francs.

This generosity was enormous, and proved the unheard-of violence of his
passion. Then commenced for this wretch a strange life.

Shut up in the impenetrable solitude of his house, inaccessible to all,
more and more under the yoke of his frenzied love, no longer attempting to
discover the secrets of this strange woman, from master he became a slave;
he was the footman of Cecily--he served her at her repasts--he took care of
her apartment. Informed by the baron that Louise had been surprised by a
narcotic, the Creole only drank very pure water, only ate meats impossible
to adulterate; she chose the chamber which she occupied, and assured
herself that the walls concealed no secret doors.

Besides, Jacques Ferrand soon comprehended that Cecily was a woman not to
be surprised with impunity. She was vigorous, agile, and dangerously armed.

Nevertheless, not to allow his passion to flag, the Creole seemed at times
touched with his attentions, and flattered by the terrible domination she
exercised over him. Then, supposing that by proofs of his devotion and
self-denial he could make her forget age and ugliness, she delighted to
paint in glowing colors his reward when he should arrive at that success.

At these words of a woman so young and so lovely, Jacques Ferrand felt
sometimes his mind wandering; a devouring imagery pursued him, waking or
sleeping. The ancient fable of the Nessus' shirt was realized for him.

In the midst of these nameless tortures he lost his health, appetite, and
sleep. Often at night, in spite of cold or rain, he descended to his
garden, and endeavored by a rapid walk to calm his emotions.