m. An encounter with a tiger would weary him less; see how the
actors exchange their parts. The lion, humiliated, feels the sting of
the insect; and the flea can say, "I have in my veins the blood of a
lion."

However, these reflections but half appeased the cravings of
Barkilphedro's pride. Consolations, palliations at most. To vex is one
thing; to torment would be infinitely better. Barkilphedro had a thought
which returned to him without ceasing: his success might not go beyond
just irritating the epidermis of Josiana. What could he hope for
more--he so obscure against her so radiant? A scratch is worth but
little to him who longs to see the crimson blood of his flayed victim,
and to hear her cries as she lies before him more than naked, without
even that garment the skin! With such a craving, how sad to be
powerless!

Alas, there is nothing perfect!

However, he resigned himself. Not being able to do better, he only
dreamed half his dream. To play a treacherous trick is an object after
all.

What a man is he who revenges himself for a benefit received!
Barkilphedro was a giant among such men. Usually, ingratitude is
forgetfulness. With this man, patented in wickedness, it was fury. The
vulgar ingrate is full of ashes; what was within Barkilphedro? A
furnace--furnace walled round by hate, silence, and rancour, awaiting
Josiana for fuel. Never had a man abhorred a woman to such a point
without reason. How terrible! She was his dream, his preoccupation, his
ennui, his rage.

Perhaps he was a little in love with her.

CHAPTER XI.

BARKILPHEDRO IN AMBUSCADE.

To find the vulnerable spot in Josiana, and to strike her there, was,
for all the causes we have just mentioned, the imperturbable
determination of Barkilphedro. The wish is sufficient; the power is
required. How was he to set about it? There was the question.

Vulgar vagabonds set the scene of any wickedness they intend to commit
with care. They do not feel themselves strong enough to seize the
opportunity as it passes, to take possession of it by fair means or
foul, and to constrain it to serve them. Deep scoundrels disdain
preliminary combinations. They start from their villainies alone, merely
arming themselves all round, prepared to avail themselves of various
chances which may occur, and then, like Barkilphedro, await the
opportunity. They know that a ready-made scheme runs the risk of fitting
ill into the event which may present itself. I