194 A TraveHer’s Recollections. [Frs. 
suitors. My aunt, who had the rage of husbands—she was the widow of 
her third—selected a spouse for me—a youth of my ownage ; the son of” 
a rich tradesman. I had never seen him but once, and I accepted him 
with sobs. Already were the marriage trinkets purchased—the contract 
was even drawn up, when an accident that I had the luck to meet, broke 
my marriage, and began my fortune. 
“In one of my visits to Paris, in entering the Hotel de Suede, Rue de 
Richelieu, my foot slipped, and I sprained my ancle. My screams and 
sufferings attracted a number of the strangers who lodged in the hitel. 
Among them was an old gentleman, who appeared to feel a lively in- 
terest in the accident ; he did not quit me an instant, and his benevo- 
lence exaggerated my danger to allow him the pleasure of offering his 
attentions. In the fear that the slightest movement would augment my 
sufferings, he would not hear of my removal, and, on the spot, sent off 
his carriage and footmen for my aunt. She arrived—visited me—con- 
doled with me—embraced me—was in despair—confused herself with 
excuses, lamentations, thanks—and, finally, yielding to the reiterated 
entreaties of my new guardian—she granted him a moment’s audience. 
« Monsieur de Villefort was an old bachelor, who had spent his life in 
amassing wealth, without knowing who was to spend it. He had no 
heirs but very distant relations, who had, at various intervals, given 
him hints that he had been old for a long time. Those hints, at last, 
grew displeasing. One morning he quitted Grenoble, and came to Paris, 
with the intention of disinheriting his relations. Marriage appeared to 
. him the mést ready and certain means. My appearance pleased him ; 
my youth had interested him, and he selected me for the instrument of 
his vengeance. My aunt took good care to offer no refusal. She dis- 
missed the Neuilly bridegroom—published new banns—conducted me to 
the mayoralty—led me to the church—made me utter one little word in 
its proper place—and Monsieur de Villefort teld me, with great cere- 
mony, that I was his bride. 
» « This worthy old man occupied himself seriously with my education— 
I owe to him whatever little [ know. I lost him at the end’ of three 
years from my marriage. Ishall regret him all my life. He left me 
all his estates—his relations attacked the will—they lost their cause— 
and they appealed. It was necessary that I should go to Grenoble. 
To have right on one’s side, is a fine thing—but solicitations, recom- 
mendations, and importunities, have also their merits ; and at law we 
should neglect nothing. I knew no one in this province, where I 
came for the first time ; my residence was at the Lion d’Or; the windows 
of my apartment looked to those of a colonel of infantry, who, I knew 
not how, but I knew why, contrived to be always in my way. Ina 
provincial town, a stranger has always the privilege of exciting curiosity. 
The motive of my journey was quickly ascertained ; and my adversaries 
had the address to circulate little anecdotes of scandal, to prejudice the 
public opinion. Through one of those chances—common enough in the 
history of my life—the colonel read one of those libels; he was indignant, 
nor could he persuade himself that I was such as they painted me. He 
asked permission to present himself tome. He came-—professed the 
profound attachment with which I had inspired him, and offered me, 
with true military frankness, his sword, his time, his attentions, and’ 
his heart. I accepted all; and I did well. Born in the environs of 
Grenoble, he was connected with the greater number of my judges; he 
