PART III.

ness of her complexion by the contrast of the trinket, when a cry uttered suddenly from behind her made her lose hold of the pitcher, which fell at her feet. It was not broken; but the water ran out and over the sand in a stream.

come to the Mazet unless you had lost something, or expected to meet somebody. Now, as I know no other than Bamboche who would give assignation here, it must be either that you came to rob me of my jewel or the heart of the young man," said she, feeding her own anger.

MANIDETTE walked quickly. She soon lost sight of her home; and since it was the first time she had been thus alone in the open country, she felt some degree of fear in traversing those bare plains, where her Manidette had not recovered from her footsteps were imprinted on the sand with- fright before Paradette, seated in her little out breaking the silence; but soon, happy carriage, was within two steps of the Mazet. to be able to think unrestrainedly of him "Ah," began the wine-girl, jumping to the whom she loved, she slackened her pace, and ground, "it is a pity to disturb you; but,' became pensive. It was spring; and, as added she, taking possession of the bead and often happens at that time of the year, pale fastening it to her earring, "learn, my dear, clouds rising from the sea towards the sun that in order to judge of an ornament it tempered his heat, and gave to the margin ought to be complete." And balancing her those opal hues which are so charming. The head coquettishly, she listened complacently distant line of the horizon melted into the to the tinkling made by the touching of the sky; the rather harsh tints of the marshes drop against similar beads forming the neckwere softened under light vapors; and Na- lace which adorned her. "I thought that I ture seemed to surround herself with a po- had lost my blue bead here," added she, etical veil. Manidette felt herself as much" and therefore I came to search for it on my moved by the majesty of this grand land- way to Saintes Maries; but how did you scape as by the thoughts of love which agi- happen to find it? You would not have tated her heart. In this mood she reached the Mazet. The window at which she had seen Paradette talking and laughing with the Keeper was closed; the building had become sad and silent; but the image of Bamboche animated the deserted walls. The young girl seated herself opposite the casement, as if she again beheld the handsome Keeper there. The half of the journey was accomplished, and she stayed some time to rest. The sun shone already with his most dazzling beams. From the Mazet even to the horizon a sheet of fine gray sand sparkled before her. Neither tree, nor stone, nor insect, broke the uniformity of that silvery carpet-nothing, but the innumerable particles which composed it, and which shone separately like so many rivals. Fascinated by the luminous distance, the soul of Manidette seemed to float along with her glance over the dazzling surface. Suddenly the young girl started; she had just perceived, half buried in the sand, a large blue bead. She at once recognized it as one of the ornaments with which Paradette loved to decorate herself. Manidette picked up the bead, held it in the sunlight-by turns brought it near, and removed it from, her face. The bead, of a beautiful turquoise blue, charmed her. In this dangerous pastime a lively sentiment of coquetry took possession of the poor girl. "Who knows," said she to herself," whether, with such ornaments, I should not look as pretty as Paradette ?" and holding the bead with one hand to her ear, she held her pitcher for a mirror with the other. Bending over the rustic vessel, she tried to Manidette hesitated. It seemed to her discover in the " pretty "reflection which scarcely becoming to travel with the winewas pictured on the moist sides of the ves- girl. On the other side, she feared to chill sel of water the effect produced on the white-her susceptibility just when her words de

"I set out this morning from Sansouire for Saintes Maries, and if I am at the Mazet it is but to rest myself," answered the young maiden in a firm tone. "I found your trinket by chance, and I expected to send it to you by some pilgrim; but I thought I might be permitted, before restoring it, to try if the jewel of a pretty girl would embellish me."

Regretting her unjust sally, and flattered by the modesty of the young girl, Paradette replied in a friendly tone, "If thou lovest jewels it would be easy to possess them. I had never looked closely at thee. Thou appearest much prettier than at a distance; and I am sure thou wouldst find salters, and even keepers, who would be glad to offer thee pretty ornaments."

Manidette blushed: "That is not what I wish. I shall never wear jewels except what my own work may furnish."

"Then, my poor girl, thou wilt only possess them when thy hair is gray," replied Paradette, laughing; "for, frail as thou art, thy earnings will be small. But it is late. Wilt thou ride in my little car? We will go together to Saintes Maries, and thou shalt see," added the wine-girl gravely, "that Paradette can respect the notions of an honest girl."

served a mark of confidence. This thought | Maries the bell slowly rang for mass. Slipovercame her scruples, and she agreed to go ping without difficulty-thanks to her slight, a part of the way with Paradette; but when supple figure-amongst the lame, Manidette they drew near to Saintes Maries she sepa- reached the choir, wax-taper in hand. This rated from her new friend, and accomplished was the place formerly the site of the orathe rest of the journey on foot. tory of the two Maries: a crypt marks the That day the town of Saintes Maries pre-spot, whilst above, in an upper chapel, is the sented a picturesque spectacle. Many pil- shrine which contains the relics. Between grims who had arrived the evening before the crypt and the shrine is the sanctuary in were already camped on the shore; others which they come from far and near to kneel had arranged a shelter beneath the ram- and pray. parts; some, as in a moving house, were in- The chains which suspend the shrine sudstalled in their carts in the market-place of denly being lowered, the relics descended the town; some of the fishermen's tents, into the choir. The propitious moment havbrought from the pool of Valcares, whitened ing come, by turns poor invalids, unhappy, the area around the church. Through slits afflicted children, and timid young girls, of their torn canvas might be seen a poor drew near to touch the shrine. "Holy little rickety family, who expected health and Maries! hear our prayers," said some. strength from the Saints. Not far from " Holy Maries! heal my son," cried moththence, ragged gypsies, with bronzed com-crs. 'Holy Maries! accept my vow," murplexions and frizzled hair, took possession mured young girls. "Assist us-protect of a small corner to set up their kettle, the us!" repeated numbers of the faithful in only wealth of this nomadic population; chorus, whilst others hung up their offerings. whilst the shrill and piteous cry of a wretched Manidette had fastened up the satchel which little shrimp, half hidden by woollen rags, contained the Madonna's Ear in the chapel made known that the journey had been un- of the Saints, and prostrated herself at the dertaken for the sake of some poor cripple. foot of the altar: "You have saved me from Propped against the fence, a thin pale salter death," said she, clasping her hands, "rewas trembling in the sun, whilst his wife, ceive with my thanksgivings the confidence red and panting, perspired freely under the of my heart. I love Bamboche the Keeper, shelter of her large felt hat. Both, in vari- and I swear by your ashes to be faithful to ous stages of the fever, chanted beforehand him." She remained some time wrapped in the hymn they would sing in the church. thought; then she added with exultation, Jaundiced, withered, without hair or teeth, raising her head, "Now, may a curse come old Revenue Collectors, bent over their stick, over me if I fail in my vow!" She arose. wandered in the streets, awaiting the favor- Her eyes being habituated to the dim light able moment to pray the Saints to heal their of the chapel, she could distinguish in the sciatica. Peasant women from Low Lan- shade an old woman who muttered prayers guedoc and La Provence might be seen there, between two stalls. At one of these stalls, some wearing the large felt hat of Mont- dangled a multitude of scapularies which pelier, others the caquotte of Cevennes ; here had been blessed on the tomb of the Saints ; the short gown of Nismes, there the coarse on the other burned wax-tapers of all sizes. woollen cloth of Castres; some were shaded "Here are both for the living and the by the coquettish hat of Nice, but the dead," said the old woman in a low voice; greater number were embellished by the fine" the one is the emblem of hope, the other corset and ribbon of the girls of Arles. The that of remembrance." sand of the plain had become an immense hospital, in which every one encamped where he could. Carts, on which hoops supporting a canvas cover formed a comfortable and portable tent, distinguished the richer of the pilgrims.

The tower of Saintes Maries is not visited by the sick alone; a gay and flaunting concourse who bring joy and pleasure assemble there the youth from the villages built on the other bank of the Rhone. Hawkers, with baskets of various wares, line the streets; some offering to the devotees medallions, wax candles, or chaplets; others tempting the bachelors and maidens with toys and trinkets.

When Manidette arrived before Saintes

Manidette chose a little scapulary of black cloth on which was sketched in white an artless picture of the Holy Maries. "It shall never leave me," thought she, hanging it round her neck; "for it will remind me without ceasing of the mysterious betrothment which unites me to Bamboche."

A large red candle was conspicuous over the second stall; and as the young girl was astonished at this redlike torch burning in the midst of the white clearness of the waxtapers, "This," said the old woman in a contemptuous tone, "is the nine days' offering of the Herdsman."

"What herdsman ?" asked Manidette quickly.

"I do not know his name," replied the

old woman; "but I know that he does not frequent the churches, and that he serves the demon rather than the Lord."

"Then why this taper?" asked Manidette.

him in my herd. When we are seen together in the chase, even beforehand we are applauded; for it is well known that Bamboche excepted, every one will recede before him. Sangard has no fear either of the tri"It appears that he has never known dent or the bell-leader. He is the only either father or mother," added the old marsh bull who has a white star in the midwoman, becoming more communicative since dle of his forehead. That star is the mark the young girl had given a piece of silver for of a blow from a trident that I gave him the scapulary. "Not knowing whether they when throwing him down for his branding. are living or dead, he causes every year a The wound bled freely, and ever afterwards mass to be said for them, and nine wax can- the hair grew white. You see, pretty maiden, dles to be burnt for the repose of their souls. the keeper and the bull who have struggled It is two years since he came to express this together resemble two men who have fought desire to M. the Curé. I caught a glimpse in a duel; they have measured their strength of him as he went out of the sacristy; he-they love and respect each other in a cerwas a handsome youth, about twenty, well- tain fashion, unlike to any other. Well, made, dark, active, and had a resolute look. yesterday, in the amphitheatre at Nismes, Every year at the fête of the Saintes Maries this bull, that I love as a friend, was so we find nine candles and the price of the crippled by the thongs of the Spanish matamass beneath the poor-box." dors, that he escaped, bellowing; and Drapeau, my bell-leader, has not yet been able to find him. Sangard is announced for a sport which should take place next Sunday at Aigues-Mortes. All La Camargue will be there to see us contend together. To fail, when promised in the programme, is to fail in one's honor. It will be said that I am afraid. If Sangard is not found here to-morrow, you may pray for me." And, without expecting an answer, Bamboche leaped on his horse. "On, Drapeau, forward!" said he, turning towards a large, peaceable ox who was grazing in the marsh close by. And he set forth through the

"Here," said Manidette, giving the little wax-taper that she held in her hand to the old woman, "I wish this to burn by the side of the Herdsman's large candle."

The young girl had no doubt but that this herdsman was Bamboche, and she went out from the church full of emotion.

The sun sank down to the sea, the pilgrims returned home laden with chaplets and medallions. On the square, noisy groups of youths and maidens arranged themselves for dancing. It was time to set forth, and Manidette began her journey. With a joyful heart and light foot she walked with that equal and rapid step which indicates the ac-plain. complishment of a long-meditated project. A few minutes later, as she drew near to She felt proud of having given her heart the Mazet, Manidette saw a heavy black irrevocably to the handsome Herdsman. mass defined amongst the bulrushes; whilst Wholly engrossed with the charm of her an ominous hoarse rattling in the throat, a thoughts, she glided lightly over the sand, dull bellowing, broke the silence of the without regarding the streamers of fire which landes. She thought of Sangard, and adthe sun unfurled at his setting in the Med-vanced cautiously towards the marsh. It iterranean-without thinking or fearing the evolutions of the horses and cattle who bounded through the marshes, she went forward, her eyes fixed on the lande as if to measure the space which she had yet to traverse. She would not have perceived Bamboche, who was seated on the skirts of a small wood of pines, if a mysterious warning of her heart had not caused her to glance aside. The Herdsman seemed anxious. To the timid salutation of the young girl he replied by an abrupt question: "Have you seen the Sangard ?" he asked.

"Peccaire!" answered Manidette, quite confused; "I do not know what the Sangard is."

"You do not know the Sangard," replied the Keeper, "the finest bull in La Camargue? He has been surnamed the King of the Marshes,' and I was proud to have

was, indeed, the favorite bull of Bamboche. He raised his head, and showed by the last beams of daylight the tuft of white hair which, like a snowy crossing, was traced on the ebony of his forehead. Like a wounded giant, the king of the forest seemed waiting for death. Blood and sweat trickled over his flanks; covered with thick foam, his nostrils quivered convulsively. Wildly he floundered amongst the rushes, tinging them with purple drops or whitish flakes. Turning a bloodshot eye towards Manidette, he began to bellow loudy. She quickly perceive don his loins the cords, which, ordinarily taken off when the day's sport iso ver, leave only slight marks on the bulls, but which having remained on Sangard had cruelly wounded his flesh. She hesitated to approach the irritated animal; but he sank down and looked quietly at her. Man

idette resolved to advance towards the cover the small hut in the midst of the lande,

colossus. She took some steps timidly, and she wished she could find a pretext for going ventured to put her hand on his bristling thither. She was still there, motionless and chine. Sangard did not stir; and, encour- in reverie, when Alabert passed with gun aged by his attitude, she endeavored, whilst upon his shoulder. He stopped before her. stroking him with her hand, gently to re- If you wish to go to the Mazet," said he, move the thongs (banderillas). It was a in a natural though rather trembling voice, difficult operation; but her delicate hands". "you will find there more salutary herbs for accomplished the task. From time to time your rabbits. Those that you may get there she managed to wet her pocket-handkerchief will answer better than the bran and hay with the fresh water from her pitcher, and which you lavish too largely." washed and applied healing herbs to the wounds of Sangard; she tore her apron and made bandages to subdue the swelling; the coolness and the unctuous moisture soothed the animal's pain. But a crowd of small flies buzzed about, and Manidette feared that her cares would be frustrated if Sangard passed the night in the open air. Caressing the animal, now somewhat restored through her assistance, she managed to get the bull to follow her to the stable of the Mazet, which he entered without difficulty.

When she retook her homeward way, Manidette fancied she saw a man's shadow lengthen on the sand. She was frightened, and ran towards Sansouire. All the family were seated before the door of the cottage, awaiting her return with impatience. Alabert, who had gone to meet her, returned to the salt-works just as she arrived out of breath. After having explained, with some hesitation, the cause of the lateness of her return, by saying she had strayed amidst the lande, Manidette spoke largely of the grand mass at Saintes Maries-of the concourse of pilgrims; and ended by announcing the bull-chase which was to be at Aigues-Mortes the following Sunday; but she made no allusion to her vow, nor to Bamboche, nor to the Sangard.

"Thou art now almost as good as married, my daughter," said Fennète, in a low voice, giving her the evening kiss; "the Saints will bless the choice of thy heart. I can respect a secret, and I will say no more of thy mysterious engagement; but remember that I am old, and that I should like to know before I die to whom thou hast given thy heart ? "

For sole answer, Manidette hid her head in her grandmother's bosom. The young girl did not sleep; she thought of the means of returning to the Mazet-of the wants of Sangard of the hope of healing him before next Sunday.

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"You

The young salter went quickly to let her mother know this advice; and a few minutes after, with basket on her head, she went quickly towards the Mazet. She found Sangard in a fair way to be healed. She again applied herbs to his wounds; she washed his nostrils with fresh water; she passed the comb to the extremity of his long silky tail. The bull, who felt his vigor and pride come back, looked at his deliverer with eyes lated with gratitude. Yet the colossus snuffed lustily at the basket which Manidette had set on the ground. He quickly swallowed the small quantity of bran and hay which it contained. As she was joyously returning, she saw at a distance the Collector leaning against a mound. His eyes were tearful, and he made a sign that he wished to speak to her. She set down her burden, and seated herself on a hillock. He approached, and took her hand. have vowed to the Holy Maries to love only Bamboche," said he to her, in a sorrowful tone; you are, therefore, as his wife, and whether he espouses you or not, you will never marry another. I have no more advice to give you," added he, with melancholy; "and now that you are the betrothed of the Keeper, I beg that you will forget anything that I may have said disparagingly of him. But in giving her love to one man, a girl may retain her friendship for another; may she not, dear maiden? He who has cradled you in his arms, who has seen you grow up, and for your sake has never wished to leave Sansouire-he who has loved none but you, has claims on your confidence and affection. Why have you hidden from me your bold undertaking to heal the Sangard? In a fever of anxiety I have waited for you at the Mazet. Your reputation would be lost if it was known that you took care of Bamboche's bull; but I shall watch that no one sees your approach. As I formerly guided your steps, and supported your feebleness over the sand of the landes, I wish now to follow and protect you in a new life. What shall I do if I have not the consolation of helping you to become happy?

The next day, as she went to the vegetablegarden to cut some herbs for her rabbits, she set down her basket and seated herself on a hillock which overlooked the garden. The Manidette arose; and taking her basket weather was clear, and the Mazet could be in one hand, she held out the other to Alaseen from thence; and whilst trying to dis-bert. "You shall always be my best friend,”

of the marshes had retaken his place at the head of his wild troop. To recruit some more bulls, the horde thus coursed over the pine-woods and marshes. Increasing continually, and galloping in the silence of night, this heavy cohort led by a single keeper had a strange effect. During some minutes a confused tramping interrupted the silence of the landes, then the desert returned to calmness and the night to tranquillity.

said she to him. "It is true I love Bam- eyes of Sangard. He set out like an arrow boche, who, perhaps, will never know the to join the herd; but as the night was falloath which binds me to him; but it shall ing, the Keeper did not see that the king be mine to teach you he is worthy of my love." Without suspecting the torture which Alabert felt, she related to him the mysterious circumstance of the wax-taper in the church of Saintes Maries, and the details of her meeting with the Keeper in the lande. The young salter and the Collector walked slowly towards Sansouire, and whilst the maiden spoke with animation, Alabert, listened silent and surprised. "You will help me to heal the Sangard, you will accompany me on Sunday to Aigues-Mortes, and I shall love you as a brother," said Manidette, embracing Alabert on the threshold of her dwelling.

The young girl entered the house; but pale and trembling, the poor Collector remained standing at the door. Alas! thought he, must I also deprive myself of the innocent caresses which ever since her birth have afforded me so much happiness?

However, restored by the attentive cares of Manidette, Sangard had become again the proud marsh bull who made all La Camargue to tremble at his fierce look. His shining skin had retaken its ebony color, the white star shone with new brightness on his forehead, his eye darted sparks of flame, his nostrils smoked with the ardor of youth, his robust flanks rested on his iron-like hams. He bellowed no longer with pain, but with impatience and complaint. The king of the pine-forests was himself again.

PART IV.

ALTHOUGH situated beyond the delta of the Rhone, Aigues-Mortes may be considered the capital of La Camargue, for the nature around it presents the strange and monotonous features which belong to the Provençal island. Isolated in the midst of a marshy plain all furrowed with canals, Aigues-Mortes has only one way of approach, which is raised over deep pools. A sort of tower called La Carbonnière, which formed part of the fortifications of the town, is built in the middle of the causeway, a quarter of an hour's distance from the town. It is in some sort the land-port of that ancient city. Hemmed in on all sides by brackish marshes, salt lakes, and navigable canals, which like the threads of an entangled skein are twisted round its walls, Aigues-Mortes, with the great tower which governs it and the thick ramparts which protect it, seems to have arrested the march of time on its battlements. Life flows evenly and tranquilly in that slumbering city. The convulsions of the centuries hardly come over its ramparts. Pale, melancholy, and wasted by fevers, the inhabitants of Aigues-Mortes seem to bear on their features the sad reflection of the greenish and monotonous marshes which surround them. One sole diversion has the power of drawing them from their habitual torpor-the saddened aspect of the town suddenly changes when the period of the bull-chases returns. Aigues-Mortes awoke joyously, one morning, beneath a summer Sangard, who a few moments before sun. The girls had made themselves smart; thought only of going to the marshes of his the young people assembled on the grand rustic kingdom, now stood motionless in the square. From an early hour, vehicles of midst of the ox-stall, hesitating to leave it. various construction wound along the causeManidette, astonished, encouraged him with way towards the ramparts. Peasants clothed her voice, when suddenly the gallop of a in their best dresses, who had set forth at horse and the bell of a leader resounded in dawn from their remote homes, arrived the plain; a noise of unequal and clumsy tumultuously at the gates of the town, steps were at the same time heard. It was whilst noisy groups here and there gathered Bamboche and Drapeau, who led the herd to to wait for those who lagged behind. As Aigues-Mortes for the chase of the next day. | far as the eye could stretch might be seen The sight of this black troop on their way those little two-wheeled cars called "taps," to combat made sparks of fire flash from the which are the carriages of the notables of

On Saturday evening, the door of the Mazet was opened gently and Manidette appeared on the threshold. Suddenly appeased, the colossus looked at the young girl with an extraordinary expression of affection, whilst his tail performed the maddest evolutions. The young salter had her apron full of ribbons; she decorated the horns of the bull with them, then opening the door, "Thou art free, my beautiful Sangard," said she to him; to-morrow there is to be the chase at Aignes-Mortes. Uphold the honor of Bamboche!"