Martin brought an action before the judge at Rieux, and in course of time obtained a decree, which, reviewing the accounts presented by Pierre, disallowed them, and condemned the dishonest guardian to pay his nephew four hundred livres for each year of his administration.  The day on which this sum had to be disbursed from his strong box the old usurer vowed vengeance, but until he could gratify his hatred he was forced to conceal it, and to receive attempts at reconciliation with a friendly smile.  It was not until six months later, on the occasion of a joyous festivity, that Martin again set foot in his uncle’s house.  The bells were ringing for the birth of a child, there was great gaiety at Bertrande’s house, where all the guests were waiting on the threshold for the godfather in order to take the infant to church, and when Martin appeared, escorting his uncle, who was adorned with a huge bouquet for the occasion, and who now came forward and took the hand of Rose, the pretty godmother, there were cries of joy on all sides.  Bertrande was delighted at this reconciliation, and dreamed only of happiness.  She was so happy now, her long sorrow was atoned for, her regret was at an end, her prayers seemed to have been heard, the long interval between the former delights and the present seemed wiped out as if the bond of union had never been broken, and if she remembered her grief at all, it was only to intensify the new joys by comparison.  She loved her husband more than ever; he was full of affection for her, and she was grateful for his love.  The past had now no shadow, the future no cloud, and the birth of a daughter, drawing still closer the links which united them, seemed a new pledge of felicity.  Alas! the horizon which appeared so bright and clear to the poor woman was doomed soon again to be overcast.

The very evening of the christening party, a band of musicians and jugglers happened to pass through the village, and the inhabitants showed themselves liberal.  Pierre asked questions, and found that the leader of the band was a Spaniard.  He invited the man to his own house, and remained closeted with him for nearly an hour, dismissing him at length with a refilled purse.  Two days later the old man announced to the family that he was going to Picardy to see a former partner on a matter of business, and he departed accordingly, saying he should return before long.

The day on which Bertrande again saw her uncle was, indeed, a terrible one.  She was sitting by the cradle of the lately-born infant, watching for its awakening, when the door opened, and Pierre Guerre strode in.  Bertrande drew back with an instinct of terror as soon as she saw him, for his expression was at once wicked and joyful—­an expression of gratified hate, of mingled rage and triumph, and his smile was terrible to behold.  She did not venture to speak, but motioned him to a seat.  He came straight up to her, and raising his head, said loudly—­