CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

A Storm

Father Pirard told Julien the news. "The marquis gave you some money. He has also settled his lawsuit with Vicar-general de Frilair, the Jesuit. He's too powerful for us to fight. Part of the agreement is that the priest must recognize your noble birth."

Julien thanked his good friend and left for Strassburg. He was filled with ambition.

He was surprised by a servant from Hotel de la Mole with a letter from Mathilde.

Come quickly! All is lost, I fear. I love you.

He was in Paris very soon. Mathilde fell into his arms. "My father has gone, but here's his letter."

I can forgive many things, but Julien seduced you because you're rich. I will never allow you to marry this man. I asked people about him, and eventually I talked to Mrs de Rênal.

"Where is the letter from Mrs de Rênal?" he asked coldly.

"Here it is."

LETTER

Religion forces me to tell you this. This man was poor and ambitious, and he seduced an unhappy woman to gain some power. I think he has no religious faith. He leaves nothing behind but pain and regret.

"I cannot blame Marquis de la Mole," Julien said. "What father would give his daughter to a man like that?" He left for Verrières immediately. He arrived on Sunday morning.

Julien walked into the new church, and saw Mrs de Rênal in prayer. He saw the woman who had loved him. His arm shook as he raised his gun.

He fired a shot at her and missed. He fired a second shot. She fell.

(end of section)