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But nevertheless there was but one thing in the world which in Marie's eyes was of any value; and that one thing was the heart of Adolphe Bauche. Without that she would be nothing; with that, with that assured, she could wait patiently till doomsday.
In the mean time Mere Bauche went up to visit her protegee in her own room, and came down with a report that she was suffering from a headache. She could not appear at dinner, Madame Bauche said; but would make one at the little party which was to be given in the evening. With this the capitaine was forced to be content.
La Mere Bauche was a native of the village, but her married life had been passed away from it, and she had returned in her early widowhood to become proprietress and manager, or, as one may say, the heart and soul of the Hotel Bauche at Vernet. This hotel was a large and somewhat rough establishment, intended for the accommodation of invalids who came to Vernet for their health.
How different was all this from that harsh attack that was made on her the preceding evening! Only Adolphe, he alone kept aloof. Though he was present there he said nothing. He, and he only, offered no congratulations. In the midst of all these gala doings Marie herself said little or nothing. La Mere Bauche perceived this, but she forgave it.
In her innermost heart now did La Mere Bauche wish that this cruel marriage had been left undone. Adolphe was foremost with his lamp, but he hardly dared to look in the spot where he felt that it was most likely that she should have taken refuge. How could he meet her again, alone, in that grotto? Yet he alone of the four was young. It was clearly for him to ascend.
She put her hand into that of the capitaine when required to do so; and when the ring was put on her finger she shuddered, but ever so slightly. No one observed it but La Mere Bauche. "In one week she will be used to it, and then we shall all be happy," said La Mere to herself. "And I, I will be so kind to her!" And so the marriage was completed, and the watch was at once given to Marie.
And then you have his letter." "That is nothing, capitaine; he would eat his letter as quick as you would eat an omelet aux fines herbes." Now the capitaine was especially quick over an omelet aux fines herbes. "And, Mere Bauche, you also have the purse; he will know that he cannot eat that, except with your good will." "Ah!" exclaimed Madame Bauche, "poor lad!
But the capitaine, though even his heart was all but quenched within him, had still strength enough to make his way up to the rock; and there, holding the lantern above his eyes, he saw all that was left for him to see of his bride. As for La Mere Bauche, she never again sat at the head of that table, never again dictated to guests, never again laid down laws for the management of any one.
Of course all the world of the valley had seen what was taking place and what was likely to take place, long before Madame Bauche knew anything about it.
And then, deeply meditating, La Mere Bauche hit upon a plan, and herself communicated it to the capitaine over a second cup of coffee into which she poured a full teaspoonful more than the usual allowance of cognac. Why should not he, the capitaine himself, be the man to marry Marie Clavert?
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