The lines zigzagged toward the top or toward the bottom of the page, and faults of orthography were everywhere apparent.
But if the writing was that of a vulgar peasant, the thoughts it expressed were worthy of the noblest, the proudest in the land.
This was the letter which Chanlouineau had written, probably on the eve of the insurrection:
“Marie-Anne—The outbreak is at hand. Whether it succeeds, or whether it fails, I shall die. That was decided on the day when I learned that you could marry none other than Maurice d’Escorval.
“But the conspiracy will not succeed; and I understand your father well enough to know that he will not survive its defeat. And if Maurice and your brother should both be killed, what would become of you? Oh, my God, would you not be reduced to beggary?
“The thought has haunted me continually. I have reflected, and this is my last will:
“I give and bequeath to you all my property, all that I possess:
“My house, the Borderie, with the gardens and vineyards pertaining thereto, the woodland and the pastures of Berarde, and five lots of land at Valrollier.
“You will find an inventory of this property, and of my other possessions which I devise to you, deposited with the lawyer at Sairmeuse.
“You can accept this bequest without fear; for, having no parents, my control over my property is absolute.