beholding these ferocious
monsters, who will remind me of those that my demi-god so heroically
overcame. I accept also, because, for the first time in my life, I am
anxious to be admired--even by everybody. I accept finally because--"
Here Mdlle. de Cardoville was interrupted by a low knock at the door, and
by the entrance of Florine, who announced M. Rodin.

CHAPTER X.

THE EXECUTION.

Rodin entered. A rapid glance at Mdlle. de Cardoville and M. de Montbron
told him at once that he was in a dilemma. In fact, nothing could be less
encouraging than the faces of Adrienne and the count. The latter, when he
disliked people, exhibited his antipathy, as we have already said, by an
impertinently aggressive manner, which had before now occasioned a good
number of duels. At sight of Rodin, his countenance at once assumed a
harsh and insolent expression; resting his elbow on the chimney-piece,
and conversing with Adrienne, he looked disdainfully over his shoulder,
without taking the least notice of the Jesuit's low bow. On the other
hand, at sight of this man, Mdlle. de Cardoville almost felt surprise,
that she should experience no movement of anger or hatred. The brilliant
flame which burned in her heart, purified it from every vindictive
sentiment. She smiled, on the contrary; for, glancing with gentle pride
at the Indian Bacchus, and then at herself, she asked herself what two
beings, so young, and fair, and free, and loving, could have to fear from
this old, sordid man, with his ignoble and base countenance, now
advancing towards her with the writhing of a reptile. In a word, far from
feeling anger or aversion with regard to Rodin, the young lady seemed
full of the spirit of mocking gayety, and her large eyes, already lighted
up with happiness, now sparkled with irony and mischief. Rodin felt
himself ill at ease. People of his stamp greatly prefer violent to
mocking enemies. They can encounter bursts of rage--sometimes by falling
on their knees, weeping, groaning, and beating their breasts--sometimes
by turning on their adversary, armed and implacable. But they are easily
disconcerted by biting raillery; and thus it was with Rodin. He saw that
between Adrienne de Cardoville and M. de Montbron, he was about to be
placed in what is vulgarly termed a "regular fix."

The count opened the fire; still glancing over his shoulder, he said to
Rodin: "Ah! you are here, my benevolent gentleman!"

"Pray, sir, draw a little nea