MISS CLARY'S SECRET
For any one else but Miss Clary Ellis, it would be no small matter to
make such a journey; but she knew no fear, and in spite of the frail
expression of her face, there was no hindrance she could not overcome
when she wished to carry out a project. Her governess murmured when she
ordered her to get everything ready. According to her it was madness to
go to a "monkey-land," as she termed Africa. But Miss Clary paid no
attention to her, but went right on packing her trunks, and at four
o'clock she was all ready.
She now called for John. This paragon of a servant would rather have cut
off his tongue and hands than ask a question.
"John," said Clary, "have the horses harnessed."
"Yes, my lady."
"See that these trunks are carried down to the carriage."
"Yes, my lady."
"We shall leave Marseilles."
"Yes, my lady."
"We go to Algeria; if you have any preparations to make, do so."
"Yes, my lady."
Had John been told that they were to start on a voyage to the moon, he
would have answered in his stereotyped way: "Yes, my lady."
Five minutes later the carriage was at the door.
"It is serious, then," sighed the governess. "We are going to Algeria,
then. Do you know, Clary, I have been weak to give in so?"
Clary did not reply, and Madame Caraman, encouraged by her silence,
continued:
"Suppose an accident should happen to you, I would not survive the blow,
for I love you. Wait another day, and if you still persist in your
determination, I am satisfied."
When the governess had ended, Clary offered her her hand, and mockingly
said:
"If you do not survive the shock of my death, you will not have to
answer for it."
"No, no; prove to me that I am wrong."
"God forbid! You are right; but nevertheless--"
"Stick to your plan, then; but suppose I do not accompany you?"
"It would cause me great grief, but could not alter my resolution. I am
young, Madame Caraman, very rich, and wish to enjoy life for once--no
one loves me--"
"Ah, Clary, you have a heart of gold," sobbed Madame Caraman.
"Accompany me to Algeria, Madame Caraman; I need your consolation and
comforting care. I go there to perform a good action."
Madame Caraman looked keenly at Clary. The latter blushed, and
continued:
"Mercedes deplores the loss of her son, and I desire to restore him to
her if it is possible. Think what joy will be mine if Albert flies to
the arms of his mother and I can proudly say: 'This is my work.'"
The governess pondered deeply, and Clary, who was deceived by her
silence, impetuously exclaimed:
"Mamma Caraman, answer me. Have I not expressed myself clearly? I have
never been of service to any one. Yet, while there are people who offer
up their lives and their energies to help others, is it a sin for me to
desire to do likewise?"
"You mean, by that, the Count of Monte-Cristo?" replied Madame Caraman,
thoughtfully.
Clary blushed.
"Yes," she said, softly. "The count is my model."
"And you wish to follow this 'model' to Africa?"
"There is a good deed to be done there, and I, who have nothing to lose,
shall follow him."
Madame Caraman looked smilingly at her.
"I see," she said, simply, "there is nothing to be done but to let you
have your way."
Clary had expected more resistance. She burst into tears, and threw her
arms around Madame Caraman's neck, and the governess tenderly kissed the
young girl.
John now opened the door, and told them the carriage was ready.
"Forward!" exclaimed Madame Caraman, cheerfully, "and let us pray to God
that we return again in good health."
On the way to the harbor, Clary wept silently. Madame Caraman wisely
kept her thoughts to herself.
"I was once young myself," she muttered to herself, "and I know how it
looks in an eighteen-year-old girl's heart. Yes, if I were twenty years
younger, I don't know but that I would fall in love with this Count of
Monte-Cristo myself."
Had Madame Caraman discovered Clary's secret?