Volume II Part 56 (1/2)
As soon as she knew he was unfortunate, unjustly accused, and a prisoner, she thought no more of his rivals.
With Rigolette it was not yet love; it was a lively, sincere affection, filled with commiseration and resolute devotion: a very new sentiment for her, from the bitterness which was joined to it. Such was her mental situation when Rudolph entered her room, after having discreetly knocked at the door.
”Good-day, my neighbor,” said Rudolph; ”I hope I do not disturb you?”
”No, neighbor; I am, on the contrary, very glad to see you, for I have much sorrow!”
”Why do I find you pale? you seem to have been weeping!”
”I should think I have wept! There is reason for it. Poor Germain!
Here, read;” and Rigolette handed to Rudolph the letter. ”If this is not enough to break one's heart! You told me you were interested in him. Now is the time to show it,” added she, while Rudolph read attentively. ”Is this villain, Ferrand, thirsting for the blood of everybody? First it was Louise, now it is Germain. Oh! I am not cruel; but if some misfortune should happen to this notary I should be content! To accuse such an honest young man of having stolen one thousand three hundred francs! Germain! truth and honesty itself, and then so regular, so mild, so sad--is he not to be pitied, among all these scoundrels-in prison! Oh! M. Rudolph, from to-day I begin to see that all is not _couleur de rose_ in life.”
”And what do you mean to do my neighbor?”
”Do? why, everything he asks, and as soon as possible. I should have already been off, but for this work, which I must finish and take to the Rue Saint Honore as I go to Germain's room to get the papers he speaks of. I have pa.s.sed a part of the night in working, so as to gain some hours in advance. I am going to have so many things to do, besides my work, that I must get in readiness. In the first place, Madame Morel wishes me to see Louise in her prison? It is, perhaps, very difficult, but I will try. Unfortunately, I do not know who to address myself to.”
”I have thought of that.”
”You, my neighbor?”
”Here is a magistrate's order.”
”What happiness! Can you not get me one also for the prison of this unfortunate Germain? it will give him so much pleasure.”
”I will give you, also, the means to see Germain.”
”Oh, thank you, M. Rudolph.”
”You are not afraid, then, to go to the prison?”
”Very certain my heart will beat the first time. But never mind. When Germain was happy, did I not always find him ready to antic.i.p.ate all my wishes? To take me to the theater, or a walk? to read to me at night? to a.s.sist me in arranging my flowers? to wax my floor? Well!
now he is in trouble, it is my turn; a poor little mouse like me can't do much, I know; but all I can do I will do--he can count on it; he shall see whether I am a good friend! M. Rudolph, there is one thing that vexes me; it is his suspicion--he believes me capable of despising him! I ask you why? This old miser of a notary accuses him of theft; but what is that to me? I know it is not true. The letter of Germain proves as clear as day that he is innocent, whom I should never have thought guilty. Only to see him, to know him, shows he is incapable of a wrong action. One must be as wicked as M. Ferrand to maintain such false a.s.sertions.”
”Bravo, neighbor, I like your indignation!”
”Oh! stop--I wish I was a man, to go see this notary, and say to him: 'Oh! you maintain that Germain has robbed you; well, look here, take that, you old liar, he won't steal this from you.' And I'd beat him to a mummy.”
”You'd have very expeditious justice,” said Rudolph, smiling at the animation of Rigolette.
”It is so revolting; and, as Germain says in his letter, everybody will take the master's part against him, because his master is rich, and thought much of, while Germain is a poor young man without protection; unless you come to his a.s.sistance, M. Rudolph, who know so many benevolent persons. Can nothing be done?”
”He must wait for his trial. Once acquitted, as I think he will be, numerous proofs of interest will be shown him, I a.s.sure you. But listen, my neighbor. I know from experience that I can count on your discretion.”
”Oh, yes, M. Rudolph. I have never been a babbler.”
”Well, no one must know, even Germain himself must be ignorant that he has friends who are watching over him, for he has friends.”
”Really.”
”Very powerful and very devoted.”