_IV.--My Trial and Happiness_


We had gone on a hunting party one day after my return, and Edmée and I
were separated from the rest. Somehow the old unbridled passions rose up
within me and I succeeded in affronting Edmée with my fierce speech.
Then I hastened away, ashamed and fearful.

I had not gone more than thirty paces when I heard the report of a gun
from the spot where I had left Edmée. I stopped, petrified with horror,
and then retraced my steps. Edmée was lying on the ground, rigid and
bathed in blood. Patience was standing by her side with his arms crossed
on his breast, and his face livid. For myself, I could not understand
what was taking place. I fancy that my brain, already bewildered by my
previous emotions, must have been paralyzed. I sat down on the ground by
Edmée's side. She had been shot in the breast in two places, and the
Abbé Aubert was endeavouring to staunch the blood with his handkerchief.

"Dead, dead," said Patience, "and there is the murderer! She said so as
she gave up her pure soul to God; and Patience will avenge her! It is
very hard but it must be so! It is God's will, since I alone was here to
learn the truth!"

"Horrible, horrible!" exclaimed the Abbé.

Edmée was carried away to the chateau, and I followed and for several
days remained in a state of prostration. When strength and consciousness
returned I learnt that she was not dead, but that everybody believed me
guilty of attempted murder. Patience himself told me the only thing for
me to do was to leave that part of the country. I swore I was innocent