Captain Fracasse

by Théophile Gautier

  CHAPTER XIII. A DOUBLE ATTACK

  The Duke of Vallombreuse was not a man to neglect his love affairs, anymore than his enemies. If he hated de Sigognac mortally, he felt forIsabelle that furious passion which the unattainable is apt to excitein a haughty and violent nature like his, that has never met withresistance. To get possession of the young actress had become the rulingthought of his life. Spoiled by the easy victories he had always gainedheretofore, in his career of gallantry, his failure in this instance wasutterly incomprehensible to him, as well as astonishing and maddening.He could not understand it. Oftentimes in the midst of a conversation,at the theatre, at church, at the court, anywhere and everywhere, thethought of it would suddenly rush into his mind, sweeping everythingbefore it, overwhelming him afresh with wonder and amazement. And indeedit could not be easy for a man who did not believe that such an anomalyas a truly virtuous woman ever existed--much less a virtuous actress--tounderstand Isabelle's firm resistance to the suit of such a rich andhandsome young nobleman as himself. He sometimes wondered whether itcould be that after all she was only playing a part, and holding backfor a while so as to obtain more from him in the end--tactics that heknew were not unusual--but the indignant, peremptory way in which shehad rejected the casket of jewels proved conclusively that no such basemotives actuated Isabelle. All his letters she had returned unopened.All his advances she had persistently repulsed; and he was at his wit'send to know what to do next. Finally he concluded to send for old Mme.Leonarde to come and talk the matter over with him; he had kept upsecret relations with her, as it is always well to have a spy in theenemy's camp. The duke received her, when she came in obedience tohis summons, in his own particular and favoured room, to which she wasconducted by a private staircase. It was a most dainty and luxuriousapartment, fitted up with exquisite taste, and hung round with portraitsof beautiful women--admirably painted by Simon Vouet, a celebratedmaster of that day--representing different mythological characters, andset in richly carved oval frames. These were all likenesses of the youngduke's various mistresses, each one displaying her own peculiar charmsto the greatest possible advantage, and having consented to sit for herportrait--in a costume and character chosen by the duke--as a specialfavour, without the most remote idea that it was to form part of agallery.

  When the duenna had entered and made her best curtsey, the dukecondescendingly signed to her to be seated, and immediately began toquestion her eagerly about Isabelle--as to whether there were any signsyet of her yielding to his suit, and also how matters were progressingbetween her and the detested Captain Fracasse. Although the crafty oldwoman endeavoured to put the best face upon everything, and was verydiplomatic in her answers to these searching questions, the informationthat she had to give was excessively displeasing to the imperiousyoung nobleman, who had much ado to control his temper sufficiently tocontinue the conversation. Before he let her go he begged her tosuggest some plan by which he could hope to soften the obduratebeauty--appealing to her great experience in such intrigues, andoffering to give her any reward she chose to claim if she would buthelp him to succeed. She had nothing better to propose, however, thansecretly administering a strong narcotic to Isabelle, and concertingsome plan to deliver her into his hands while unconscious from theeffects of it; which even the unscrupulous young duke indignantlyrejected. Whereupon, fixing her wicked old eyes admiringly upon hishandsome face, and apparently moved by a sudden inspiration, she said:"But why does not your lordship conduct this affair in person? why notbegin a regular and assiduous courtship in the good old style? Youare as beautiful as Adonis, my lord duke! You are young, fascinating,powerful, wealthy, a favourite at court, rich in everything that ispleasing to the weaker sex; and there is not a woman on earth who couldlong hold out against you, if you would condescend, my lord, to pleadyour own cause with her."

  "By Jove! the old woman is right," said Vallombreuse to himself,glancing complacently at the reflection of his own handsome faceand figure in a full-length mirror opposite to him; "Isabelle may bevirtuous and cold, but she is not blind, and Nature has not been sounkind to me that the sight of me should inspire her with horror. Ican at least hope to produce the same happy effect as a fine statueor picture, which attracts and charms the eye by its symmetry, or itsbeautiful and harmonious colouring. Then, kneeling at her feet, I cansoftly whisper some of those persuasive words that no woman can listento unmoved--accompanied by such passionately ardent looks that the iceround her heart will melt under them and vanish quite away. Not oneof the loftiest, haughtiest ladies at the court has ever been able towithstand them--they have thawed the iciest, most immaculate of themall; and besides, it surely cannot fail to flatter the pride of thisdisdainful, high-spirited little actress to have a real duke actuallyand openly kneeling at her feet. Yes, I will take the old woman'sadvice, and pay my court to her so charmingly and perseveringly that Ishall conquer at last--she will not be able to withstand me, my sweetIsabelle. And it will be a miracle indeed if she has a regret left thenfor that cursed de Sigognac; who shall no longer interfere between mylove and me--that I swear! She will soon forget him in my arms."

  Having dismissed old Mme. Leonarde with a handsome gratuity, the dukenext summoned his valet, Picard, and held an important consultation withhim, as to his most becoming costumes, finally deciding upon a veryrich but comparatively plain one, all of black velvet; whose elegantsimplicity he thought would be likely to suit Isabelle's fastidioustaste better than any more gorgeous array, and in which it must beconfessed that he looked adorably handsome--his really beautiful faceand fine figure appearing to the utmost advantage.

  His toilet completed, he sent a peremptory order to his coachman to havethe carriage, with the four bays, ready in a quarter of an hour. WhenPicard had departed on this errand, Vallombreuse began pacing slowly toand fro in his chamber, glancing into the mirror each time he passed itwith a self-satisfied smile. "That proud little minx must be deucedlycross-grained and unappreciative," said he, "if she does not perceivehow much more worthy I am of her admiration than that shabby deSigognac. Oh, yes! she'll be sure to come round, in spite of herobstinate affectation of such ferocious virtue, and her tiresome,Platonic love for her impecunious suitor. Yes, my little beauty, yourportrait shall figure in one of those oval frames ere long. I think I'llhave you painted as chaste Diana, descended from the sky, despite hercoldness, to lavish sweet kisses on Endymion. You shall take your placeamong those other goddesses, who were as coy and hard to please at firstas yourself, and who are far greater ladies, my dear, than you ever willbe. Your fall is at hand, and you must learn, as your betters have donebefore you, that there's no withstanding the will of a Vallombreuse.'Frango nec frangor,' is my motto."

  A servant entered to announce that the carriage awaited his lordship'spleasure, and during the short drive from his own house to the RueDauphine, the young duke, despite his arrogant assurance, felt his heartbeating faster than usual as he wondered how Isabelle would receive him.When the splendid carriage, with its four prancing horses and servantsin gorgeous liveries, drove into the courtyard of the hotel where thecomedians were stopping, the landlord himself, cap in hand, rushedout to ask the pleasure of the lordly visitor; but, rapid as were hismovements, the duke had already alighted before he could reach him.He cut short the obsequious host's obeisances and breathless offers ofservice by an impatient gesture, and said peremptorily:

  "Mlle. Isabelle is stopping here. I wish to see her. Is she at home? Donot send to announce my visit; only let me have a servant to show me theway to her room."

  "My lord, let me have the glory of conducting your lordship myself--suchan honour is too great for a rascally servant--I myself am not worthy ofso distinguished a privilege."

  "As you please," said Vallombreuse, with haughty negligence, "only bequick about it. There are people at every window already, staring downat me as if I were the Grand Turk in person."

  He followed his guide, who, with many bows and apologies, preceded himupstairs, and down a long, nar
row corridor with doors on either side,like a convent, until they reached Isabelle's room, where the landlordpaused, and, bowing lower than ever, asked what name he should have thehonour of announcing.

  "You can go, now," the duke replied, laying his hand on the door; "Iwill announce myself."

  Isabelle was sitting by the window, diligently studying her part in anew play to be shortly put in rehearsal, and, at the moment the Duke ofVallombreuse softly entered her chamber, was repeating, in a low voiceand with closed eyes, the verses she was learning by heart--just as achild does its lessons. The light from the window shone full upon herbeautiful head and face--seen in profile--and her lovely figure, thrownback in a negligent attitude full of grace and abandon. She made a mostbewitching picture thus, and with a delicious effect of chiaroscuro thatwould have enchanted an artist--it enthralled the young duke.

  Supposing that the intruder who entered so quietly was only thechambermaid, come to perform some forgotten duty, Isabelle did notinterrupt her study or look up, but went on composedly with herrecitation. The duke, who had breathlessly advanced to the centre of theroom, paused there, and stood motionless, gazing with rapture upon herbeauty. As he waited for her to open her eyes and become aware of hispresence, he sank gracefully down upon one knee, holding his hat so thatits long plume swept the floor, and laying his hand on his heart, in anattitude that was slightly theatrical perhaps, but as respectful asif he had been kneeling before a queen. Excitement and agitation hadflushed his pale cheeks a little, his eyes were luminous and full offire, a sweet smile hovered on his rich, red lips, and he had neverlooked more splendidly, irresistibly handsome in his life. At lastIsabelle moved, raised her eyelids, turned her head, and perceived theDuke of Vallombreuse, kneeling within six feet of her. If Perseus hadsuddenly appeared before her, holding up Medusa's horrid head, theeffect would have been much the same. She sat like a statue, motionless,breathless, as if she had been petrified, or frozen stiff--her eyes,dilated with excessive terror, fixed upon his face, her lips parted, herthroat parched and dry, her tongue paralyzed--unable to move or speak.A ghastly pallor overspread her horror-stricken countenance, a deathlychill seized upon all her being, and for one dreadful moment of supremeanguish she feared that she was going to faint quite away; but, by adesperate, prodigious effort of will, she recalled her failing senses,that she might not leave herself entirely defenceless in the power ofher cruel persecutor.

  "Can it be possible that I inspire such overwhelming horror in yourgentle breast, my sweet Isabelle," said Vallombreuse in his most dulcettones, and without stirring from his position, "that the mere sight ofme produces an effect like this? Why, a wild beast, crouching to springupon you from his lair, with angry roar and blazing eyeballs, could notterrify you more. My presence here may be a little sudden and startling,I admit; but you must not be too hard upon one who lives only to loveand adore you. I knew that I risked your anger when I decided to takethis step; but I could not exist any longer without a sight of you,and I humbly crave your pardon if I have offended you by my ardour anddevotion. I kneel at your feet, fair lady, a despairing and most unhappysuppliant for your grace and favour."

  "Rise, my lord, I beseech you," said the frightened, trembling girl,speaking with great difficulty and in a voice that sounded strange inher own ears; "such a position does not become your rank. I am only anactress, and my poor attractions do not warrant such homage. Forget thisfleeting fancy, I pray you, and carry elsewhere the ardour and devotionthat are wasted upon me, and that so many great and noble ladies wouldbe proud and happy to receive and reward."

  "What do I care for other women, be they what they may?" criedVallombreuse impetuously, as he rose in obedience to her request; "itis YOUR pride and purity that I adore, YOUR beauty and goodness that Iworship; your very cruelty is more charming to me than the utmostfavour of any other woman in the world. Your sweet modesty and angelicloveliness have inspired in me a passion that is almost delirium, andunless you can learn to love me I shall die--I cannot live without you.You need not be afraid of me," he added, as Isabelle recoiled when hemade one step forward, and tried to open the window with her tremblingbands, as if she meant to throw herself out in case of his coming anynearer; "see, I will stay where I am. I will not touch you, not even thehem of your garment, so great is my respect for you, charming Isabelle!I do not ask anything more than that you will deign to suffer mypresence here a little longer now, and permit me to pay my court to you,lay siege to your heart, and wait patiently until it surrendersitself to me freely and of its own accord, as it surely will. The mostrespectful lover could not do more."

  "Spare me this useless pursuit, my lord," pleaded Isabelle, "and I willreward you with the warmest gratitude; but love you I cannot, now orever."

  "You have neither father, brother, husband, or affianced lover,"persisted Vallombreuse, "to forbid the advances of a gallant gentleman,who seeks only to please and serve you. My sincere homage is surely notinsulting to you; why do you repulse me so? Oh! you do not dream what asplendid prospect would open out before you if you would but yield to myentreaties. I would surround you with everything that is beautiful anddainty, luxurious and rare. I would anticipate your every wish; I woulddevote my whole life to your service. The story of our love shouldbe more enchanting, more blissful than that of Love himself with hisdelicious Psyche--not even the gods could rival us. Come, Isabelle,do not turn so coldly away from me, do not persevere in this maddeningsilence, nor drive to desperation and desperate deeds a passion that iscapable of anything, of everything, save renouncing its adored object,your own sweet, charming self!"

  "But this love, of which any other woman would be justly proud," saidIsabelle modestly, "I cannot return or accept; you MUST believe me, mylord, for I mean every word I say, and I shall never swerve from thisdecision. Even if the virtue and purity that I value more highly thanlife itself were not against it, I should still feel myself obliged todecline this dangerous honour."

  "Deign to look upon me with favour and indulgence, my sweet Isabelle,"continued Vallombreuse, without heeding her words, "and I will make youan object of envy to the greatest and noblest ladies in all France. Toany other woman I should say--take what you please of my treasures--mychateaux, my estates, my gold, my jewels--dress your lackeys in liveriesricher than the court costumes of princes--have your horses shod withsilver--live as luxuriously as a queen--make even Paris wonder at yourlavish splendour if you will--though Paris is not easily roused towonder--but I well know that you have a soul far above all such sordidtemptations as these. They would have no weight with you, my nobleIsabelle! But there IS a glory that may touch you--that of havingconquered Vallombreuse--of leading him captive behind your chariotwheels--of commanding him as your servant, and your slave. Vallombreuse,who has never yielded before--who has been the commander, not thecommanded--and whose proud neck has never yet bowed to wear the fettersthat so many fair bands have essayed to fasten round it."

  "Such a captive would be too illustrious for my chains," said Isabelle,firmly, "and as I could never consent to accept so much honour at yourhands, my lord, I pray you to desist, and relieve me of your presence."

  Hitherto the Duke of Vallombreuse had managed to keep his temper undercontrol; he had artfully concealed his naturally violent and domineeringspirit under a feigned mildness and humility, but, at Isabelle'sdetermined and continued--though modest and respectful--resistance tohis pleading, his anger was rapidly rising to boiling point. He feltthat there was love--devoted love--for another behind her persistentrejection of his suit, and his wrath and jealousy augmented eachother. Throwing aside all restraint, he advanced towards herimpetuously--whereat she made another desperate effort to tear open thecasement. A fierce frown contracted his brow, he gnawed his under lipsavagely, and his whole face was transformed--if it had been beautifulenough for an angel's before, it was like a demon's now.

  "Why don't you tell the truth," he cried, in a loud, angry voice, "andsay that you are madly in love with that precious rascal, d
e Sigognac?THAT is the real reason for all this pretended virtue that youshamelessly flaunt in men's faces. What is there about that cursedscoundrel, I should like to know, that charms you so? Am I nothandsomer, of higher rank, younger, richer, as clever, and as much inlove with you as he can possibly be? aye, and more--ten thousand timesmore."

  "He has at least one quality that you are lacking in, my lord," saidIsabelle, with dignity; "he knows how to respect the woman he loves."

  "That's only because he cares so little about you, my charmer!" criedVallombreuse, suddenly seizing Isabelle, who vainly strove toescape from him, in his arms, and straining her violently to hisbreast--despite her frantic struggles, and agonized cry for help. As ifin response to it, the door was suddenly opened, and the tyrant, makingthe most deprecating gestures and profound bows, entered the room andadvanced towards Isabelle, who was at once released by Vallombreuse,with muttered curses at this most inopportune intrusion.

  "I beg your pardon, mademoiselle," said Herode, with a furtive glanceat the duke, "for interrupting you. I did not know that you were in suchgood company; but the hour for rehearsal has struck, and we are onlywaiting for you to begin."

  He had left the door ajar, and an apparently waiting group could bediscerned without, consisting of the pedant, Scapin, Leander, andZerbine; a reassuring and most welcome sight to poor Isabelle. For oneinstant the duke, in his rage, was tempted to draw his sword, make afurious charge upon the intruding canaille, and disperse them "vi etarmis"--but a second thought stayed his hand, as he realized that thekilling or wounding of two or three of these miserable actors would notfurther his suit; and besides, he could not stain his noble hands withsuch vile blood as theirs. So he put force upon himself and restrainedhis rage, and, bowing with icy politeness to Isabelle, who, trembling inevery limb, had edged nearer to her friends, he made his way out of theroom; turning, however, at the threshold to say, with peculiar emphasis,"Au revoir, mademoiselle!"--a very simple phrase certainly, but repletewith significance of a very terrible and threatening nature from the wayin which it was spoken. His face was so expressive of evil passions ashe said it that Isabelle shuddered, and felt a violent spasm of fearpass over her, even though the presence of her companions guaranteed heragainst any further attempts at violence just then. She felt the mortalanguish of the fated dove, above which the cruel kite is circlingswiftly in the air, drawing nearer with every rapid round.

  The Duke of Vallombreuse regained his carriage, which awaited him inthe court followed by the obsequious landlord, with much superfluous andaggravating ceremony that he would gladly have dispensed with, andthe next minute the rumble of wheels indicated to Isabelle that herdangerous visitor had taken his departure.

  Now, to explain the timely interruption that came so opportunely torescue Isabelle from her enemy's clutches. The arrival of the dukein his superb carriage at the hotel in the Rue Dauphine had caused anexcitement and flutter throughout the whole establishment, which soonreached the ears of the tyrant, who, like Isabelle, was busy learninghis new part in the seclusion of his own room. In the absence of deSigognac, who was detained at the theatre to try on a new costume, theworthy tyrant, knowing the duke's evil intentions, determined to keepa close watch over his actions, and having summoned the others, appliedhis ear to the key-hole of Isabelle's door, and listened attentively toall that passed within--holding himself in readiness to interfere at anymoment, if the duke should venture to offer violence to the defencelessgirl--and to his prudence and courage it was due that she escapedfurther persecution, on that occasion, from her relentless andunscrupulous tormentor.

  That day was destined to be an eventful one. It will be remembered thatLampourde, the professional assassin, had received from Merindol--actingfor the Duke Of Vallombreuse--a commission to put Captain Fracassequietly out of the way, and accordingly that worthy was dodging about onthe Pont-Neuf, at the hour of sunset, waiting to intercept his intendedvictim, who would necessarily pass that way in returning to his hotel.Jacquemin awaited his arrival impatiently, frequently breathing on hisfingers and rubbing them vigorously, so that they should not be quitenumb with the cold when the moment for action came, and stamping up anddown in order to warm his half-frozen feet. The weather was extremelycold, and the sun had set behind the Pont Rouge, in a heavy mass ofblood-red clouds. Twilight was coming on apace, and already there wereonly occasional foot-passengers, or vehicles, to be encountered hurryingalong the deserted streets.

  At last de Sigognac appeared, walking very fast, for a vague anxietyabout Isabelle had taken possession of him, and he was in haste to getback to her. In his hurry and preoccupation he did not notice Lampourde,who suddenly approached and laid hold of his cloak, which he snatchedoff, with a quick, strong jerk that broke its fastenings. Withoutstopping to dispute the cloak with his assailant, whom he mistook atfirst for an ordinary foot-pad, de Sigognac instantly drew his swordand attacked him. Lampourde, on his side, was ready for him, and pleasedwith the baron's way of handling his weapon, said to himself, though inan audible tone, "Now for a little fun." Then began a contest that wouldhave delighted and astonished a connoisseur in fencing--such swift,lightning-like flashing of the blades, as they gave and parried cut andthrust--the clashing of the steel, the blue sparks that leaped from thecontending swords as the fight grew more furious--Lampourde keeping upmeanwhile an odd running commentary, as his wonder and admiration grewmomentarily greater and more enthusiastic, and he had soon reached anexulting mood. Here at last was a "foeman worthy of his steel," and hecould not resist paying a tribute to the amazing skill that constantlyand easily baffled his best efforts, in the shape of such extraordinaryand original compliments that de Sigognac was mightily amused thereby.As usual, he was perfectly cool and self-possessed, keeping control ofhis temper as well as of his sword--though by this time he felt surethat it was another agent of the Duke of Vallombreuse's he had to dealwith, and that his life, not his cloak, was the matter at stake. At lastLampourde, who had begun to entertain an immense respect for his valiantopponent, could restrain his curiosity no longer, and eagerly asked,

  "Would it be indiscreet, sir, to inquire who was your instructor?Girolamo, Paraguante, or Cote d'Acier would have reason to be proud ofsuch a pupil. Which one of them was it?"

  "My only master was an old soldier, Pierre by name," answered deSigognac, more and more amused at the oddities of the accomplishedswordsman he was engaged with. "Stay, take that! it is one of hisfavourite strokes."

  "The devil!" cried Lampourde, falling back a step, "I was very nearlydone for, do you know! The point of your sword actually went through mysleeve and touched my arm--I felt the cold steel; luckily for me itwas not broad daylight--I should have been winged; but you are notaccustomed, like me, to this dim, uncertain light for such work. All thesame, it was admirably well done, and Jacquemin Lampourde congratulatesyou upon it, sir! Now, pay attention, to me--I will not take any meanadvantage of such a glorious foe as you are, and I give you fair warningthat I am going to try on you my own secret and special thrust CaptainFracasse--the crowning glory of my art, the 'ne plus ultra' of myscience--the elixir of my life. It is known only to myself, and up tothis time has been infallible. I have never failed to kill my manwith it. If you can parry it I will teach it to you. It is my onlypossession, and I will leave it to you if you survive it; otherwise Iwill take my secret to the grave with me. I have never yet found anyone capable of executing it, unless indeed it be yourself--admirable,incomparable swordsman that you are! It is a joy to meet such an one.But suppose we suspend hostilities a moment to take breath."

  So saying Jacquemin Lampourde lowered the point of his sword, and deSigognac did the same. They stood eyeing each other for a few momentswith mutual admiration and curiosity, and then resumed the contest morefiercely than ever--each man doing his best, as he had need to do,and enjoying it. After a few passes, de Sigognac became aware that hisadversary was preparing to give the decisive blow, and held himselfon his guard against a surprise; when it came, delivered wi
th terribleforce, he parried it so successfully that Lampourde's sword was brokenshort off in the encounter with his own trusty weapon, leaving only thehilt and a few inches of the blade in his hand.

  "If you have not got the rest of my sword in your body," criedLampourde, excitedly, "you are a great man!--a hero!--a god!"

  "No," de Sigognac replied calmly, "it did not touch me; and now, ifI chose, I could pin you to the wall like a bat; but that would berepugnant to me, though you did waylay me to take my life, and besides,you have really amused me with your droll sayings.

  "Baron," said Jacquemin Lampourde, calmly, "permit me, I humbly prayyou, to be henceforth, so long as I live, your devoted admirer, yourslave, your dog! I was to be paid for killing you--I even received aportion of the money in advance, which I have spent. But never mindthat; I will pay it back, every penny of it, though I must rob some oneelse to do it."

  With these words he picked up de Sigognac's cloak, and having put itcarefully, even reverentially, over his shoulders, made him a profoundobeisance, and departed.

  Thus the efforts of the Duke of Vallombreuse, to advance his suit and toget rid of his rival, had once more failed ignominiously.