“God has had pity on me.
“The unfortunate child lives; if he continues to live, he will live only for you,—only for me.
“My women are safe; this house is isolated, far from all help. To-morrow I shall send to the village for the venerable Abbé de Saint-Maurice,—another lie,—a sacrilegious lie!
“I will tell him that this unfortunate child died in birth. Justine has already engaged a nurse; this nurse is waiting in the house occupied by the guard of the crossroads. This evening she will take the poor little being with her. This evening she will depart for Languedoc, as we have agreed upon.
“Oh, to be separated from my child, who has cost me so many tears, so much sorrow, and such despair! To be separated from it for ever! Ah, I dare not, I cannot complain! It is the least expiation of my crime.
“Poor little creature, I have covered it with my tears, with my kisses; it is innocent of all this sin. Ah, dreadful, how dreadful it is! I shall not survive these heartrending emotions. That is all my hope. God will take me from this earth,—yes,—but to damn me in eternity!
“Ah, I do not wish to die; no, I do not wish to die! Oh, pity, pity, mercy!
“I have just recovered from a long fainting-fit Peyrou will carry this letter to you; send him back without delay.”
The next letter announced to the commander that the sacrifice had been completed.
Fourth Letter.