a crime,

Starting point is 14:52:37 the publishing of which cannot injure the dead or benefit the living. It cannot afford him any consolation to think, If my son be alive, that needless suffering will be brought to the door of the innocent. Let him then be merciful and pitiful. Chapter 7. False wife, false friend. Thus abruptly the record closed. to the last written page there were several added as though the writer had more to say and intended to say it but the pages were blank the intention if intention there were had never been carried out

Starting point is 14:53:26 the reading of the record occupied the advocate over an hour and when he had finished he sat gazing upon the manuscript for a quarter of an hour he did not move. Then he rose, not quickly as one would rise who was stirred by a sudden impulse, but slowly, with the air of a man who found a difficulty in arranging his thoughts. With uneven steps he paced the study, to and fro, to and fro, pausing occasionally to handle in an aimless way a rare vase, which he turned about in his hands, and gazed at, and gazed at, with vacant eyes occasionally also he paused before the manuscript and searched in its pages for words which his memory had not correctly retained he did this with a consciousness which forced itself upon him and which he vainly strove to ignore that what he sought was applicable to himself it was not compassion it was not tenderness it was not horror that moved him thus strangely for he was a man who had been but rarely if ever moved as he was at the present time

Starting point is 14:54:48 it was the curious and disquieting associations between the dead man who had written and the living man who had read the record and yet although he could if he had chosen have reasoned this out and have placed it mentally before him in parallel lines his only distinct thought was to avoid the comparison that he was unsuccessful in this did not tend to compose him upon a bracket lay a bronze the model of a woman's hand from the life a beautiful hand slender but shapely it reminded him of his wife he took it from the bracket and examined it and after a little while thus passed the words came involuntarily from his list lips. Perfect, but cold. The spoken words annoyed him. They were the evidence of a lack of self-control. He replaced the bronze hastily, and when he passed it again, would not look at it. Suddenly he left the study and went towards his wife's rooms. He had not proceeded more than half a dozen yards before his purpose, whatever it might have been, was relinquished as swiftly

Starting point is 14:56:17 as it had been formed. He retraced his steps and lingered irresolutely at the door of the study. With an impatient movement of his head, it was the action of a man who wrestled with thoughts, as he would have done with a palpable being. He once more proceeded in the direction of his wife's apartments. At the commencement of the passage which led to the study was a lobby, opening from the principal entrance. A noble staircase in the center of the lobby led to the rooms occupied by Christian Almer and Pierre Lamont. On the same floor as the study, beyond the staircase, were his wife's boudoir and private rooms. This part of the house was but dimly lighted.

Starting point is 14:57:10 One rose lamp only was a light. On the landing above, where the staircase terminated, three lamps in a cluster were burning and shed a soft and clear light around. When he reached the lobby and was about to pass the staircase, the advocate's progress was a reference was arrested by the sound of voices which fell upon his ears. These voices proceeded from the top of the staircase.

Starting point is 14:57:40 He looked up and saw, standing close together, his wife and Christian Alma. Instinctively, he retreated into the deeper shadows and stood there in silence with his eyes fixed upon the figures above him. His wife's hand was resting on Alma's shepherds. shoulder, and her fingers occasionally touched his hair. She was speaking almost in a whisper, and her face was bright and animated. Almer was replying to her in monosyllables, and even in the midst of the torture of this discovery, the advocate observed that the face of his friend wore a

Starting point is 14:58:24 troubled expression. The advocate remembered that his wife had wished him good night before ten o'clock and that when he made the observation that she was retiring early she replied that she was so overpowered with fatigue that she could not keep her eyes open one minute longer and here nearly two hours after this statement he found her conversing clandestinely with his friend in undisguised gaiety of spirits never had he seen her look so happy there was a tender expression in her eyes as she gazed upon christian almer which she had never bestowed upon him from the first days of their courtship a grave dignified courtship in which each was studiously kind and courteous to the other a courtship without romance in which there was no spring a bitter smile rested upon his lips as this remembrance impressed it itself significantly upon him. He watched and waited, motionless as a statue. Midnight struck, and still the couple on the staircase lingered. Presently, however, and manifestly on Almer's urging, Adelaide consented to leave him. Smilingly, she offered him her hand, and held

Starting point is 14:59:55 his for a longer time than friendship warranted. They parted, he ascending to his room, she descending to hers. When she was at the foot of the staircase, she looked up and threw a kiss to Alma, and her face, with the light of the rose lamp upon it, was inexpressively beautiful. The next minute the advocate was alone. He listened for the shutting of the chamber doors. So softly was this. this done both by his friend and his wife, that it was difficult to catch the faint sound.

Starting point is 15:00:36 He smiled again, a bitter smile of confirmation. It was in his legal mind a fatal item of evidence against them. Slowly he returned to his study, and the first act of which he was conscious was that of standing on a certain spot and saying audibly as he looked down, It was here Monsieur Gabriel fell. He knelt upon the carpet and thought that on the boards beneath, even at this distance of time, stains of blood might be discerned, the blood of a treacherous friend. It was impossible for him to control the working of his mind.

Starting point is 15:01:20 impossible to dwell upon the train of thought it was necessary he should follow out before he could decide upon a line of action one o'clock two o'clock struck and he was still in this condition all he could think of was the fate of monsieur gabriel and over and over again he muttered it was here he fell it was here he fell it was here he fell. There was a harmony in the storm which raged without. The peals of thunder, the lightning flashing through the windows, were in consonance with his mood. He knew that he was standing on the brink of a fatal precipice. "'Which would be best?' he asked mentally of himself, that lightning should destroy three beings in this unhappy house, or that the routine of a nine-day-s-wonder should be allowed to take its course. All that is wanting to complete the wreck

Starting point is 15:02:28 would be some evidence to damn me in connection with Gautran and the unhappy girl he fouly murdered. As if an answer to his thought, he heard a distinct tapping on one of his study windows. He hailed it with eagerness. Anything in the shape of action was welcome to, him. He stepped to the window, and drawing up the blind, saw darkly the form of a man without. "'Whom do you seek?' he asked.

Starting point is 15:03:03 "'You,' was the answer. "'Your mission must be an urgent one,' said the advocate, throwing up the window. "'Is it murder or robbery?' "'Neither. Something of far greater importance.' concerning me most vitally concerning you indeed then i should welcome you with strange recklessness he held out his hand to assist his visitor into the room the man accepted the assistance and climbing over the window-sill sprang into the study he was bloody and splashed from head to foot with mud have you a name inquired the advocate naturally favor me with it john van brue end of book six end of section twenty nine section thirty of the house of the white shadows this libervox recording is in the public domain the house of the white shadows by b l fargen section thirty book

Starting point is 15:04:33 7, Chapter 1. Book 7, Retribution, Chapter 1, John Van Brue and the Advocate. A stormy night to seek you out, said John Van Brue, and to renew an old friendship. Stop there, interrupted the advocate. I admit no idea of a renewal of friendship between us. You reject my friendship? asked Van Brue. wiping the blood and dirt from his face. Distinctly. So be it. Our interview shall be conducted without a thought of friendship,

Starting point is 15:05:17 though some reference to the old days cannot be avoided. I make no apology for presenting myself in this condition. Man can no more rule the storm than he can the circumstances of his life. I have run some distance through the rain, and I have been attacked and almost killed. You perceive that I am exhausted, yet you do not offer me wine. You have it, I know, in that snug cupboard there. May I help myself?

Starting point is 15:05:49 Thank you. Ah, there's a smack of youth in this liquor. It is life to one who has passed through such dangers as have encompassed me. You received my letter asking for an interview? I gave it myself into your hands in the last evening of the trial. I received it, yet you were unwilling to accord me an interview. I had no desire to meet you again. It was ungrateful of you, for it is upon your own business, yours and no other man's,

Starting point is 15:06:27 that I wished to speak with you. It was cold work out on the hill yonder, watching the lights, in your study window, watching for the simple waving of a handkerchief, which would mean infinitely more to you than to me, as you will presently confess. Dereary cold work, not likely to put a man like myself in an amiable mood. I am not on good terms with the world, as you may plainly perceive. I have had rough times since the days you deemed it no disgrace to shake hands with me. i have sunk very low by easy descents you have risen to a giddy height i wonder whether you have ever feared the fall men as great as you have met with such a misfortune things do not last forever edward pardon me it was a slip of the tongue do you come to beg no for a reason if i came on such an errand i might spare my

Starting point is 15:07:33 myself the trouble. Likely enough, said the advocate, who was too well acquainted with human nature not to be convinced, from Van Brue's manner, that his was no idle visit. You were never renowned for your charities, and on the other hand, I am poor, but I am not a beggar. I am frank enough to tell you I would prefer to steal. It is more independent, and not half so disgraceful. it may happen that the world will take an interest in a thief but never in a beggar is it to favor me with your philosophies that you pay me this visit i should be the veriest adult no i will air my opinions when i am rich

Starting point is 15:08:22 you intend poor as you confess yourself to become rich with your help old friend not with my help you will receive none from me you are mistaken forgive me for the contradiction but i speak on shore ground ah how i have heard you spoken of with what admiration and esteem almost with awe by some your talents of themselves could not have won this universal eulogy it is your spotless character that has set the seal upon your fame there is not a stain upon it you have no weaknesses no blemishes you are absolutely pure other men have something to conceal some family difficulty some domestic disgrace some slip in the path of virtue which were it known would turn the current against them but against you there is not a breath scandal has never soiled you in this lies the strength of your position in this lies its danger let shame with cause point its finger at you old friend the result is unpleasant to contemplate for when a man such as you falls he does not fall gradually he topples over suddenly and to-day he is as low in the gutter as yesterday he was high in the clouds you have said enough i do not care to listen to you further the tone you assume is offensive to me such as I would brook from no man. You can go the way you came. And with a scornful gesture,

Starting point is 15:10:15 the advocate pointed to the window. When I inform you which way I came, said Van Brue with easy insolence, you will not be so ready to tell me to leave you before you learn the errand which brought me. Which way then did you come? asked the advocate in a tone of contempt. the way ghatran came somewhat earlier than this it is true but not earlier than midnight the advocate grasped the back of a chair it was a slight action but sufficient to show that he was taken off his guard you know that he said i i know that and also that you feasted him and gave him money are you accomplices you two names If so, I have at present the best of the bargain. But your surmise is not made with shrewdness. I never set eyes on Gautran until after he was pronounced innocent of the murder of Madeline.

Starting point is 15:11:22 Of that night, I, shall we say, providentially, made his acquaintance. You have met him since then? Yes, this very night. Our interview was one never to be forgotten. Come, I have been frank with you. I have used no disguises. I say to you honestly, The world has gone hard with me.

Starting point is 15:11:49 I have known want and privation, and I am in a state of destitution. That is a condition of affairs sufficient, not only to depress a man's spirits, but to make him disgusted with the world and mankind. I have, however, still some capacity for enjoyment left in me, and I would give the world another trial, not as a penniless rogue, but as a gentleman. Hard to accomplish, observed the advocate with a cynical smile.

Starting point is 15:12:23 Not with a full purse. No music like the jingling of gold, and the world will dance to the tune. Well, I present myself to you and ask you, who are rich and can spare what will be the making of me, to hand me from your full store as much as will convert a poor devil into a respectable member of society. I appreciate your confidence. I leave you to supply the answer. You will give me nothing? Nothing.

Starting point is 15:12:58 mind, I do not ask it of your charity. I ask it of your prudence. It will be worth your while. That has to be proved. Good. We have made a commencement. Your reputation is worth much, in sober truth, as much as it has brought you. But I am not greedy. It lies at my mercy, and I shall be content with a share. that is generous of you said the advocate who by this time had regained his composure but i warn you my patience is beginning to be exhausted only beginning that is well i advise you to keep a tight rein over it and to ask yourself whether it is likely considering the difference of our positions that i should be here talking in this bold tone unless i held a power over you i put it to you as a lawyer of eminence there is reason in what you say let me see what have i to sell the security of your reputation the power to prevent your name being uttered with horror your fame your honor yes i have quite that to dispose of and as a man of business which i never was until now i recognized

Starting point is 15:14:28 the importance of being precise. First, I have to sell my knowledge that, after midnight, you received Gautran in your study, that you treated him as a friend, and filled his pockets with gold. How much is that worth? Nothing. My word against his, against yours, against a hundred such as you and he. You would deny it?

Starting point is 15:14:56 assuredly to protect myself as he made this answer it seemed to the advocate as if the principle of honor by which his actions had been guided until within the last few days were slipping from him and as if the vilest wretch that breathed had a right to call him his equal we will pass that by said van brue helping himself to whine really your wine is exquisite in some respects you are a man to be envied it is worth much to a man not only to possess the best of everything the world can give but to know that he has the means and the power to purchase it with that consciousness within him he walks with his head in the air you used to be fond of discussing these niceties i had no taste for them i left the i left the deeper subtleties of life to those of thinner blood than mine pleasure was more in my way and will be again you are wandering from the point said the advocate there is a meaning in everything i say i will clip my wings your word against a hundred men such as i and gotran i am afraid you are right we are vagabonds you are a gentleman you are a gentleman so then my knowledge of the fact that you treated gautran as a friend after you had procured his acquittal is worth nothing admitted but put that knowledge and the fact in connection with another and a sterner knowledge and fact that you knew gautran to be guilty of the murder how then does it begin to assume a value your silence gives me hopes that my visit will not be fruitless

Starting point is 15:16:53 between men who once were equals and friends and who after a lapse of years come together as we have come together now candor is a useful attribute let us exercise it i am not here on your account nor do i hold you in such regard that i would trouble myself to move a finger to save your reputation the master i am working for is self the end i am working for is self the end i am working for is an easy life, a life of pleasure. This accomplished by your aid, I have nothing more to do with you or your affairs. The business is an unpleasant one, and I shall be glad to forget it. Refuse what I ask, and you will sink lower than I have ever sunk. There are actions which the world will forgive in the ignorant, but not in men of ripe intellect. He paused, and gazed negligently at the advocate, who, during the latter part of Van Brue's speech, was considering the dangers of his position.

Starting point is 15:18:03 The secret of Gautran's guilt belonged not alone to himself in Gautran. This man, Van Brue, had been admitted into it, and he was an enemy more to be dreaded than Gatran. He saw his peril, and that he unconsciously acknowledged it to be imminent, was proved by the thought which intruded itself, against his will, as it seemed, whether it would be wise to buy Van Brue off, to purchase his silence. "'It is easy,' he said, "'to invent tales. "'You and a dozen men, in conjunction with the monster Gautran.'

Starting point is 15:18:44 "'As you say,' interrupted Van Brue, gently nodding his head, "'the monster Gautran.' but why should you call him so unless you knew him to be guilty were you assured of his innocence you would speak of him pityingly as one undeservedly oppressed and persecuted the monster got tran thank you it is an admission may invent continued the advocate not heeding the interruption but impressed by its logic may invent any horrible tale you please of any man you please the difficulty will be to get the world to believe it exactly but in this case there is no difficulty although the murderer be dead gotran dead exclaimed the advocate surprised out of the murderer be dead surprised out of himself gotran was dead encompassed as he was by danger and treachery the news was a relief to him yes dead replied van brue purposely assuming a careless tone did i not tell you before singular that it should have escaped me but i have so much to say and in my brightest hours i was always losing the sequence of things.

Starting point is 15:20:13 And you, said the advocate, meeting this man by chance, pardon me, I asked you whether I should consider our meeting providential. It matters not. You meeting this man, come to me after his death, for the purpose of extracting money from me. You will fail. I shall succeed. You killed Gatran and want money to you.

Starting point is 15:20:41 to escape. No, he was killed by a higher agency, and I want no money to escape. You will hear tomorrow how he met his death, for all the towns and villages will be ringing with it. I continue. Say that Gatran, at the point of death, made a dying confession, on oath, not only of his guilt, but of your knowledge of it when you defended him. Say that his confession existed in writing, duly signed. Would that paper, in conjunction with what I have already offered for sale, be worth your purchase? Take time to consider. You are dealing with a man in desperate circumstances, one who, if you drive him to it, will pull you down, high as you are. You will help me, old friend. It may be. Have you possession of the paper you see? You, have you possession of the paper you

Starting point is 15:21:40 speak of? I have. Would you like to hear it? Yes. Van Brue moved, so that a table was between him and the advocate, and taking Gautran's confession from his pocket, read in a clear voice, I, Gautran the Woodman, lately tried for the murder of Madeline the flower girl, being now at the point of death, and conscious that I have only a few minutes to live, and being also in the full possession of my reason, hereby make oath and swear that being thrown into prison awaiting my trial,

Starting point is 15:22:21 I believed there was no escape from the doom I justly merited for the reason that I was guilty of the murder. That some days before my trial was to take place, the advocate who defended me voluntarily undertook to prove to my judges that I was innocent of the crime I committed, that with this full knowledge, he conducted my case with such ability that I was set free and pronounced innocent,

Starting point is 15:22:51 that on the night of my acquittal, after midnight had struck, and when every person but himself in the house of white shadows was asleep, I secretly visited him in his study and remained with him for some time, that he gave me food and food, and money and bade me go my way that i am ignorant of the motives which induced him to whom i was a perfect stranger to deliberately defeat the ends of justice that the proof that he knew me to be guilty lies in the fact that i made a full confession to him to which i solemnly swear being about to appear before a just god to answer for my crime i pray for forgiveness and mercy signed gotran without comment john van brue folded the paper and replaced it carefully in his pocket the confession may be forged said the advocate

Starting point is 15:23:53 gottran's signature said van brue will refute such a charge he could write only his name and documents can certainly be found bearing his signature which can be compared with this with that document in your possession said the advocate speaking very slowly are you not afraid to be here with me alone knowing if it state the truth how much i have at stake at stake excellent exclaimed van brue what likenesses there are in human nature and how thin the line that divides the base from the noble afraid no for if you lay a hand upon me for whom you are no more than a match i will rouse the house and denounce you restrain yourself and hear me out i have that to say which will prove to you the necessity if you have the slightest regard for your honor of dealing handsomely with me it relates to the girl whose murderer you set free to madeline the flower girl and to yourself End of Section 30. Section 31 of the House of the White Shadows. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 15:25:27 The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Fargen. Section 31. Book 7, Chapter 2. Chapter 2. A Terrible Revelation. Without requesting permission, John Van Brue filled his glass with one. wine, which he drank leisurely with his eyes fixed on the advocate's pale face the while. When he spoke, it did not escape the advocate that he seemed to fling aside the flippancy of manner which had hitherto characterized him, and that his voice was unusually earnest. "'I do not ask you to excuse me,' he said, for recalling the memory of a time when you did

Starting point is 15:26:13 not despise my companionship. It is necessary for my purpose. We were indeed more than companions. We were friends. What it was that made you consort with me is just now a mystery to me. The contrast in our characters may have tempted you. I, a careless, light-hearted fellow, who love to enjoy the hours, you, a serious, cold-hearted student, dreaming, perhaps of the position you have attained. It may be that you deliberately made a study of me to see what use you could make of my weakness. However it was, I lived in the present, you in the future. The case is now reversed, and it is I who live in the future. I have said you are cold-hearted, and I do not suppose you will trouble yourself to deny it. Such as you

Starting point is 15:27:11 are formed to rise, while we impulsive reckless devils are pretty sure to tumble in the mud. But I never had such a fall as you were threatened with. And scapegrace, vagabond as I am, I am thankful not to have on my conscience what you have on yours. Now, for certain facts. I contemplated, no, I mistake. I never contemplated. I settled to go on a tour.

Starting point is 15:27:41 for a few weeks, and scramble through bits of France, Switzerland, and Italy. You will remember my mentioning it to you. Yes, I see in your face that you are following me, and I shall feel obliged by your correcting me if in my statement of facts I should happen to trip. The story I am telling needs no effort of the imagination to embellish it. It is in its bare aspect sufficiently ghastly and cruel. When I was about to start on my tour, you, of your own accord, offered to accompany me. You had been studying too hard, and a wise doctor recommended you to rest for a while, if you did not care to have brain fever, and also recommended you to seek new scenes in the company of a cheerful friend whose light spirits would be a good medicine for an overworked brain.

Starting point is 15:28:37 You took the doctor's advice, and you did me the honor to choose me for a companion. So we started on our little tour of pleasure. To shorten what I have to say, I will not dwell upon the details of our jaunt, but I fix myself with you at Zermat, where we stayed for three weeks. The attraction, what was it? The green valleys, the grandeur of the scenery? No, a woman. More correctly speaking, two women. Young, lovely, inexperienced, innocent. Daughters of a peasant, whose cottage door was always open to us, and who was by no means unwilling

Starting point is 15:29:24 to receive small presence of money from liberal gentlemen like ourselves. Again, I slip details. The story becomes trite. We captivated the hearts of the simple, peasant maidens, and amused ourselves with them. In me, that was natural. It was my way. But in you, this circumstance was something to be astonished at. For just as long as you remained at Zermat, you were a transformed being. I don't think, until that time, I had ever heard you laugh heartily. Well, suddenly you disappeared. Getting up one morning, I found that. I found that you, that my friend had deserted me. It was shabby behavior at the best. However, it did not seriously trouble me. Every man has his own master, and I think we were beginning to tire a little of each

Starting point is 15:30:21 other. It was awkward, though, to be asked by one of our pretty peasant friends, where my handsome friend had gone, and when he would return, and not be able to give a sensible answer. This girl, who had been in your presence always bright and joyous and happy, grew sad and quiet and anxious-looking in your absence, and appeared to have a secret on her mind that was making her wretched. I stayed on at Zermat for another month, and then I bade goodbye to my sweetheart, promising to come again in a year.

Starting point is 15:31:00 I kept my promise, but when I asked for her in Zermat, Zermat, I heard that she was dead, and that her sister and father had left the village and had gone no one knew with her. It will be as well for me here to remind you that during our stay in Zermat we gave no home address, and that no one knew where we came from or where we lived. So prudent were we, that we acted as if we were ashamed of our names. Three years afterwards, in another part of Switzerland, I met the woman to whom you had made love. She had lost her father, but was not without a companion. She had a little daughter, your child.

Starting point is 15:31:48 A lie, said the advocate, with difficulty controlling himself. A monstrous fabrication. A solemn truth, replied Van Brue, verified by the mother's oath and the certificate of birth. To dispute it will be a waste of breath and time. Hear me to the end. The mother had but one anxiety, to forget you and your treachery, and to be able to live so that her shame should be concealed. To accomplish this, it was necessary that she should live among strangers, and it was for this reason she had left her native village. She asked me about you, and I, well, I played your game. I told her you had gone to a distant part of the world, and that I knew

Starting point is 15:32:40 nothing of you. We were still friends, you and I, although our friendship was cooling. When I next saw you, I had it in my mind to relate the circumstances to you, but you will remember that just at that time you took it into your head to put an end to our intimacy. We had a few words, I think, and you were pleased to tell me that you disapproved of my habits of life, and that you intended we should henceforth be strangers. I was not in an amiable mood when I left you, and I resolved, on the first opportunity, to seek the woman you had brought to shame

Starting point is 15:33:22 and advise her to take such steps against you as would bring disgrace to your door. It would be paying you in your own coin, I thought. however good fortune stood your friend at that time my own difficulties or pleasures or both combined claimed my attention and occupied me for many months and when next i went to the village in which i had last seen your peasant sweetheart and your child they were not to be found i made inquiries but could learn nothing of them so i gave it up as a bad job and forgot all about the matter. Since then very many years have passed, and I sank and sank, and you rose and rose.

Starting point is 15:34:15 We did not meet again, but I confess when I used to read accounts of your triumphs and your rising fame, that I would not have neglected an opportunity to have done you an ill turn had it been in my power. I was at the lowest ebb, everything was against me, and I was wondering how I should manage to extricate myself from the desperate position into which bad luck had driven me, when, not many weeks since, I met in the

Starting point is 15:34:45 streets of Geneva two women. They were hawking nosegays, and the moment I set eyes upon the elder of these women, I recognized in her your old sweetheart from Zermat. You appear to be faint, Will I pause a while before I continue?" "'No,' said the advocate, and he drank with feverish eagerness two glasses of wine. "'Go on to the end.' "'It was your sweetheart from Zermat and no other, and the younger of these women, one of the loveliest creatures I ever beheld, was known as Madeline, the flower girl.' the advocate with a sudden movement turned his chair so that his face was hidden from van brue they were poor and i was poor

Starting point is 15:35:39 if what i suspected when i gazed at madeline was correct i saw not only an opportunity for revenge upon you but a certainty of being able to obtain money from you the secret to such a man as you married to a young and beautiful woman was worth a fair sum, which I resolved should be divided between Pauline, that was the name adopted by the mother of your child, and myself. You cannot accuse me of want of frankness. I discovered where they lived. I had a secret speech with Pauline. My suspicion was no longer a suspicion. It was a fact. Madeline, the flower girl, was your daughter. he paused but the advocate made no movement and did not speak how continued van brue to turn that fact to advantage how and in what way to make it worth a sum sufficiently large to satisfy me that was what now occupied my thoughts madeline and her mother were even poorer than i supposed and from pauline's lips did i hear how anxious she was to remove her daughter from the temptations by which she was surrounded in dealing with you i knew it was necessary to be well prepared you are a powerful antagonist to cope with and one must have sure cards in his hand to have even a chance of winning any game he's playing with such a man as yourself

Starting point is 15:37:21 pauline and i spoke frequently together and gradually i unfolded to her the plan i had resolved upon without disclosing your name i told her sufficiently to convince her that by my aid she might obtain a sum of money from the man who had wronged her which would enable her to place herself and her daughter in a safer position a position in which a girl as beautiful as madeline would almost certainly meet with a lover of good social position whom she would marry and with whom she would lead a happy life Thus would she escape the snare into which she herself fell when she met you. This was the mother's dream. Satisfied that I could guide her to this end, Pauline signed an agreement, which is in my possession, by which she bound herself to pay me half the money she obtained from you

Starting point is 15:38:23 in compensation for your wrong. Only one thing was to remain untouched by her and me, a sum which i resolved to obtain from you as a marriage portion for your daughter probably under other circumstances you would not have given me credit for so much consideration but viewed in the light of the position in which you are placed you may believe me if you doubt it i can show you the claws in black and white this being settled between pauline and me i told her who you were how rich you were how famous you had grown and how that you had lately married a young and beautiful woman the affairs of a man as eminent as yourself are public property and the newspapers delight in recording every particular be it ever so trivial connected with the lives of men of your rank it was then necessary to ascertain what proof we held that you were the father of madeline our visit to zermat could be proved her oath and mine in connection with dates would suffice then there would in all likelihood be living in zermat men and women whose testimony would be valuable the great point was was the birth of the child and the date, and to my discomfiture, I learnt that Pauline had lost

Starting point is 15:39:58 the certificate of her daughter's birth. But the record existed elsewhere, and it was to obtain a copy of this record, and to collect other evidence, that Pauline left her daughter. Her mission was a secret one, necessarily, and thus no person, not even Madeline, had any knowledge of its purport. What now remains to be told? Nothing that you do not know, except that when Pauline left her daughter for a few weeks, it was arranged that she and I should meet in Geneva on a certain date to commence our plan of operations, and that I, having business elsewhere, was a couple of hundred miles away when Gautran murdered your hapless child.

Starting point is 15:40:48 I arrived in Geneva on the last day of Gautran's trial, and on that evening, as you came out of the courthouse, I placed in your hands the letter asking you to give me an interview. I will say nothing of my feelings when I heard that you had successfully defended and had set free, the murderer of your child. What I had to look after was myself and my own interest. and now you who at the beginning of this interview rejected a renewal of the old friendship which existed between us may probably inwardly acknowledge that had you accepted the hand i offered you it is not i who would have been the gainer again he paused and again neither by word or movement did the advocate break the silence it will be as well presently said van bruce

Starting point is 15:41:48 to recapitulate what I have to sell. First, the fact that you, a man of spotless character, so believed, deliberately betrayed a simple, innocent girl, and then deserted her. Inconceivable, the world would say, in such a man, unless the proofs were incontestable. The proofs are incontestable. Next, the birth of your child, and your brutal, pardon me, there is no other word to express it, and it is one which would be freely used, negligence to ascertain whether your conduct had brought open shame and ruin upon the girl you

Starting point is 15:42:31 betrayed. Next, the knowledge of the life of poverty and suffering led by the mother and the child while you were in the possession of great wealth. Next, the murder of your child by a man whose name is uttered with execration. Next, your voluntary espousal of his cause, and your successful defense of a monster whom all men knew to be guilty of the foul crime. Next, your knowledge, at the time you defended him, that he was guilty of the murder of your own child.

Starting point is 15:43:10 Next, in corroboration of this knowledge, the dying declaration of Gautrand, solemnly sworn to and signed by him a strong hand no stronger has ever been held by any man's enemy and until you came to my terms i am your enemy if you refuse to purchase of me what i have to sell the documents in my possession and my sacred silence to the last day of my life upon the matters which affect you and for such a sum as will make my future an easy one i give you my word i will use my power against you and will drag you down from the height upon which you stand i cannot speak in more distinct terms you can rescue me from poverty i can rescue you from ignominy the advocate turned his face to van brue who saw that in the few minutes during which it had been hidden from his sight it had assumed a hue of deadly whiteness all the sternness had departed from it and the cold piercing eyes wavered as they looked first at van brough then at the objects in the study it was as though the advocate were gazing for the first time upon the familiar things by which he was surrounded strange to say this change in him seemed to make him him more human, seemed to declare,

Starting point is 15:44:47 stern and cold-hearted as I have appeared to the world, I am susceptible to tenderness. The mask had fallen from his face, and he stood now revealed, a man with human passions and human weaknesses, to whom a fatal sin in his younger days had brought a retribution as awful as it ever was the lot of a human being to suffer.

Starting point is 15:45:14 there was something pitiable in this new presentment of a strong earnest self-confident nature and even van brue was touched by it during the last half-hour the full force of the storm had burst over the house of white shadows the rain poured down with terrific power and the thunder shook the building to its foundations the advocate listened with the singular and curious intentness to the terrible sounds and when van brue remarked a fearful night he smiled in reply but it was the smile of a man whose heart was tortured to the extreme limits of human endurance once again he filled a glass with wine and raised it to his mouth but as the liquor touched his lips he shuddered and holding the glass upright in his hand he turned it slowly over and poured it on the ground then with much gentleness what has become of the woman you speak of as pauline he asked his very voice was changed it was such as would proceed from one who had been prostrated by long and almost mortal sickness i do not know replied van brue i have neither seen nor heard from her since the day before she left her daughter say that i was disposed said the advocate speaking very slowly and pausing occasionally as though he was apprehensive that he would lose control of speech To purchase your silence, do you think I should be safe in the event of her appearing on the scene?

Starting point is 15:47:04 Would not her despair urge her to seek revenge upon the man who betrayed and deserted her and who set her daughter's murderer free? It might be so, but at all events she would be ignorant of your knowledge of Gautran's guilt. This danger at least would be averted. The secret is our to be. at present, and ours only. True, you believe that I knew Gautran to be guilty when I defended him? I am forced to believe it.

Starting point is 15:47:39 Explain otherwise why you permitted him to visit you secretly in the dead of night, and why you filled his pockets with gold. It cannot be explained, yet what motive could I have had in setting him free? It is not for me to say. What I know, I know. I pretend to know nothing further. Do you suppose I care for money? As the advocate asked the question,

Starting point is 15:48:11 he opened a drawer in the escritoir and produced a roll of notes. Take them. They are yours. But I do not purchase your silence with them. I give the money to you as a gift. and i thank you for it but i must have more wait wait this story of yours has yet to be concluded is it my fancy said van brue or is it a real sound i hear the ringing of a bell and now a beating at the gates without and a man's voice calling loudly without hesitation the advocate went from his study into the grounds the fury of the storm made it difficult for him to keep his feet but he succeeded in reaching the gate and opening it a hand grasped his and a man clung to him for support

Starting point is 15:49:09 the advocate could not see the face of his visitor nor although he heard a voice speaking to him did the words of the answer fall upon his ears staggering blindly through the grounds they arrived at the door of the villa and stumbled into the passage there by the aid of the rose lamp which hung in the hall he distinguished the features of his visitor it was father capelle have you come to see me asked the advocate or are you seeking shelter from the storm i have come to see you replied father capelle I hardly hope to find you up but perceived lights in your study windows, and they gave me confidence to make the attempt to speak with you. I have been beating at the gates for fully half an hour. He spoke in his usual gentle tones, and gazed at the advocate's white face with a look of kindly and pitying penetration. You are wet to the skin, said the advocate. I must find a change of clothing for you.

Starting point is 15:50:23 No, my son, said the priest. I need none. It is not the storm without, I dread. It is the storm within. As though desirous this remark should sink into the advocate's heart, he paused a few moments before he spoke again. I fear this storm of nature will do much harm. Trees are being uprooted,

Starting point is 15:50:49 buildings thrown down. There is danger of a flood which may devastate the village and bring misery to the poor. But there is a gracious God above us, he looked up reverently, and if a man's conscience is clear, all is well. There is a significance in the words you utter, said the advocate, conducting the priest to a study, which impresses me. Your mission is an important one, most important it concerns the soul not the body a friend of mine said the advocate pointing to van brue who was standing when they entered who has visited me to-night for the first time for many years on a mission as grave as yours it was he who heard your voice at the gates father capelle inclined his head to van brue who returned the courtesy i wish to confer with you privately said the priest it will be best that we should be alone nay said the advocate you may speak freely in his presence i have but one secret from him and all men i beg you to proceed end of section thirty one section thirty two of the house of the white shadows this librivox recording is in the public domain the house of the white shadows by b l fargen section thirty two book

Starting point is 15:52:35 chapter three through five chapter three pauline i have no choice but to obey you said father capell for time presses and a life is hanging in the balance i should have been here before had it not been that my duty called me most awfully and suddenly to a man who has been smitten to death by the hand of god the man you defended gottran charged with the murder of of an innocent girl is dead. Of him, I may not speak at present. Deathbed confessions are sacred, and apart from that, not even in the presence of your dearest friend, can I say one further word

Starting point is 15:53:22 concerning the sinner whose soul is now before its creator? I came to you from a dying woman, who is known by the name of Pauline. Both Van Brue and the Advocate started at the mention of the name. fate is merciful said the advocate in a low tone its blows are sharp and swift before i left her i promised to bring you to her to-morrow continued the priest but providence which directed me to gottran in his dying moments impels me to break that promise she may die before to-morrow and she has that to say which vitally concerns you and which you must hear if she has strength enough to speak i ask you to come with me to her without a moment's delay through this storm which has been sent as a visitation for human crime

Starting point is 15:54:20 i am ready to accompany you said the advocate and i said van brue no said the priest only he and i who you are i do not seek to know but you cannot accompany us remain here said the advocate to van brue when i return i will hide nothing from you now father capel it was not possible for them to engage in conversation the roaring of the wind prevented a word from being heard for mutual safety they clasped hands and proceeded on their way they encountered many dangers but escaped them torrents of water poured down from the ranges great branches snapped from the trees and fell across their path the valleys were in places knee-deep in water and occasionally they fancied they heard cries of human distress in the distance if the priest had not been perfectly familiar with the locality they would not have arrived at their destination but he guided his companion through the storm and they stood at length before the cottage in which pauline lay father capelle lifted the latch and pulled the advocate after him into the room there were but two apartments in the cottage pauline lay in the room at the back in a corner of the room in which they found themselves a man lay asleep his wife was sitting in a chair watching and waiting she rose wearily as the priest and the advocate entered

Starting point is 15:56:08 i am glad you have come father she said she has been very restless and once she gave a shriek like a death shriek which curdled my blood she woke and frightened my child she pointed to a baby girl scarcely eighteen months old who was lying by her father with her eyes wide open the child startled by the entrance of strangers ran to her mother who took her on her life lap, saying petulantly, "'There, there, be quiet. The gentleman won't hurt you.' "'Is Pauline awake now?' asked Father Capel. The woman went to the inner room and returned. "'She is sleeping,' she said, and is very quiet. Father Capel beckoned to the advocate, who followed him to the bedside of the dying woman.

Starting point is 15:57:05 She lay so still that the priest lowered his head to hers to ascertain whether she was breathing. Life appears to be ebbing away, he whispered to the advocate. She may die in her sleep. Quiet as she was, there was no peace in her face. An expression of exquisite suffering rested on it. The sign of suffering, denoting how sorely her heart had been wrung, caused the advocate's lips to quiver.

Starting point is 15:57:36 it is i who have brought her to this he thought but for me she would not be lying in a dying state before me he was tortured not only by remorse but by a terror of himself notwithstanding that so many years had passed since he last gazed upon her she was not so much changed that he did not recognize in her the blooming peasant girl of zermat since then he had won honor and renown and the admiration and esteem of men the best that life could offer was his or had been his until the fatal day upon which he resolved to undertake the defense of gottran and now how stood the account he was the accomplice of the murderer of his own child the mother of his child was dying and suffering his wife was false to him his one friend had betrayed him the monument of greatness he had raised had crumbled away and in a very little while the world would know him for what he was his bitterest enemy could not have held him in deeper despisal than he held himself you recognize her said the priest yes and her child madeline was yours i am fain to believe it said the advocate but the proof is not too clear the proof is there said the priest pointing to pauline she has sworn it do you think knowing that death's door is open for her to enter knowing that her child the only being she loved on earth is waiting for her in the eternal land that she would by swearing falsely

Starting point is 15:59:33 and with no end in view that could possibly benefit herself imperil the salvation of her soul it is opposed to human reason it is i am forced to believe what i would give my life to know was false unhappy man unhappy man said the priest sinking on his knees i will pray for you and for the woman whose life you blighted the advocate did not join the priest in prayer his stern sense of justice restrained him the punishment he had brought upon himself he would bear as best he might and he would not inflict upon himself the shameful humiliation of striving to believe that by prayers and tears he could suddenly atone for a crime as terrible as that of which he was guilty father capel he said when the priest rose from his knees from what you have said i gather that the man gotran made confession to you before he died i do not seek to know what that confession was but with absolute certainty i can divine its nature the man you saw in my study brought to me gottran's dying declaration signed by gottran himself which charges me with a crime so horrible that, were I guilty of it, laden as I am with the consequences of a sin which I do not repudiate, I should deserve the worst punishment. Are you aware of the existence

Starting point is 16:01:14 of this document? I hear of its existence now for the first time, replied the priest. When I left the bedside of this unhappy woman, and while I was wending my way home through the storm, I heard cries and screams for help on a hill near the House of White Shadows, as though two men were engaged in a deadly struggle. I proceeded in the direction of the conflict, and discovered only Gautran, who had been crushed to the earth by the falling of a tree which had been split by the storm. He admitted that he and another man were fighting, and that the design was murder. I made it. search, both then and afterwards, for the other man, but did not succeed in finding him.

Starting point is 16:02:05 I left Gautran for the purpose of obtaining assistance to extricate him, for the tree had fallen across his body, and he could not move. When I returned he was dead, and some gold which he had asked me to take from his pocket was gone, an indication that during my absence human hands had been busy about him. If Gautran's dying declaration be authentic, it must have been obtained while I was away to seek for assistance. I can peace the circumstances, said the advocate. The man you saw in my study was the man who was engaged in the struggle with Gautran. It was he who obtained the confession, and he who stole the gold. In that confession I am charged with undertaking the defense of Gautran with the knowledge that he was guilty. It is not true.

Starting point is 16:03:04 When I defended him, I believed him to be innocent, and if he made a similar declaration to you, he has gone to his account with a black lie upon his soul. That will not clear me, I know, and I do not mention it to you for the purpose of exciting your pity for me. It is simply because it is just that you should hear my denial of the charge, and it is also just that you should hear something more. Up to the hour of Gautran's acquittal, I believed him, degraded and vile as he was, to be innocent of the murder, but that night, as I was walking to the house of white shadows, I met Gautran, who, in the darkness, supposing me to be a stranger, would have robbed me, and probably taken my life.

Starting point is 16:03:57 I made myself known to him, and he, overcome with terror at the imaginary shadow of his victim, which his remorse and ignorance had conjured up, voluntarily confessed to me that he was guilty. My error, call it by what strange name you will, dated from that moment. Knowing that the public voice was against me,

Starting point is 16:04:21 I had not the honesty to take the wrong, right course. But if I, he added, with a gloomy recollection of his wife and friend, had not by my own act rendered valueless the fruits of a life of earnest endeavor, it would have been done for me by those in whom I placed a sacred trust. For several hours, Father Capelan the advocate remained by the bedside of Pauline, who lay unconscious, as if indeed, as the priest had said, life was ebbing away in her sleep. The storm continued and increased in intensity,

Starting point is 16:05:01 and had it not been that the little hut which sheltered them was protected by the position in which it stood, it would have been swept away by the wind. From time to time, the peasant gave them particulars of the devastation created by the floods, which were rushing in torrents from every hill, but their duty chained them to the bedside of Paul Ler. An hour before noon she opened her eyes, and they rested upon the face of the advocate.

Starting point is 16:05:32 "'You have come,' she sighed. He knelt by the bed and addressed her, but it was with difficulty he caught the word she spoke. Death was very near. "'Was Madeline my daughter?' he asked. "'Yes,' answered Pauline, as I am about to appear before my mother. my God. The effort exhausted her, and she lay still for many minutes. Then her hand feebly sought her pillow, and the advocate, perceiving that she wished to obtain something from under it, searched and found a small packet. He knew immediately, when she motioned that she desired him to retain it, that it

Starting point is 16:06:17 contained the certificate of his daughter's birth. The priest prayed audibly for the departing soul. Pauline's lips moved. The advocate placed his ear close. She breathed the words, We shall meet again soon. Pray for forgiveness. Then death claimed her, and her earthly sorrows were ended. Chapter 4. Onward to death. Late in the afternoon, the advocate was stumbling, almost blind. finally through the tempest towards the house of white shadows father capelle had striven in vain to dissuade him from making the attempt to reach the villa there is safety only in the sheltered heights said the priest by this time the valleys are submerged and the dwellings therein are being swept away ah me ah me how many of my poor are ruined how many dead not in my experience have i seen a storm as terrible as this it is sent as a warning and a punishment only the strongest houses in the villages that lie in the valleys will be able to withstand its fury

Starting point is 16:07:41 be persuaded and remain here until its force is spent he spoke to one who was deaf to reason it seemed to the advocate as though the end of his life had come as though his hold upon the world might at any moment be sapped but while he yet lived there was before him a task which it was incumbent upon him to perform it was imperative that he should have speech with his wife and christian almer i have work to do he said to the priest and it must be done to-day an unaccustomed note in his voice caused father capel to regard him with even a more serious attention than he had hitherto bestowed upon him there are men said the priest who when sudden misfortune overtakes them adopt a desperate expedient to put an end to all-worldly trouble and thus add sin to sin to sin to sin sin. Have no fear for me, said the advocate. I am not contemplating suicide. What fate has in store for me I will meet without repining. You caution me against the storm, yet I perceive you yourself are preparing to face it. I go to my duty, said the priest. And I to mine, rejoined the advocate. Thus they parted, each going his separate way.

Starting point is 16:09:14 The advocate had not calculated the difficulties he was to encounter. His progress was slow, and he had to make wide detours on the road, and frequently to retrace his steps for a considerable distance, in order to escape being swept to death by the floods. From the ranges all around the village in which the House of White Shadows was situated, the water was pouring in torrents, which swirled furiously through the lower heights, carrying almost certain destruction to those who had not already availed themselves of the chances of escape. Terrific as was the tempest, he took no heat of it. It was not the storm of nature,

Starting point is 16:09:59 but the storm within his soul which absorbed him. He met villagers on the road flying for safety, With terror-struck movements they hurried past, men, women, and children, uttering cries of alarm at the visitation. Now and then, one and another called upon him to turn back. If you proceed, they said, you will be engulfed in the rapids. Turn back if you wish to live.

Starting point is 16:10:30 He did not answer them, but doggedly pursued his way. My punishment has come, he thought. I have no wish to live, nor do I desire to outlast this day. Once only, of his own prompting, did he pause. A woman, with little children clinging to her, passed him, sobbing bitterly. His eyes happening to light upon her face, he saw in it some likeness to the peasant girl, whom, in years gone by, he had betrayed.

Starting point is 16:11:06 The likeness might or might not have been there, but it existed certainly in his fancy. He stopped and questioned her, and learned that she had been utterly ruined by the storm, her cottage destroyed, her small savings lost, and all her hopes blasted. He emptied his pockets of money

Starting point is 16:11:29 and gave her what valuable she had about him, "'Sell them,' he said. "'They will help to purchase you a new home.' She called down blessings on his head. "'If she knew me for what I am,' he muttered as he left her, she would curse me. On and on he struggled and seemed to make no progress. The afternoon was waning,

Starting point is 16:11:56 and the clouds were growing blacker and thicker when he saw a man staggering towards him. He was about to put a question to him regarding the locality of the House of White Shadows. His course had been so devious that he scarcely knew in what direction it lay when a closer approach to the man showed him to be no other than John Van Brue.

Starting point is 16:12:21 Ah! cried Van Brue, seizing the advocate's arm and thus arresting his steps, I feared we had lost you. A fine time I have had of it down in your villa, yonder. Had it not been for the storm, I should have been bundled before a magistrate on a charge of interloping. But everybody had enough to do to look after himself. It was a case of the devil take the hindmost. A scurvy trick, though, of yours, to desert a comrade. Still, for my sake, I am glad to see you in the land of the living. Have you come straight from the villa? asked the advocate. Straight, cried Van Brue, with a derisive laugh. I defy the soberest saint to walk straight for fifty yards in such a hurricane.

Starting point is 16:13:18 Three bottles of wine would not make me so unsteady as this cursed wind, enough to stop one's breath for good or ill. What? Are you not going on? I am. What should hinder me? Some small love of life, a trivial but human sentiment. There is no one in your house. It is by this time deserted by all but the rats. My wife! Was the last to leave with a friend of yours, Christian Alma by name. He and I had some words together.

Starting point is 16:13:57 let me tell you, I happened to drop a remark concerning you which he considered disparaging, and had I been guilty of all the cardinal sins, he could not have been more angered. A true friend, but probably he does not know what I know. Well, for you that I did not enlighten him, you will meet them a little lower down on the road, but I advise you not to go too far. the valleys are rivers carrying everything headlong in their course there was an old lawyer in the house do you know what has become of him i saw him perched on the back of a fool and by their side a girl with the sweetest face and an old woman i should take to be her grandmother farewell said the advocate wrenching himself free should we meet again I will pay you for your friendly services."

Starting point is 16:14:59 Well said, replied Van Brue, I am content. No man ever knew you to be false to your word. A woman, perhaps, but that lies in the past. Ah, what a storm! It is as though the end of the world has come. To those whose minutes are numbered, said the advocate between his set teeth, the end of the world has come.

Starting point is 16:15:27 Farewell once more. Farewell, then, cried Van Brue, proceeding onward. For my sake, be careful of yourself. If this not be the second deluge, I will seek you tomorrow. For me, muttered the advocate as he left Van Brue, there may be no tomorrow. Bearing in mind the words of Vennu, van brue that he would meet his wife and christian almer lower down on the road he looked out for them he saw no trace of them and presently he began to blunder in his course

Starting point is 16:16:07 he searched in vain for a familiar landmark and he knew not in which direction the house of white shadows was situated evening was fast approaching when he heard himself hailed by loud shouts the sounds proceeded from a strongly built stone hut protected on three sides from wind and rain and so placed that the water from the ranges rolled past without injuring it standing within the doorway was fritz the fool thinking his wife might have sought shelter there the advocate made his way to it and found therein assembled in addition to fritz old pierre lamont mother denise and her husband martin and their pretty granddaughter dianetta welcome comrade welcome cried pierre lamont it is pleasant to see a familiar face we were compelled to fly from the villa and fritz here conveyed us here to this hospitable hut where we shall be compelled to stay till the storm ceases where is your fair lady it is a question i would ask of you said the advocate she is not here then no she left the villa before we did in the company of your friend the slight involuntary accent he placed upon the word caused the advocate to start as though he had received a blow christian almer they have doubtless found another shelter as secure as this we wished them to stop for us but they preferred not to wait fritz had a hard job of it carrying me to this hut which he claims as his own and which is stored with provisions sufficient for a month's siege

Starting point is 16:18:04 i have robbed the old house of its servants dionetta here for whom he dropped his voice the fool has a fancy and her grandmother whom i shall pension off and for whom i shall pension off and fritz himself an invaluable fool fritz open a bottle of wine do the honors of your mansion the advocate is exhausted the advocate did not refuse the wine he felt its need to sustain his strength for the work he had yet to perform he glanced round the walls is there an inner room he asked yes there is the door may i crave privacy for a few minutes pierre lamont waved his hand and the advocate walked to the inner room and closed the door upon himself what has come over this man mused pierre lamont there is in his face since yesterday such a change as it is rare in life's experience to see it is not produced by fatigue he has made discovery of his wife's faithfulness and his friend's treachery and should i not behave honestly to him and make him as wise as i am on events within my knowledge what use what use but at least he shall know that the secret of gautran's guilt is not his alone in the meantime the advocate was taking advantage of the solitude for which he had been yearning since he left the bedside of pauline it was not until this moment that he could find an opportunity to examine the packet she had given him it contained what he imagined the certificate of the births he had given him it contained what he imagined

Starting point is 16:19:56 the certificate of the birth of his child he read it and mentally took note of the date and also of certain words written on the back in confirmation of the story related to him by john van brue no room was there for doubt madeline was his child and by his means her murderer had escaped from justice a just heaven smote him down he thought so should retribution fall upon me i am partner in his crime upon my soul lies guilt heavier than his within the certificate of birth was a smaller packet which he had laid aside he took it up now and removed the paper covering it was the portrait of his daughter madeline the flower girl the picture was that of a young girl just budding into womanhood a girl whose laughing mouth and sparkling eyes conveyed to his heart so keen a torture that he gave utterance to a groan and covered his eyes with his hand to shut out the reproach but in the darkness he saw a vision which sent violent shutters through him such a vision as had pursued gotran in the lonely woods as he had pursued gottran in the lonely woods as he had pursued as he had seen the waving of branch and leaf as had hovered over him in his prison cell as he stood by his side in the court-house during the trial from which he emerged a free man bitterly was this man who had reached a height so lofty that it seemed as if calumny could not touch him bitterly was he expiating the error of his youth

Starting point is 16:21:48 he folded the portrait of his child within the certificate of birth and replaced them in his pocket then with an effort he succeeded in summoning some kind of composure to his features and the next minute he rejoined pier lamont you will remain with me said the old lawyer it will be best nay responded the advocate a plain duty lies before me i must seek my wife she herself is doubtless in a place of shelter said pierre lamont and while this tempest is raging devastating the land in every direction you can scarcely hope to find her i shall find her said the advocate in a tone of conviction stern fate which has dogged my step since i arrived in geneva and brought me to a pass which were you acquainted with the details would appear incredible to you will conduct me to her side were i otherwise convinced i must not shrink from my duty outside these walls urged pierre lamont death stares you in the face there are worse things than death said the advocate with an air of gloomy and invincible resolution useless to argue with such a man as yourself said pier lamont he turned to fritz go you and your friends into the inner room for a while i wish to speak in private with my friend one moment said the advocate to the fool as he was preparing to obey pierre lamont you were the last to leave the house of white shadows we were the last humans replied fritz in what condition was it at the time

Starting point is 16:23:52 in a most perilous condition the waters were rising around the walls it had i should say not twelve hours to live to live echoed pierre lamont striving to impart lightness to his voice and signally failing how do you apply that fritz trees live replied fritz and their life goes with the houses they help to build. If the walls of the old house we have run from could talk, mysteries would be brought to light. You have been my wife's maid, said the advocate to Deonetta, as she was about to pass him. Deonetta courtesied. Has she discharged you? Deonetta cast a nervous glance at Pierre Lamont, and another at Mother Denise. The old grandmother answered. for her. I thought it as well, said Mother Denise, in all respect and humility, that so simple a child

Starting point is 16:25:02 as Deonetta should be kept to her simple life. My lady was good enough to give Deonetta a pair of diamond earrings and a diamond finger ring, which we have left behind us. Fritz made a grimace. These things are not fit for poor peasants, and the pleasure they convey. is a dangerous pleasure. You are not favorably disposed towards my wife, said the advocate. Mother Denise was silent.

Starting point is 16:25:33 But you are right in what you say. Diamonds are not fit gifts for simple maids. I wish you well, you and your grandchild. It might have been— The thought of his own child, of the same age as Dianetta, and as beautiful— crossed his mind. He brushed his hands across his eyes, and when he looked round the room again, he and Pierre Lamont were alone.

Starting point is 16:26:03 "'A fool of fools,' said Pierre Lamont, looking after Fritz. "'If he and the pretty Dianetta wed, it will be a suitable match for beauty to mate with folly, he will be father to a family of fools who may, in their way, be wiser in their generation than you and I. Your decision is irrevocable? It is irrevocable. If you do not find your wife you will endeavor to return to us? I shall find her. And then? asked Pierre Lamont with the singular puckering of his brows.

Starting point is 16:26:45 and then echoed the advocate absently and added who can tell what may happen from one hour to another how much does he know thought pierre lamont or are his suspicions but just aroused there is a weight upon his soul which taxes all his strength it is grand to see a strong man suffer as he is suffering is there a mystery in his trouble with which i am not acquainted his wife i know about her gotran i know about him but the stranger he left in his study in the middle of the night a broken-down gentleman vagabond with a spice of wickedness in him who is he and what was his mission of one thing i must satisfy myself before i am assured that he is worthy of my compassion then he spoke aloud you said just now there are worse things than death i disgrace in a certain form that may be born and life yet be worth the having good dishonor it matters little said the advocate but were the crimes not precious i should be curious to learn why should be curious to learn why why you desire to get at the heart of my secrets." The argument would be too long, said Pierre Lamont, with earnestness,

Starting point is 16:28:24 but I can justify myself. There are worse things than death. Pardon me, an older man than yourself, and one who is well disposed towards you, for asking you bluntly whether such things have come to you. They have. You can read the signs in my face. but if you have a secret the revealing of which would be hurtful to you cannot the mischief be averted as far as i can expect you have been frank with me frankness for frankness

Starting point is 16:29:02 say that the secret refers to gottran and to your defence of him i have been living in a fool's paradise said the advocate with a scornful smile to whom is this known known? To Fritz the Fool and to me through him. He saw Gautran in your study after the trial. Have I been watched? The discovery was accidental. He was moved by some love-verses I read to him, and becoming sentimental, he dallyed outside Deonetta's window after the manner of foolish lovers. Then the lights of your study window attracted him, and he peeped through. When Gatran left the villa, Fritz followed him, and heard him in his terrified soliloquies proclaim his guilt. Were this to go out to the world, it would, according to its fashion, construe it in a manner which might be fatal to you. But Gatran is dead, and I can be

Starting point is 16:30:10 silent, and can put a lock on Fritz's tongue, for in my soul I believe you were not aware the wretch was guilty when you defended him. I thank you. I believed him to be innocent. Why, then, my mind is easy. Friend, shake hands. He held the advocate's hand in his thin fingers, and with something of wistfulness said, I would give a year of my life if I could prevail upon you to remain with us.

Starting point is 16:30:44 You cannot prevail upon me. So much being said between us, more is necessary. The avowal of my ignorance of Gautran's guilt at the time I defended him, I learnt it after the trial, mind you, will not avail me. A written confession, sworn upon his dying oath, exists, which accuses me of that which the world will be ready to believe. Strange to say, this is my lightest trouble. There are others of graver moment which more vitally concern me,

Starting point is 16:31:21 unknown to you, unless indeed you possess a wizard's art of divination. Comrade, said Pierre Lamont slowly and with emphasis, there breathes not in the world a woman worth the breaking of a man. heart. Stop, cried the advocate in a voice of agony. In silence, he and Pierre Lamont gazed upon each other, and in the old lawyer's face the advocate saw that his wife's faithlessness and his friend's treachery were known. Enough, he said, there is for me no deeper shame, no deeper dishonor. And he turned abruptly from from Pierre Lamont and left the hut staggering like a drunken man.

Starting point is 16:32:13 Fritz, Fritz, cried Pierre Lamont. Come quickly. Fritz instantly made his appearance from the inner room. Look you, Fritz, said the old lawyer in hurried, excited tones. The advocate has gone upon his mad errand, has gone alone. After him at once, and if you can save him, from the consequences of his desperate resolve, if you can advise, assist him, do so for my sake. Quick, Fritz, quick!

Starting point is 16:32:49 Master Lamont, said Fritz, are you asking me to do a man's work? Yes, Fritz, you can do no more. Well and good. As far as a man dare go, I will go. but if a madman persists in rushing upon certain death, it will not help him for a fool to follow his example. I am fond of life, Master Lamont, doubly fond of it just now, for reasons. He jerked his thumb over his shoulder to the room which contained Dianetta.

Starting point is 16:33:27 But I will do what can be done. You may depend upon me. He was gone at least two hours, he returned, he was exhausted and panting for breath. "'I was never born to be drowned,' he said, and he threw himself into a chair and sat there, gasping. "'Well, Fritz, well!' cried Pierre Lamont. "'Wait till I get my breath! I followed this great advocate as you desired,

Starting point is 16:33:59 and for some time so deep was he in his dreams he did not know I was with him. But once, when he was waist-high in water, not that he cared, it was as though he was inviting death, and I, who was acquainted with the road through which he was waiting, pulled him suddenly back,

Starting point is 16:34:20 and so saved his life, he turned upon me savagely and demanded who I was. He recognized me the moment he spoke the words. I will say this of him, that in the presence of another man he never loses his self-possession, and that, in my belief, he would be a match for death, if it presented itself to him in a visible, palpable shape.

Starting point is 16:34:48 Ah, said he, you are Fritz the fool. Why do you dog me? I do not dog you, I replied. Master Lamont bade me guide and assist you if you needed guidance and assistance. He is the only man for whom I would risk my life. Honesty is a rare virtue, he said. Keep with me, then, for just as long as you think yourself to be safe.

Starting point is 16:35:17 You saw my wife and Mr. Almer leave the House of White Shadows. Is it likely they took this road? They could take no other and live, I said, but there is no trace of them. They must have turned back to the vows. villa. Could they reach it, do you think? he asked. A brave man can do wonders, I replied. Some hours ago they may have reached it, but they could not stop in the lower rooms, which even at that time must have been below watermark. I will not answer for the upper part of the house

Starting point is 16:35:55 at this moment, and before morning it will be swept away. Guide me as far on the roads as you care to accompany me, said he, and when you leave me, point me out the way I should go. I did so, and we encountered dangers, and but for me he would not have been alive when I left him. We came to the bridge which spans the ravine of pines, two miles this side of the House of White Shadows. A great part of it had been torn away, and down below a torrent was a torrent was rushing fierce enough to beat the life out of any living being, human or animal. There is no other way but this, I said, to the House of White Shadows. I shall not cross the bridge. He said no word, but struggled on to the bridge, which, all that was left of it, consisted of

Starting point is 16:36:56 three slender trunks, half hanging over the ravine. It was nothing short of a miracle, that he got across. No sooner was he upon the other side than the remaining portion of the bridge fell into the ravine. He waved his hand to me, and I soon lost sight of him in the darkness. I stumbled here as well as I could.

Starting point is 16:37:22 Master Lamont, I never want another journey such as that. Had not the saints watched over me, I should not be here to tell the tale. This is the blackest night in my remembrance. Do you think he can escape Fritz? asked Pierre Lamont. His life is not worth a straw, replied Fritz. Look you here, Master Lamont.

Starting point is 16:37:50 If I were to see him tomorrow or any other day, alive, I should know that he is in league with the evil one. No human power can save him. Peace be. be with him, said Pierre Lamont. A great man is lost to us. A noble mind has gone. Master Lamont, said Fritz sententiously, there is such a thing as being too clever. Better to be a simpleton than to be over-wise or over-confident. I intend to remain a fool to the end of my days. I have no pity for such a man.

Starting point is 16:38:33 Who climbs must risk the fall. Not rocky peaks, but level ground, with bits of soft moss for Fritz the fool. He slept well and soundly, but Pierre Lamont tossed about the whole of the night, thinking with sadness and regret upon the downfall of the advocate. Chapter 5 The Doom of the House of White Shadows An unerring instinct guided him. A superhuman power possessed him, and at midnight, though he could keep no count of time, he found himself within the gates of the House of White Shadows.

Starting point is 16:39:18 Upon his lips, contracted and spasmodic with pain and suffering, appeared a pitiable smile as he gazed at the window on the upper floor and saw a light. It was reflected from the window of Christian Almmer's room. There they are, he muttered. I shall not die un avenged. The water was breast high. He battled through it and reached the open door of the villa. Slowly he ascended the stairs until he arrived at the landing above.

Starting point is 16:39:55 He listened at Christian Almers' door, but heard no sound. Enraged at the thought that they might, after all, have escaped him, he dashed into the room and called out the names of his wife and friend. Silence answered him. He staggered towards the lamp, which stood on a table covered with a shade which threw the light downward. Before the lamp was a sheet of paper with writing upon it, and bending over it, the advocate saw that it was addressed to him

Starting point is 16:40:29 and was intended for his perusal. A steadier survey of the room brought its revelations. At the extreme end of the apartment lay a woman, still and motionless. He crept towards her, knelt by her, and lowered his face to hers. It was his wife, cold and dead. A rosy tint was in her cheeks, a smile was on her lips. Her death had brought no suffering. with it. Fair and false, he said. Beauty is a sinful possession. Her clothes were wet,

Starting point is 16:41:11 and he knew that she had been drowned. Then, turning, he saw what had before escaped his notice, the body of Christian Alma lying near the table. He put his ear to Alma's heart and felt a slight beating. He can wait, muttered the advocate. I will first read what he is written. He was about to sit at the table when he heard a surging sound without. He stepped into the passage and saw the waters swaying beneath him. It is well, he thought. In a little while, all will be over for those who have sinned. This reflection softened him somewhat toward those who lay within the room, and by whom he believed himself to have been wronged. Was he not himself the greatest sinner in that fatal house?

Starting point is 16:42:09 He returned to the table and read what Christian Almer had written. Edward, I pray that these words may reach your eyes. Above all things on earth have I valued your friendship, and my heart is wrung with anguish by the reproach that I have not been worthy of it. Last night, when your wife and I parted, I knew that you had discovered the weak and treacherous part I have played towards you,

Starting point is 16:42:39 for as I turned towards my room, at that very moment, looking downward, I saw you below. I did not dare to come to you, I did not dare to show my face to the man I had wronged. It was my intention to fly this morning from your presence, and hers, and never to see you more, and also to write you the words to which, by the memory of all that I hold sacred, I now solemnly swear, that the wrong I have done you is compassed by sentiment.

Starting point is 16:43:14 I do not seek to excuse myself. I know that treachery in thought is as base between you and me as treachery in act. Yet in all humbleness, I implore you. you to endeavor to find some palliation, though but the slightest, of my conduct in the reflection that sometimes in the strongest men, even in such a man as yourself, whose mind and life are most pure and noble, error cannot be avoided. We are hurried into wrong by subtle forces which whither one's earnest endeavors to step in the right path. Thus it has been with me. if you will recall certain words which were spoken in our conversation at midnight in the room in which this is written you will understand what was meant when i said that i flew to the mountains to rid myself by a happy chance of a terror which possessed me you who have never erred you who have never sinned may not be able to find it in your heart to forgive me if it be so i bow my head my head

Starting point is 16:44:28 head to your judgment, which is just, as in all your actions you are known to be. But if you cannot forgive me, I entreat you to pity me. You were not in the house today, when we endeavored to escape to a place of shelter in which we should be protected from this terrible inundation. We did not succeed. We were beaten back, and being engulfed in a sudden rush of waters, I could not save your wife. The utmost I could do was to bear her lifeless body back to this fatal house.

Starting point is 16:45:06 It was I who should have died, not she. But my last moments are approaching. Think kindly of her, if you can. Christian Alma Had he not been absorbed, not only in the last words written by Christian Almer, but by the reflections which they engendered, the advocate would have known that the floods were increasing in volume

Starting point is 16:45:32 and that, in the short time he had been in the house, the waters had risen several feet. But he was living an inner life, a life in which the spiritual part of himself was dominant. He stepped to the body of his wife and said, "'Poor child, mind the error.' then he knelt by the side of christian almer and raised him in his arms aroused to consciousness by the action almer opened his eyes they rested upon the advocate's face vacantly but presently they dilated in terror be not afraid said the advocate i have read what you have written i know all

Starting point is 16:46:21 I am very weak, murmured Christian Alma. Do not torture me. Say that you pity me. I pity and forgive you, Christian, replied the advocate in a very gentle voice. Thank God, thank God, said Alma, and closed his eyes, from which the warm tears gushed. God be merciful to sinners, murmured the answer. advocate. When daylight broke, the House of White Shadows, and all that it contained, had been swept from the face of the earth. A bare waste was all that remained to mark the record of human love and human ambition. The end. End of book seven. End of the House of the White Shadows.

Classic Audiobook Collection - The House of the White Shadows by B. L. Farjeon ~ Full Audiobook [mystery]

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