was not insensible to the splendor of reawakened Nature. The Collector contemplated her with tenderness. "I should be happy and content to love her without return, if she would not give her heart to another," said he. And as he knew the most secret thoughts of Manidette, as well as every line of her beauty, a ray of hope shone in his eyes, for it seemed to him that her tranquil soul could never know the torments of love. The young maiden and the Collector had reached the pine-wood which separates the Radeau from the lande of the Sauvage. The sun rose high in the sky, and the shadows of the pines fell on the arid ground. They were already far from Sansouire. At the sight of the heath which carpeted the sand of the forest with white and pink blossoms, Manidette, with childish joy, began to run here and there to admire and gather the wild flowers. Glad of escaping one of these festivals, at which he always trembled lest Manidette should find a lover, Alabert followed the young girl, without reminding her that the hour of the muzzling drew near. Suddenly, at the moment when, rosy with pleasure, Manidette raised herself up with her apron full of flowers, a furious bull appeared through the trees. Advancing with wild bounds, panting sides, blood-shot eyes, lashing tail, and nostrils covered with foam, he made straight towards the young girl. A mortal paleness spread over her face when she perceived him. There was no means of escape-not even flight. The high furze which twined together at her feet imprisoned her as in a narrow labyrinth. With her back against the trunk of a tree, motionless, and frozen with fear, she awaited the bull, who advanced, bellowing. Alabert did not see the furious animal until he was almost close upon Manidette. A great barrier of pines and thorny bushes separated him from the animal. With a desperate effort, in order to divert to himself the anger of the bull, he shouted loudly, and waved his handkerchief convulsively; but nothing would turn the bull, who, after having looked savagely at the Collector, rushed with lowered head towards the unfortunate maiden. At this moment a keeper, mounted upon his steed, arrived like lightning. He thrust at the animal vigorously with his iron trident. Pain made the bull wheel about and rush immediately upon the herdsman-but he, on his guard, received him on his trident. The weapon entered deeply into the nostrils of the animal, who fled, full of rage, leaving behind him a red track. Motionless and benumbed, Manidette had remained leaning against the large pine. Leaping lightly from his steed, the Keeper lifted her up like a feather, took her en croupe, and set off with her. "Where are we going?" said Manidette, trembling. "To the muzzling, to which you were doubtless bound," answered the horseman, in a strong voice. "The muzzling was just beginning when I heard the snout of the Collector, and I galloped my horse in your direction, rightly thinking that a raised bull had escaped into the pine-wood." Manidette and the Keeper had hardly exchanged these few words when they reached the Radeau. This place, chosen for the muzzling, forms an immense sandy circus between the pine-wood of the Sauvage and the sea. Wet by the waves which, agitated by the mistral, rolled on the land, a herd of cattle watched by the Keeper, and kept together by the bell-leaders, crowded together on the shore. The young bulls, the heroes of the day, might be seen in the midst; they seemed to comprehend the danger which threatened them, and, terrified, pressed close to their mothers. Some of them, already big and strong, with fierce eye fronted the multitude scattered on the borders of the forest. The people had assembled from all the districts of La Camargue, in order to be present at this singular weaning, and from the preceding evening whole families had camped on the plain. Covered with canvas over hoops, the wagons, placed in line, formed a barrier, behind which refuge could be taken in case of need. After having gently set Manidette down on the ground, and recommended her to the care of the curious, who gathered around the yet trembling girl, the bold Keeper darted towards the black troop, which, shuddering, awaited the operation of the muzzling. With a red handkerchief round his head, as if to brave the fierce horde he governed, his body free in a white loose blouse, his legs girt with leathern gaiters, firmly seated on his saddle, trident in hand-whether motionless he kept the bulls in their ranks with a look, or that rapid as lightning he pursued to a distance a furious young beast-the manly profile of Bamboche (that was the name of the young Keeper) was vigorously defined on the lande or the sky. Manidette had eyes only for the intrepid horseman; she did not observe Alabert in the background, who, with torn clothes, bruised hands, and face scratched by the briers, regarded her sadly. The muzzling began; the calves touched lightly by the trident of a mounted keeper were separated from the herd, whilst other keepers, standing in the midst of the circle, received them, throwing them down on the sand, and, seizing their budding horns, fastened the muzzle on their nostrils. As soon as the operation was finished, the animal shook his strangely-imprisoned muzzle, then fled into the pine wood, where his mother, bellowing, rejoined him. The females, with haggard eyes, sheltered the last calves, against their panting flanks, and each time a keeper approached to touch a fresh one, their long lowings resounded in the air. Some even followed their young into the midst of the Radeau, licked them tenderly, and looked menacingly on the keepers who surrounded them. Disdaining the first act of the muzzling, which is only for the youngest calves, Bamboche drank and jested with a handsome and lively wine-girl, who circulated the glass freely round her little cart. "Now it is my turn," said the young Keeper, when he saw that there were none left to muzzle except fine heifers, and strong, stout young bulls. Full of distrust, and having reached the most dangerous age, these young bulls menaced all those who came near with their firm-pointed horns. It was to Bamboche that the honor of muzzling these belonged. The peasants of La Camargue are so fond of the bulls that they never fail, whatever happens, to take their part. If a keeper is wounded, it is his own stupidity, "just what he deserves," they say-and they joke instead of pitying him; but if to save his life he seriously wounds the animal who menaces him, there is general indignation: "Poor beast; what barbarity!" they cry. With Bamboche no accident of that sort was to be feared. Skilful, supple, endowed with Herculean strength, he threw the bull so rapidly on its side, that nobody had time to tremble for either of the two adversaries. With him, they were sure the two difficult operations of muzzling and branding would always terminate in a satisfactory manner; and that in the bull-chases, after making the crowd pass through a variety of emotions, he would leave them equally delighted with his own skill and with the courage of the denizens of the marsh. The sense of security is the greatest pleasure that the hero of a dangerous scene can afford the spectators. So each of Bamboche's successful operations was received with vehement applause. When the last bull was secured, and Bamboche on horseback rode round to receive the congratulations of the spectators, all the young girls ranged themselves on his way, and clapped their hands. All spoke at once, and vied with each other for a word or a look from the handsome Keeper. Manidette, although the only silent one, was not the least enthusiastic. Bamboche received the ovation with calmness and dignity. Habituated to easy conquests, he received these feminine flatteries with a careless mien. To the handsome Paradette alone he showed a little attention. Pleased with this preference, she offered a glass of Alicant wine to the Keeper, who emptied it at a draught. "To our better acquaintance!" said he; and followed by his bell-leader, he set off like an arrow. The muzzling being ended, every one prepared to return home. The mules were harnessed, the asses yoked to the carts; and all set off on their way. It was a singular sight to see these caravans moving in all directions through the midst of the landes and the pine-woods, where there was no track-the experienced eyes of the peasants noting slight marks amongst the rushes and furze in order to guide themselves. Alabert had rejoined Manidette. They walked quickly towards Sansouire. The Collector was sad and pensive, and the young girl often turned her head, as if to discover somebody in the marshes. In going from the theatre of the muzzling on the borders of the marsh-ground of Sansouire, stands the Mazet, a poor hut, consisting of two divisions-a sort of shed which serves as a stable, and a kitchen furnished with an enormous fire-place for roasting a whole ox. There the proprietors of the stock give the traditional dinner to the keepers on the muzzling and branding days. The way to Sansouire lay by the Mazet. Alabert and Manidette reached it by night-fall. Paradette's small vehicle was standing unyoked before the entrance. It could not be said that the guests had risen from the table, for they had never been seated, chairs being an unknown luxury in these huts; but they had finished the last morsel of bread, and drank the last drop of brandy. The cheeks of the keepers were purple, and their eyes sparkling. Separate from his grosser companions, Bamboche, by the side of Paradette, leaned with his elbow on the lower window-sill which opened on the lande. Manidette divined that their talk was of love, and she suddenly turned pale. Alabert proposed that she should enter the Mazet and take a little rest. At that moment Paradette cried: "Here is the salt-maker with the green shawl. She is such a delicate morsel, that she will disappear under that handkerchief like a mosquito under a leaf.” Bamboche interrupted her. "Thou knowest well," said he, "that I do not like honest girls to be jeered. One whom I have saved this morning must not be teased before my eyes this evening." Manidette thanked the Keeper with an expressive look, and went away sadly, lean 38 ing on the arm of Alabert. From that day with thick ramparts. This church, the first Brought up built in Gaul, is that of the Saintes Maries. Manidette continued pensive. in a serene atmosphere, not knowing any A shrine built on a chapel above the choir happiness excepting of a calm and orderly still encloses the bones of the two Maries. nature, she questioned herself what singular Every year, on the 25th of May, the people charm an impetuous and violent character go in pilgrimage to adore these holy relics, like that of the Keeper could exercise over which only on that day are laid upon the her. She tried to forget him, and looked altar. It suffices to touch with faith the holy on her love as a crime. She was too sensi- shrine to be healed of every disease, and that ble not to appreciate all the obstacles which every prayer should be heard. Therefore we separated her from Bamboche; besides, she may understand how from all parts of La said to herself that such a pale slight little Camargue the fever-stricken and paralytic creature as she was could never please that resort to Saintes Maries for health, and also rough son of the desert; and for the first that women and girls pray there for their time she regretted that Providence had not children or their lovers. Recollecting that given her a fresh robust beauty like Para- to obtain the favor of the Saints it is customary to make a votive offering to them, Manidette's. However, one morning Manidette gayly dette opened her wardrobe, took thence a retook her place at the casement; her needle pretty shell, and put it into a perfumed bag no longer lingered in her fingers; a sweet to place it on their altar. This shell was the smile played upon her lips. Berzile and most precious treasure of the poor girl-the Caroubie, who had thought that she was suf- Madonna's Ear which Alabert had formerly fering from the effects of the fright caused found by the sea-side, and which it had been by the attack of the bull on the day of the believed had saved Manidette. The young muzzling, returned thanks for her restoration, girl awaited the 25th of May with impatience. Busiwhilst Alabert, persuaded that reason had at The great day came at length. Manidette length triumphed over a love the progress had not told her project to any one. of which he had watched with a jealous solic-ness had obliged Alabert to set out the preitude, was beside himself with joy. Fennète ceding evening for Aigues-Mortes; but the "The health of the damsel was not sorry to accomplish alone alone shook her head. soul is like that of the body; when the cure and free the act which would give her heart is as mysterious as the disease, it is a seri- forever to the Keeper. She dressed herself in her best, and at break of day told her ous matter." parents of her desire to go in pilgrimage to Saintes Maries. Fennète approached Manidette, and said in a low voice, "I do not ask the name of him whom thou lovest ; but remember, when one makes a love-vow, it is for life. The journey is long: thou wilt reflect, my child." Fennète was not mistaken. Manidette, having at length learnt that love is kindled, glows, and is quenched in the heart, without the will ever having power to feed or moderate the flame, resigned herself to yield to the feeling with which the Keeper had inspired her heart: only, she would love withTroubled at finding a part of her secret out hope of marriage. She traced out courageously a life of abnegation, and in that reso-divined by her grandmother, Manidette went lution found, once more, calm for her mind and rest for her soul. Desirous of sanctifying her passion by one of those acts, which, to pious souls, are indissoluble bonds, Manidette had resolved to vow fidelity to the Keeper on the altar of the Saintes Maries. away blushing, whilst the old woman, never supposing that her granddaughter, so sensible and so reserved, could be fascinated by a keeper, smiled to think that ere long the salt-works would reckon an additional workman. "So sensible as she is, Manidette will Tradition asserts, that, after the crucifixion have chosen some clever workman. Truly of Our Lord, Mary Salome, Mary James, and it seems to me that her pensiveness has coMary Magdalena set forth on board a poor incided with the absence of Pierrot, our best barque, crossed the sea, and landed in Ca- hand, whom illness obliged to go to his own margue, at the mouth of the Rhone. Mag- village. She is certainly going to Saintes dalena went into the desert of St. Beaume to Maries to pray for his recovery. So much weep for her sins; the two other Maries, re- the better; he is a good fellow; I know that maining in Camargue, preached Christianity he admires Manidette; and, as there is not there, and caused an oratory to be built on his equal for managing salt-pans, the works the shore of the sea, in which they were in-will rapidly prosper." Happy at this thought, terred. A Christian prince, in order to shelter their ashes from profanation, caused a church to be built on the site of their little chapel, which he fortified and surrounded Fennète took joyfully to her sweeping-broom, whilst Manidette, quite confused, turned the corner of the road from Sansouire. THE HERDSMAN OF LA CAMARGUE. PART III. & 39 ness of her complexion by the contrast of She soon MANIDETTE walked quickly. lost sight of her home; and since it was the first time she had been thus alone in the open country, she felt some degree of fear Manidette had not recovered from her in traversing those bare plains, where her footsteps were imprinted on the sand with- fright before Paradette, seated in her little out breaking the silence; but soon, happy carriage, was within two steps of the Mazet. to be able to think unrestrainedly of him "Ah," began the wine-girl, jumping to the whom she loved, she slackened her pace, and ground, "it is a pity to disturb you; but," became pensive. It was spring; and, as added she, taking possession of the bead and often happens at that time of the year, pale fastening it to her earring, "learn, my dear, clouds rising from the sea towards the sun that in order to judge of an ornament it tempered his heat, and gave to the margin ought to be complete." And balancing her those opal hues which are so charming. The head coquettishly, she listened complacently distant line of the horizon melted into the to the tinkling made by the touching of the "I thought that I sky; the rather harsh tints of the marshes drop against similar beads forming the neckwere,softened under light vapors; and Na-lace which adorned her. ture seemed to surround herself with a po- had lost my blue bead here," added she, etical veil. Manidette felt herself as much" and therefore I came to search for it on my moved by the majesty of this grand land- way to Saintes Maries; but how did you scape as by the thoughts of love which agi- happen to find it? You would not have tated her heart. In this mood she reached come to the Mazet unless you had lost somethe Mazet. The window at which she had thing, or expected to meet somebody. Now, seen Paradette talking and laughing with as I know no other than Bamboche who the Keeper was closed; the building had would give assignation here, it must be become sad and silent; but the image of either that you came to rob me of my jewel Bamboche animated the deserted walls. The or the heart of the young man," said she, young girl seated herself opposite the case- feeding her own anger. "I set out this morning from Sansouire ment, as if she again beheld the handsome Keeper there. The half of the journey was for Saintes Maries, and if I am at the Mazet "I found your trinket accomplished, and she stayed some time to it is but to rest myself," answered the young rest. The sun shone already with his most maiden in a firm tone. dazzling beams. From the Mazet even to by chance, and I expected to send it to you the horizon a sheet of fine gray sand sparkled by some pilgrim; but I thought I might be before her. Neither tree, nor stone, nor in- permitted, before restoring it, to try if the sect, broke the uniformity of that silvery jewel of a pretty girl would embellish me." carpet-nothing, but the innumerable par- Regretting her unjust sally, and flattered ticles which composed it, and which shone by the modesty of the young girl, Paradette separately like so many rivals. Fascinated replied in a friendly tone, "If thou lovest by the luminous distance, the soul of Mani- jewels it would be easy to possess them. I dette seemed to float along with her glance had never looked closely at thee. Thou apover the dazzling surface. Suddenly the pearest much prettier than at a distance; young girl started; she had just perceived, and I am sure thou wouldst find salters, and half buried in the sand, a large blue bead. even keepers, who would be glad to offer thee She at once recognized it as one of the orna- pretty ornaments." ments with which Paradette loved to decorate herself. Manidette picked up the bead, held it in the sunlight-by turns brought it near, and removed it from, her face. The bead, of a beautiful turquoise blue, charmed her. In this dangerous pastime a lively sentiment of coquetry took possession of the "Who knows," said she to herpoor girl. self."whether, with such ornaments, I should not look as pretty as Paradette?" and holding the bead with one hand to her ear, she held her pitcher for a mirror with the other. Manidette hesitated. It seemed to her Bending over the rustic vessel, she tried to discover in the "pretty" reflection which scarcely becoming to travel with the winewas pictured on the moist sides of the ves- girl. On the other side, she feared to chill sel of water the effect produced on the white-her susceptibility just when her words de 66 Manidette blushed: "That is not what I wish. I shall never wear jewels except what my own work may furnish." "Then, my poor girl, thou wilt only possess them when thy hair is gray," replied Paradette, laughing; "for, frail as thou art, thy earnings will be small. But it is late. Wilt thou ride in my little car? We will go together to Saintes Maries, and thou shalt see," added the wine-girl gravely, "that Paradette can respect the notions of an honest girl." served a mark of confidence. This thought | Maries the bell slowly rang for mass. Slipovercame her scruples, and she agreed to go a part of the way with Paradette; but when they drew near to Saintes Maries she separated from her new friend, and accomplished the rest of the journey on foot. ping without difficulty-thanks to her slight, supple figure-amongst the lame, Manidette reached the choir, wax-taper in hand. This was the place formerly the site of the oratory of the two Maries: a crypt marks the spot, whilst above, in an upper chapel, is the shrine which contains the relics. Between the crypt and the shrine is the sanctuary in which they come from far and near to kneel and pray. 66 That day the town of Saintes Maries presented a picturesque spectacle. Many pilgrims who had arrived the evening before were already camped on the shore; others had arranged a shelter beneath the ramparts; some, as in a moving house, were in- The chains which suspend the shrine sudstalled in their carts in the market-place of denly being lowered, the relics descended the town; some of the fishermen's tents, into the choir. The propitious moment havbrought from the pool of Valcares, whitened ing come, by turns poor invalids, unhappy, the area around the church. Through slits afflicted children, and timid young girls, of their torn canvas might be seen a poor drew near to touch the shrine. Holy little rickety family, who expected health and Maries! hear our prayers," said some. strength from the Saints. Not far from " 'Holy Maries! heal my son," cried moththence, ragged gypsies, with bronzed com- crs. Holy Maries! accept my vow," murplexions and frizzled hair, took possession mured young girls. "Assist us-protect of a small corner to set up their kettle, the us!" repeated numbers of the faithful in only wealth of this nomadic population; chorus, whilst others hung up their offerings. whilst the shrill and piteous cry of a wretched Manidette had fastened up the satchel which little shrimp, half hidden by woollen rags, contained the Madonna's Ear in the chapel made known that the journey had been un- of the Saints, and prostrated herself at the dertaken for the sake of some poor cripple. foot of the altar: "You have saved me from Propped against the fence, a thin pale salter death," said she, clasping her hands, "rewas trembling in the sun, whilst his wife, ceive with my thanksgivings the confidence red and panting, perspired freely under the of my heart. I love Bamboche the Keeper, shelter of her large felt hat. Both, in vari- and I swear by your ashes to be faithful to ous stages of the fever, chanted beforehand him." She remained some time wrapped in the hymn they would sing in the church. thought; then she added with exultation, Jaundiced, withered, without hair or teeth, raising her head, "Now, may a curse come old Revenue Collectors, bent over their stick, over me if I fail in my vow!" She arose. wandered in the streets, awaiting the favor- Her eyes being habituated to the dim light able moment to pray the Saints to heal their of the chapel, she could distinguish in the sciatica. Peasant women from Low Lan- shade an old woman who muttered prayers guedoc and La Provence might be seen there, between two stalls. At one of these stalls, some wearing the large felt hat of Mont- dangled a multitude of scapularies which pelier, others the caquotte of Cevennes ; here had been blessed on the tomb of the Saints; the short gown of Nismes, there the coarse on the other burned wax-tapers of all sizes. woollen cloth of Castres; some were shaded "Here are both for the living and the by the coquettish hat of Nice, but the dead," said the old woman in a low voice; greater number were embellished by the fine" the one is the emblem of hope, the other corset and ribbon of the girls of Arles. The that of remembrance." sand of the plain had become an immense hospital, in which every one encamped where he could. Carts, on which hoops supporting a canvas cover formed a comfortable and portable tent, distinguished the richer of the pilgrims. The tower of Saintes Maries is not visited by the sick alone; a gay and flaunting concourse who bring joy and pleasure assemble there the youth from the villages built on the other bank of the Rhone. Hawkers, with baskets of various wares, line the streets; some offering to the devotees medallions, wax candles, or chaplets; others tempting the bachelors and maidens with toys and trinkets. When Manidette arrived before Saintes Manidette chose a little scapulary of black cloth on which was sketched in white an artless picture of the Holy Maries. "It shall never leave me," thought she, hanging it round her neck; "for it will remind me without ceasing of the mysterious betrothment which unites me to Bamboche." A large red candle was conspicuous over the second stall; and as the young girl was astonished at this redlike torch burning in the midst of the white clearness of the waxtapers, "This," said the old woman in a contemptuous tone, "is the nine days' offering of the Herdsman." "What herdsman?" asked Manidette quickly. "I do not know his name," replied the |