diamonds which had
cost Paul two hundred thousand francs; and she had gained her point of
leaving these two children to themselves with no other guide than their
illogical love. Her revenge was thus preparing, unknown to her daughter,
who would, sooner or later, become its accomplice. Did Natalie love
Paul? That was a question still undecided, the answer to which might
modify her projects, for she loved her daughter too sincerely not to
respect her happiness. Paul's future, therefore, still depended on
himself. If he could make his wife love him, he was saved.

The next day, at midnight, after an evening spent together, with the
addition of the four witnesses, to whom Madame Evangelista gave the
formal dinner which follows the legal marriage, the bridal pair,
accompanied by their friends, heard mass by torchlight, in presence of
a crowd of inquisitive persons. A marriage celebrated at night always
suggests to the mind an unpleasant omen. Light is the symbol of life and
pleasure, the forecasts of which are lacking to a midnight wedding. Ask
the intrepid soul why it shivers; why the chill of those black arches
enervates it; why the sound of steps startles it; why it notices the cry
of bats and the hoot of owls. Though there is absolutely no reason to
tremble, all present do tremble, and the darkness, emblem of death,
saddens them. Natalie, parted from her mother, wept. The girl was now a
prey to those doubts which grasp the heart as it enters a new career in
which, despite all assurances of happiness, a thousand pitfalls await
the steps of a young wife. She was cold and wanted a mantle. The air and
manner of Madame Evangelista and that of the bridal pair excited some
comment among the elegant crowd which surrounded the altar.

"Solonet tells me that the bride and bridegroom leave for Paris
to-morrow morning, all alone."

"Madame Evangelista was to live with them, I thought."

"Count Paul has got rid of her already."

"What a mistake!" said the Marquise de Gyas. "To shut the door on the
mother of his wife is to open it to a lover. Doesn't he know what a
mother is?"

"He has been very hard on Madame Evangelista; the poor woman has had to
sell her house and her diamonds, and is going to live at Lanstrac."

"Natalie looks very sad."

"Would you like to be made to take a journey the day after your
marriage?"

"It is very awkward."

"I am glad I came here to-night," said a lady. "I am now convinced of
the necessit