Volume III Part 35 (1/2)

”Then I should have screamed like an eagle, and called for help! But it suited me to do my own cooking myself; to be able to say to M. Rudolph, 'No one but I meddled in the affair. I have defended, and will defend, your young man; be tranquil!'”

At this moment the keeper entered quickly.

”M. Germain, come, make haste, to the governor's room. He wishes to speak to you at once. And you, Slasher, my boy, descend to the hall. You shall be provost if it suits you, for you have every requisite to fill the office, and the prisoners will not joke with a big un of your caliber.”

”All the same to me-as well be captain as soldier while one is here.”

”Will you still refuse my hand?” said Germain, cordially, to the Slasher.

”No, M. Germain, no; I believe that now I can allow myself this pleasure, and I do it with all my heart.”

”We shall see each other again, for I am now under your protection. I shall have nothing more to fear, and from my cell I shall descend each day to the court.”

”Be a.s.sured, if I wish it, they shall not speak to you except on all fours.

But, now I think of it, you know how to write; put down on paper what I have just related to you, and send it to M. Rudolph; he will know that he need have no more uneasiness about you, and that I am here for a good motive; for if he should learn elsewhere that the Slasher had stolen, and he did not know the game--thunder! that would not suit me.”

”Rest satisfied: this very night I will write to my unknown protector; to-morrow you will give me his address, and the letter shall be sent.

Adieu, once more, thank you, my good fellow.”

”Adieu, M. Germain; I go to return among this band of rascals, of whom I am provost; they will have to march pretty straight, or stand from under!”

”When I think that on my account you go to live for some time among these wretches--”

”What is that to me, now that there is no risk of their contaminating me.

M. Rudolph has washed me too well. I am insured against fire.”

And the Slasher followed the keeper. Germain entered the apartment of the governor. What was his surprise--he found Rigolette there.

Rigolette, pale, with deep emotion, her eyes bathed in tears, and yet smiling through these tears, her face expressed a sentiment of joy, of happiness indescribable.

”I have good news to tell you, sir,” said the governor. ”The judges have just declared that no action lies against you, and I have the order to set you immediately at liberty.”

”What do you say, sir? Can it be possible?”

Rigolette wished to speak; her too lively emotion prevented her; she could only make to Germain an affirmative sign with her head.

”This young lady arrived here a few moments after I had received the order to set you at liberty,” added the governor. ”A letter of all-powerful recommendation which she brought me has informed me of the touching devotion she has shown you during your stay in prison, sir. It is, then, with great pleasure that I have sent for you, certain that you would be very happy to give your arm to the lady on leaving the place.”

”A dream! surely it is a dream!” said Germain. ”Oh, sir, what kindness!

Pardon me if surprise--joy--prevents me from thanking you as I ought.”

”And I, too, M. Germain, cannot find a word to say,” added Rigolette.

”Judge of my happiness: on leaving you, I found the friend of M. Rudolph waiting for me.”

”M. Rudolph again!” said the astonished Germain.