Unable to shed a tear, Victoire stood in silent consternation, whilst Annette explained to the good steward and his son the whole transaction.  Basile, who was naturally of an impetuous temper, was so transported with indignation, that he would have gone instantly with the note from Tracassier to denounce him before the whole National Convention, if he had not been restrained by his more prudent father.  The old steward represented to him, that as the note was neither signed nor written by the hand of Tracassier, no proof could be brought home to him, and the attempt to convict one of so powerful a party would only bring certain destruction upon the accusers.  Besides, such was at this time the general depravity of manners, that numbers would keep the guilty in countenance.  There was no crime which the mask of patriotism could not cover.  “There is one comfort we have in our misfortunes, which these men can never have,” said the old man; “when their downfall comes, and come it will most certainly, they will not feel as we do, INNOCENT.  Victoire, look up! and do not give way to despair—­all will yet be well.”

“At all events, you have done what is right—­so do not reproach yourself,” said Basile.  “Everybody—­I mean everybody who is good for anything—­must respect, admire, and love you, Victoire.”

CHAPTER XVI

   “Ne mal cio che v’annoja,
   Quello e vero gioire
   Che nasce da virtude dopo il soffrire.”

Basile had not seen without emotion the various instances of goodness which Victoire showed during the illness of Sister Frances.  Her conduct towards M. Tracassier increased his esteem and attachment; but he forbore to declare his affection, because he could not, consistently with prudence, or with gratitude to his father, think of marrying, now that he was not able to maintain a wife and family.  The honest earnings of many years of service had been wrested from the old steward at the time the Chateau de Fleury was seized, and he now depended on the industry of his son for the daily support of his age.  His dependence was just, and not likely to be disappointed; for he had given his son an education suitable to his condition in life.  Basile was an exact arithmetician, could write an excellent hand, and was a ready draughtsman and surveyor.  To bring these useful talents into action, and to find employment for them with men by whom they would be honestly rewarded, was the only difficulty—­a difficulty which Victoire’s brother Maurice soon removed.  His reputation as a smith had introduced him, among his many customers, to a gentleman of worth and scientific knowledge, who was at this time employed to make models and plans of all the fortified places in Europe; he was in want of a good clerk and draughtsman, of whose integrity he could be secure.  Maurice mentioned his friend Basile; and upon inquiry into his character, and upon trial of his abilities, he was found suited to the