And yet (singular anomaly) on learning from M. de
Graun the provoking _platonic_ part which she was to play at the notary's
and what avenging ends were to be produced by her artifices, Cecily had
promised to perform her part with a will; or, rather, with a terrible
hatred against Jacques Ferrand, being very indignant at the recital of his
having drugged Louise--a recital it was found necessary to make, in order
that she should be on her guard against the hypocritical attempts of the
monster. Some retrospective words concerning the latter personage are
indispensable.
When Cecily was presented to him by Rudolph's intermediary, Madame Pipelet,
as an orphan over whom she wished to have no control, or care, the notary
had, perhaps, been less struck with the beauty of the Creole than
fascinated by her irresistible glances, which, at the first interview,
lighted a fire which disturbed his reason.
This man, ordinarily with so much self-command, so calm, and cunning,
forgot the cold calculations of his profound dissimulation when the demon
of lust obscured his mind. Besides he had no reason to suspect the
_protegee_ of Madame Pipelet.
After her conversation with the latter, Madame Seraphin had proposed to
Jacques Ferrand, to take the place of Louise, a young girl almost without a
home, for whom she would answer. The notary had gladly accepted, in the
hope of abusing, with impunity, the precarious and isolated condition of
his new servant.
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