"Is it you, Helen?" said he. "Did you expect it was any one else?" "Not much," he replied, evidently disconcerted; "not much. It is only a primitive old-fashioned wife like yourself who would follow an unworthy husband to a prison." "And to a scaffold, if necessary," cried I with energy. "Helen!" said Pendarves in a deep but caustic tone, "spare me! spare me! This excess of goodness--" I smiled; but I believe my smile was as bitter as his accents. What meetings were these between persons circumstanced as we once were and were now! But it could not be otherwise, and all I now suffered I had brought upon myself. In order to change the tone of our feelings, I told him De Walden had breakfasted with me, and then asked him if he would not like to see Juan. He said "Yes," but carelessly, and then added, "So De Walden has been with you?" and fell into a mournful reverie till our uncomfortable interview was over. I promised to send him by Juan all he wanted and desired, of linen, clothes, and food; for Benoit had assured me he would allow him to receive any thing for the sake of his good wife. He thanked me, shook my hand kindly, and saw me depart, as I thought with pleasure. I found De Walden waiting for me with Juan. The latter by my desire asked for Benoit, and begged to know of him at what hour that day or evening he might be admitted to his master. Accordingly he went, carrying with him the articles I mentioned. He was gone some time; and anxious indeed was I for his return. "I have seen her," said he. "Seen whom?" "That vile woman." "Was she with him?" cried I, turning very faint. "No, no: let the good Benoit alone for that. She desired to see the Citoyen Pendarves, her husband;" on which Benoit scornfully answered, "One wife is enough for any man: I allow him to see one of his every day, but no more; so go away, and do not return again." "What!" exclaimed the creature, in great agitation, "is she, is Helen Pendarves in Paris?" "Yes; _she_, the _true_ she,--the good wife is here; and _she_ alone will Benoit admit to his prisoner. _Va-t en, te dis-je!_" "And the creature went away," added Juan; "for I saw and heard it all, giving him such a look!" I could not help being pleased with this account; but I sent him immediately to tell De Walden what had passed, that he might lose no time in seeking La Beauvais, to prevent her going to the prison, and thereby increasing the danger of Pendarves.--When Juan returned, I asked for a minute detail of all that passed between my husband and him. "Oh! he is very wretched!" he replied: "but he told me nothing concerning himself; he only walked up and down the narrow room, asking me nothing but about you, and why they let you come, and if De Walden came on purpose to guard you. In short, we talked of nothing else; and then he did so wish you safe back in your own country!"