Camille's grief at her mother's loss was terrible to witness. She ran
hither and thither, uttering wild, inarticulate cries, tearing her hair,
and beating the walls. An unnatural calm succeeded these violent
emotions; reason itself seemed well-nigh gone.
It was then that Uncle Giraud came to his niece's rescue. "Poor child!"
said he, "she has at present neither father nor mother. With me she has
always been a favourite, and I intend now to take charge of her for a
time. Change of scene," said Uncle Giraud, "would do her a world of
good." With the Chevalier's permission (obtained by letter), he carried
off Camille to Paris. The Chevalier returned to Chardonneux, where he
lived in deepest retirement, shunning every living being, a prey to
grief and keen remorse.
[Illustration: THE DISCOVERY OF THE BODY OF MADAME DES ARCIS.]
A year passed heavily away. Uncle Giraud had as yet failed utterly to
rouse Camille. She steadily refused to be interested in anything. At
last, one day he determined to take her, _nolens volens_, to the opera.
A new and beautiful dress was purchased for the occasion. When, attired
in this, Camille saw herself in the glass, so pleased was she with the
pretty picture that, to her good uncle's intense satisfaction, she
actually smiled!