"The notary executed my commands. It was on her death-bed that this woman had designated the father of her daughter, and in the presence of a priest, whose name was given to me.
"Then, still in the name of this unknown friend, I got half of my fortune sent to this child, about one hundred and forty thousand francs, of which she could only get the income. Then I resigned my employment—and here I am.
"While wandering along this shore, I found this mountain, and I stopped there—up to what time I am unable to say!
"What do you think of me, and of what I have done?"
I replied as I extended my hand towards him:
"You have done what you ought to do. Many others would have attached less importance to this odious fatality."
He went on:
"I know that, but I was nearly going mad on account of it. It seems I had a sensitive soul without ever suspecting it. And now I am afraid of Paris, as believers are bound to be afraid of Hell. I have received a blow on the head—that is all—a blow resembling the fall of a tile when one is passing through the street. I am getting better for some time past."
I quitted my solitary. I was much disturbed by his narrative.
I saw him again twice, then I went away, for I never remain in the South after the month of May.