econd time, and the police had been on
the search without success. My mother dared not even show herself at
the window of her apartments, and found herself avoided even by her own
children. As for my father, he was half mad, and never met her but to
load her with reproaches, and to curse his own folly in having so long
submitted to her imperious will.

"At all events, one good has arisen from your supposed death, Valerie,"
said Madame d'Albret, "which is, that your father has completely resumed
his authority, and I do not think will ever yield it up again."

"My poor father," replied I, shedding tears, "I feel for him."

"He is certainly to be pitied," replied Madame d'Albret, "but it is his
own conscience which must be his greatest tormentor. He was selfish
enough not to feel for you during your years of persecution, and rather
than have his own comforts invaded by domestic brawls for a short
period, he allowed you to be sacrificed. But observe, Valerie, if you
have still a wish to return to your parents, it is not too late. The
regiment does not leave Paris till next Thursday."

"Oh, no, no," cried I, "my mother would kill me; don't mention that
again, madame," continued I, trembling.

"I will not, my child, for to tell you the truth, you would not appear
in so favourable a light, if you were now to return. You have caused
much grief to my sister and husband, and they would not receive you with
cordiality after having thus trifled with their feelings. It would also
be a victory for your mother; and I doubt not but that in a short time
she would again recover that power which for the present she has lost.
You never can be happy in your family after what has passed, and I think
that what has been done is for the best. Your father can well spare one
child out of fourteen, having little more than a long sword for their
support. Your supposed death will be the cause of your father retaining
his lawful authority, and preventing any of the remaining children
receiving such injustice as you have done; and remorse will check, if it
does not humanise your mother, and I trust that the latter will be the
case. I had well weighed all this in my mind, my dear Valerie, before I
made the proposal, and I consider still that for your sake and for the
sake of others, it is better that you should be the sacrifice.
Nevertheless, I repeat, consult your own feelings, and if you repent the
step which you have taken, there is ye