re bleeding profusely.

After a time I rose up and crawled to bed. I reflected upon all I had
suffered, and made up my mind that I would no longer remain under my
father's roof. At daybreak I dressed myself, hastened out of the
barracks, and set off for Luneville, which was fifteen miles distant. I
had gained about half the way when I was met by a soldier of the
regiment who had once been our servant. I tried to avoid him, but he
recognised me. I then begged him not to interfere with me, and told him
that I was running away to my grandmother's. Jacques, for that was his
name, replied that I was right, and that he would say nothing about it.

"But, mademoiselle," continued he, "you will be tired before you get to
Luneville, and may have a chance of a conveyance if you have money to
pay for it."

He then slipped a five-franc piece into my hand, and left me to pursue
my way. I continued my journey, and at last arrived at the farm
belonging to my grandfather, which I have before mentioned, as being
about four miles from the town. I was afraid to go direct to Luneville,
on account of my grandfather, who, I knew from motives of parsimony,
would be unwilling to receive me. I told my history to the farmer's
wife, showing her my face covered with bruises and scars, and entreated
her to go to my grandmother's and tell her where I was. She put me to
bed, and the next morning set off for Luneville, and acquainted my
grandmother with the circumstances. The old lady immediately ordered
her _char-a-banc_ and drove out for me. There was proof positive of my
mother's cruelty, and the good old woman shed tears over me when she had
pulled off the humble blue cotton dress which I wore and examined my
wounds and bruises. When we arrived at Luneville, we met with much
opposition from my grandfather, but my grandmother was resolute.

"Since you object to my receiving her in the house," said she, "at all
events you cannot prevent my doing my duty towards her, and doing as I
please with my own money. I shall, therefore, send her to school and
pay her expenses."

As soon as new clothes could be made for me, I was sent to the best
_pension_ in Luneville. Shortly afterwards my father arrived; he had
been despatched by my mother to reclaim me and bring me back with him,
but he found the tide too strong against him, and my grandmother
threatened to appeal to the authorities and make an exposure; this he
knew would be a serious in