resent at the interview.

My father came, and the colonel, after stating the treatment which I had
received, loaded him with reproaches; told him his conduct was that of a
coward to allow his wife to be guilty of such cruelty towards his child.
Then he sent Madame d'Albret to bring me down; when I entered, my
father started back with surprise; he had answered the colonel
haughtily, but when he beheld the condition I was in, he said, "Colonel,
you are right; I deserve all you have said and even more, but now do me
the favour to accompany me home. Come, Valerie, my poor child, your
father begs your pardon."

As my father took my hand to lead me away, Madame d'Albret said to the
colonel, "My dear Allarde, do you not incur a heavy responsibility in
allowing that girl to go back again? You know what she said yesterday."

"Yes, ma chere, I have been told by your sister, but it was said in a
state of excitement, and I have no doubt that kindness will remove all
such ideas. Monsieur de Chatenoeuf, I am at your orders."

I never said a word during all this interview. Madame d'Albret tied the
black veil round my head and let it fall to conceal my features, and I
was led home by my father accompanied by the colonel. We went into the
room where my mother was sitting. My father lifted the veil from my
face.

"Madame," said my father, in a severe tone, "do you see the condition to
which your barbarity has reduced this poor girl? I have brought
Monsieur Allarde here to tell you before him, that your conduct has been
infamous, and that mine has been unpardonable in not having protected
her from your cruelty; but I now tell you, that you have bent the bow
till it has broken, and your power in this house is ended for ever."

My mother was so much astonished at this severe rebuke before witnesses,
that she remained with her mouth open and her eyes staring. At last she
gave a sort of chuckling laugh.

"Madame, I am in earnest," continued my father, "and you shall find that
in future I command here. To your room, madame, immediately!"

The last word was pronounced in a voice of thunder. My mother rose, and
as she retired, burst into a passionate flood of tears. The colonel
then took his leave, saying to my father.

"Tenez-vous la."

My father remained a quarter of an hour with me, consoling me and
blaming himself, and promising that in future he would see me done
justice to. I heard him without reply. The tears start