138 TH WATCH-TOWER OF KOAT-VEU. 



ciety, attacked this imaginative faith with their frigid materialism, Rita 

 was unable to reply. They spoke symbols, she answered ecstasy. 

 To the miracles which she advanced they opposed the immutable 

 laws of physics and astronomy ; on whichever side the poor duchess 

 turned she found nothing but cold reason or cruel sarcasm ; she was 

 frightened into silence, for the apparent consistency of certain objec- 

 tions had struck her, although very far from being convinced by them. 



Then, perceiving as if by instinct all that she had lost, she sought 

 to take refuge in her early belief; but alas! the time was past. The 

 senseless and miserable demon of Analysis had withered with his parch- 

 ing breath those delicious visions of purity and light peopled by 

 angels with flaming wings and re-echoing an everlasting melody 

 all had disappeared. 



It is easily explained. A man of powerful genius and of well-tried 

 faith can argue with advantage to his cause, and by his own holy 

 conviction impress his antognists with a belief in his truth, drawing 

 them into his argument by winning eloquence. But Rita, whose 

 mind was quick and active, failed in depth of reason ; for she believed 

 as fully in the poetry of religion as in religion's self, and was too 

 weak to carry on the contest against such adversaries. 



She at last was wearied of always being on the weaker side in the 

 discussion ; her vanity was piqued at finding attractive reasonings 

 always opposed to her confused assertions, and she ceased by doubt- 

 ing both herself and her faith. From doubt to incredulity is but one 

 step that was cleared, and Rita became an"espiritfort." Incre- 

 dulity lasted for a short space, indifference succeeded, and she soon 

 found herself without objection and without interest in religion. 



This was an important era in her life, and from this moment her 

 existence was altogether changed. Her lively and impassioned ima- 



fination, which hitherto had found employment in thoughts upon in- 

 nity and eternity, which open immeasurable mines to ardent 

 souls, having soon exhausted all that she had received in exchange 

 for her destroyed belief, was now compelled to feed upon herself. 



Hitherto Rita had escaped the influence of terrestrial passions. 

 But at this moment, fallen from so great a height, if she would again 

 taste the stirring emotions of joy and grief, she must seek them in 

 love, for love is a faith and a religion ; for Rita, especially, it should 

 be so, for had she loved it would have been with egoism, with passion, 

 with implacable and fierce jealousy \ she would have sacrificed to 

 love that which she would have vowed to Heaven rank, fortune, 

 country. 



It was not so that people loved in France at that period, and Rita, 

 finding none worthy of a passion such as she conceived due to love, 

 received with contempt and disdain the homage which was offered 

 her on every side, and remained innocent in the midst of vice. 



The duke of Almeda soon after died, and she was restored to her 

 personal liberty. She regretted her husband very little, but, in respect 

 for his memory, retired to her estates. She quitted the court with 

 pleasure, for the arrogant coldness of her principles had made her 

 numerous enemies, although, in spite of calumny, the general opinion 

 was agreed upon her purity but a purity so intolerant and so 



