softnessto
her
cheek
as
she
glanced
downwards
;
her
bust
,
since
she
had
become
a
mother
,
had
expanded
into
such
fine
proportions
,
yet
without
destroying
the
perfect
symmetry
of
her
shape
;
—
and
her
entire
air
had
something
so
languishing
—
something
of
an
only
partially-subdued
voluptuousness
—
that
the
old
hag
regarded
her
with
mingled
sentiments
of
admiration
,
envy
,
and
pleasure
.
"
In
what
way
can
I
serve
you
?
"
said
the
harridan
again
,
after
a
long
time
.
"
Alas
!
I
have
scarcely
made
up
my
mind
how
to
answer
the
question
,
"
replied
Ellen
,
smiling
in
spite
of
her
melancholy
thoughts
.
"
I
am
not
actually
in
want
;
but
my
father
and
myself
are
dependent
upon
the
bounty
of
one
who
is
by
no
means
able
to
support
us
in
idleness
.
My
father
can
do
nothing
;
he
is
old
—
infirm
,
and
broken
down
by
affliction
.
It
therefore
remains
for
me
to
do
something
to
earn
at
least
a
trifle
.
"
"
A
young
lady
of
your
beauty
cannot
be
at
a
loss
for
friends
who
will
treat
her
nobly
,
"
said
the
old
woman
,
affecting
to
busy
herself
with
her
stew
,
but
in
reality
watching
Ellen
's
countenance
with
a
reptile-like
gaze
as
she
spoke
.
"
Ah
!
I
know
that
I
am
not
the
ugliest
person
in
existence
,
"
exclaimed
the
young
lady
,
smiling
once
more
;
"
but
I
am
anxious
,
"
she
added
,
her
countenance
suddently
assuming
a
serious
expression
,
"
to
live
a
quiet
—
an
honourable
—
and
a
virtuous
life
.
I
know
there
is
nothing
to
be
gained
by
the
needle
.
I
dislike
the
menial
and
degrading
situation
of
a
copy
or
a
model
:
—
are
you
aware
of
no
other
occupation
that
will
suit
me
?
"
"
Have
you
any
money
in
your
pocket
?
"
demanded
the
hag
,
after
a
few
moments
'
reflection
.
"
I
have
three
sovereigns
and
a
few
shillings
,
"
answered
Ellen
,
taking
her
purse
from
her
reticule
.
"
I
know
of
an
employment
that
will
suit
you
well
,
"
continued
the
old
woman
;
"
and
my
price
for
putting
it
in
your
way
will
be
the
three
sovereigns
in
your
purse
.
"
"
Of
what
nature
is
the
employment
?
"
asked
Ellen
.
"
That
of
patient
to
a
Mesmerist
,
"
was
the
reply
.
"
Patient
to
a
mesmerist
!
"
exclaimed
the
young
lady
:
"
I
do
not
understand
you
.
"
"
There
is
a
French
gentleman
who
has
lately
arrived
in
London
,
and
who
lectures
upon
Animal
Magnetism
at
the
West
End
,
"
said
the
hag
.
"
He
has
created
a
powerful
sensation
;
and
all
the
world
are
running
after
him
.
But
he
requires
patients
to
operate
upon
;
and
the
photographer
,
with
whom
he
is
acquainted
,
recommended
him
to
apply
to
me
.
You
will
answer
his
purpose
;
and
you
well
know
that
I
have
always
performed
my
promises
to
you
hitherto
;
so
you
need
not
be
afraid
to
pay
me
my
price
at
once
.
I
will
then
give
you
the
mesmerist
's
card
.
"
"
First
explain
the
nature
of
the
services
that
will
be
demanded
of
me
,
"
said
Ellen
.
"
You
will
be
placed
in
a
chair
,
and
the
magnetiser
will
pass
his
hands
backwards
and
forwards
in
a
particular
way
before
your
eyes
;
you
will
then
have
to
fall
asleep
—
or
pretend
to
do
so
,
whichever
you
like
;
and
the
professor
will
ask
you
questions
,
to
which
you
must
reply
.
This
is
the
main
business
which
he
will
require
at
your
hands
.
"
"
But
it
is
a
gross
deception
,
"
said
Ellen
.
"
You
may
embrace
or
refuse
my
offer
,
just
as
you
choose
.
If
you
are
so
very
particular
,
Miss
,
"
added
the
old
woman
ironically
,
"
why
do
you
not
obtain
the
situation
of
a
governess
,
or
go
out
and
give
lessons
in
music
and
drawing
?
"
"
Because
I
should
be
asked
for
references
,
which
I
cannot
give
;
—
because
there
would
be
a
perpetual
danger
of
my
former
occupations
transpiring
;
—
and
because
—
—
"
"
Because
—
because
you
do
not
fancy
that
employment
,
"
exclaimed
the
hag
impatiently
.
"
See
now
—
my
dinner
is
ready
—
you
are
wasting
my
time
—
I
have
other
business
to
attend
to
anon
.
Do
you
refuse
or
accept
my
offer
?
"
"
What
remuneration
shall
I
be
enabled
to
earn
?
"
demanded
Ellen
,
hesitatingly
.
"
Thirty
shillings
a-week
.
"
"
And
how
long
shall
I
be
occupied
each
day
?
"
"
About
two
hours
at
the
evening
lectures
three
times
a
week
;
and
perhaps
an
hour
every
day
to
study
your
part
.
"
"
Then
I
accept
your
offer
,
"
said
Ellen
;
and
she
placed
three
sovereigns
upon
the
table
.
The
eyes
of
the
old
woman
glistened
at
the
sight
of
the
gold
,
which
she
clutched
hastily
from
the
table
for
fear
that
Ellen
might
suddenly
repent
of
her
bargain
.
She
wrapped
the
three
pieces
carefully
up
in
a
piece
of
paper
,
and
hastened
to
conceal
them
in
the
interior
of
her
old
Dutch
clock
.
She
then
opened
her
table-drawer
,
and
begin
to
rummage
,
as
on
former
occasions
when
Ellen
visited
her
,
amongst
its
filthy
contents
.
The
search
occupied
several
minutes
;
for
the
old
woman
had
numerous
cards
and
notes
scattered
about
in
her
drawer
.
"
You
see
that
I
have
a
good
connexion
,
"
she
observed
,
with
a
horrible
smile
of
self-gratulation
,
as
she
turned
the
cards
and
notes
over
and
over
with
her
long
bony
hands
:
"
all
the
fashionable
young
men
about
town
know
me
,
and
do
not
hesitate
to
engage
my
services
on
particular
occasions
.
Then
they
recommend
me
,
because
I
give
them
satisfaction
;
and
so
I
always
have
enough
to
do
to
give
me
bread
.
I
am
not
idle
,
my
dear
child
—
I
am
not
idle
,
I
can
assure
you
.
Day
and
night
I
am
at
the
beck
and
call
of
my
patrons
.
I
help
gentlemen
to
mistresses
,
and
ladies
to
lovers
.
But
,
ah
!
the
pay
is
not
what
it
used
to
be
—
it
is
not
what
it
used
to
be
!
"
repeated
the
old
hag
,
shaking
her
head
dolefully
.
"
There
is
a
great
competition
,
even
in
my
profession
,
miss
—
a
very
great
competition
.
The
shoemakers
,
the
tailors
,
the
publicans
,
the
butchers
,
the
bakers
,
all
complain
of
competition
;
—
but
they
have
not
half
so
much
right
to
complain
as
I
have
.
Now
and
then
I
pick
up
a
handsome
sum
in
one
way
;
—
and
,
while
I
think
of
it
,
miss
,
I
may
as
well
mention
to
you
—
for
who
can
tell
what
may
happen
?
—
you
are
young
,
and
beautiful
,
and
warm
—
and
such
a
thing
is
almost
sure
to
befall
you
as
well
as
any
other
woman
.
But
,
as
I
was
saying
,
miss
—
I
may
as
well
mention
to
you
,
that
if
you
should
happen
—
in
consequence
of
a
fault
—
to
—
—
"
The
old
woman
leant
forward
,
and
whispered
something
in
Ellen
's
ear
.
The
young
lady
started
;
and
an
exclamation
of
mingled
disgust
and
horror
escaped
her
lips
.
"
Do
not
alarm
yourself
,
my
dear
child
,
"
said
the
old
hag
,
resuming
her
search
with
the
most
imperturbable
coolness
:
"
I
did
not
mean
to
offend
you
.
I
can
assure
you
that
many
a
young
lady
,
of
higher
birth
than
yours
,
and
dwelling
in
the
most
fashionable
quarters
of
London
,
has
been
glad
to
avail
herself
of
my
services
.
What
would
often
become
of
the
indiscreet
miss
if
it
was
n't
for
me
?
what
,
indeed
?
—
what
,
indeed
?
"
"
Haste
and
give
me
the
card
,
"
exclaimed
Ellen
,
in
a
tone
of
ill
concealed
disgust
and
aversion
;
"
I
am
in
a
hurry
—
I
can
wait
no
longer
.
"
"
There
it
is
,
my
dear
,
"
said
the
old
hag
.
"
I
know
the
situation
will
suit
you
.
When
you
require
another
,
come
to
me
.
"
Miss
Monroe
received
the
card
,
and
took
her
departure
without
another
moment
's
delay
.
As
soon
as
the
young
lady
had
left
that
den
,
the
old
hag
proceeded
to
serve
up
her
stew
,
muttering
to
herself
all
the
while
,
"
One
of
my
stray
sheep
come
back
to
me
again
!
This
is
as
it
should
be
.
There
is
yet
much
gold
to
be
made
by
that
girl
:
she
cannot
do
long
without
me
!
"
Then
the
horrible
wretch
fetched
from
the
cupboard
the
champagne-bottle
which
contained
her
gin
;
and
she
seated
herself
cheerfully
at
the
table
covered
with
the
dainties
that
she
loved
.
CHAPTER
LXXXVII
.
THE
PROFESSOR
OF
MESMERISM
.
ELLEN
had
already
been
long
enough
from
home
to
incur
the
chance
of
exciting
surprise
or
alarm
at
her
absence
;
she
was
therefore
compelled
to
postpone
her
visit
to
the
Professor
of
Mesmerism
until
the
following
day
.
On
her
return
to
the
Place
,
after
an
absence
of
nearly
three
hours
,
her
fears
were
to
some
extent
realised
,
her
father
being
uneasy
at
her
disappearance
for
so
long
a
period
.
She
availed
herself
of
this
opportunity
to
acquaint
Mr.
Monroe
with
her
anxiety
to
devote
her
talents
to
some
useful
purpose
,
in
order
to
earn
at
least
sufficient
to
supply
them
both
with
clothes
,
and
thus
spare
as
much
as
possible
the
purse
of
their
benefactor
.
Her
father
highly
approved
of
this
laudable
aim
;
and
Ellen
assured
him
that
one
of
the
families
,
for
whom
she
had
once
worked
at
the
West
End
,
had
promised
to
engage
her
as
a
teacher
of
music
and
drawing
for
a
few
hours
every
week
.
It
will
be
recollected
that
the
old
man
had
invariably
been
led
to
believe
that
his
daughter
was
occupied
in
private
houses
with
her
needle
,
when
she
was
really
in
the
service
of
the
statuary
,
the
artist
,
the
sculptor
,
and
the
photographer
:
he
therefore
now
readily
put
faith
in
the
tale
which
Ellen
told
him
,
and
even
undertook
not
only
to
communicate
her
intention
to
Markham
,
but
also
to
prevent
him
from
throwing
any
obstacle
in
its
way
.
This
task
the
old
man
accomplished
that
very
day
;
and
thus
Ellen
triumphed
over
the
chief
difficulty
which
she
had
foreseen
—
namely
,
that
of
accounting
for
the
frequent
absence
from
home
which
her
new
pursuits
would
render
imperative
.
And
this
duplicity
towards
her
sire
she
practised
without
a
blush
.
Oh
!
what
a
wreck
of
virtue
and
chastity
had
the
mind
of
that
young
female
become
!
The
Professor
of
Mesmerism
occupied
a
handsome
suite
of
apartments
in
New
Burlington
Street
.
He
was
a
man
of
about
fifty
,
of
prepossessing
exterior
,
elegant
manners
,
and
intelligent
mind
.
He
spoke
English
fluently
,
and
was
acquainted
with
many
continental
languages
besides
his
own
.
It
was
mid-day
when
Miss
Monroe
was
ushered
into
his
presence
.
The
Professor
was
evidently
struck
by
the
beauty
of
her
appearance
;
but
he
held
her
virtue
at
no
high
estimation
,
in
consequence
of
the
source
of
her
recommendation
to
him
.
Little
cared
he
,
however
,
whether
she
were
a
paragon
of
moral
excellence
,
or
an
example
of
female
degradation
:
his
connexion
with
her
was
to
be
based
upon
a
purely
commercial
ground
;
and
he
accordingly
set
about
an
explanation
of
his
views
and
objects
.
Ellen
listened
with
attention
,
and
agreed
to
become
the
patient
of
the
mesmerist
.
Thus
,
having
sold
her
countenance
to
the
statuary
,
her
likeness
to
the
artist
,
her
bust
to
the
sculptor
,
her
entire
form
to
the
photographer
,
and
her
virtue
to
a
libertine
,
she
disposed
of
her
dreams
to
the
mesmerist
.
Several
days
were
spent
in
taking
lessons
and
studying
her
part
,
under
the
tutelage
of
the
Professor
.
She
was
naturally
of
quick
comprehension
;
and
this
practice
was
easy
to
her
.
Her
initiation
was
therefore
soon
complete
;
and
the
Professor
at
length
resolved
upon
giving
a
private
exhibition
of
"
the
truths
of
Mesmerism
practically
illustrated
"
to
a
few
friends
.
Ellen
took
a
feigned
name
;
and
all
the
preliminary
arrangements
were
settled
.
The
memorable
evening
arrived
;
and
by
eight
o'clock
the
Professor
's
drawing-room
was
filled
with
certain
select
individuals
,
all
of
whom
were
favourably
inclined
towards
the
"
science
"
of
Mesmerism
.
Some
of
them
,
indeed
,
were
perfectly
enthusiastic
in
behalf
of
this
newly-revived
doctrine
.
The
reporters
of
the
press
were
rigidly
excluded
from
this
meeting
,
with
two
or
three
exceptions
in
favour
of
journals
which
were
known
to
be
friendly
to
the
principle
of
Animal
Magnetism
.
When
the
guests
were
thus
assembled
,
Ellen
was
led
into
the
apartment
.
She
was
desired
to
seat
herself
comfortably
in
an
easy
arm-chair
;
and
the
Professor
then
commenced
his
manipulations
,
"
with
a
view
to
produce
coma
,
or
mesmeric
sleep
.
"
In
about
five
minutes
Ellen
sank
back
,
apparently
in
a
profound
sleep
,
with
the
eyes
tightly
closed
.
The
Professor
then
expatiated
upon
the
truths
of
the
science
of
Mesmerism
;
and
the
assembled
guests
eagerly
drank
in
every
word
he
uttered
.
At
length
he
touched
upon
Clairvoyance
,
which
he
explained
in
the
following
manner
:
—
"
Clairvoyance
,
"
he
said
,
"
is
the
most
extraordinary
result
of
Animal
Magnetism
.
It
enables
the
person
magnetised
to
foretel
events
relating
both
to
themselves
and
others
;
to
describe
places
which
they
have
never
visited
,
and
houses
the
interior
of
which
they
have
never
seen
;
to
read
books
opened
and
held
behind
their
heads
;
to
delineate
the
leading
points
of
pictures
in
a
similar
position
;
to
read
a
letter
through
its
envelope
;
to
describe
the
motions
or
actions
of
a
person
in
another
room
,
with
a
wall
intervening
;
and
to
narrate
events
passing
in
far
distant
places
.
"
The
Professor
then
proposed
to
give
practical
illustrations
of
the
phenomena
which
he
had
just
described
.
The
visitors
were
now
all
on
the
tiptoe
of
expectation
;
and
the
reporters
prepared
their
note-books
.
Meantime
Ellen
remained
apparently
wrapped
up
in
a
profound
slumber
;
and
more
than
one
admiring
glance
was
turned
upon
her
beautiful
classic
features
and
the
exuberant
richness
of
her
bust
.
"
I
shall
now
question
the
patient
,
"
said
the
Professor
,
"
in
a
manner
which
will
prove
the
first
phenomenon
of
clairvoyance
;
namely
,
the
power
of
foretelling
events
relative
to
themselves
and
others
.
"
He
paused
for
a
moment
,
performed
a
few
more
manipulations
,
and
then
said
,
"
Can
you
tell
me
any
thing
in
reference
to
future
events
which
are
likely
to
happen
to
myself
?
"
"
Within
a
week
from
this
moment
you
will
hear
of
the
death
of
a
relation
!
"
replied
Ellen
in
slow
and
measured
terms
.
"
Of
what
sex
is
that
relation
?
"
"
A
lady
:
she
is
now
dangerously
ill.
"
"
How
old
is
she
?
"
"
Between
sixty
and
seventy
.
I
can
see
her
lying
upon
her
sick-couch
with
two
doctors
by
her
side
.
She
has
just
undergone
a
most
painful
operation
.
"
"
It
is
perfectly
true
,
"
whispered
the
Professor
to
his
friends
,
"
that
I
have
an
aunt
of
that
age
;
but
I
am
not
aware
that
she
is
even
ill
—
much
less
at
the
point
of
death
.
"
"
It
is
wonderful
—
truly
wonderful
!
"
exclaimed
several
voices
,
in
a
perfect
enthusiasm
of
admiration
.
"
Let
us
now
test
her
in
reference
to
the
second
phenomenon
I
mentioned
,
"
said
the
Professor
;
"
which
will
show
the
power
of
describing
places
she
has
never
visited
,
and
houses
whose
interiors
she
has
never
seen
.
"
"
Ah
!
that
will
be
curious
,
indeed
,
"
cried
several
guests
.
"
Perhaps
you
,
Mr.
Wilmot
,
"
said
the
Professor
,
addressing
a
gentleman
standing
next
to
him
,
"
will
have
the
kindness
to
examine
the
patient
relative
to
your
own
abode
.
"
"
Certainly
,
"
replied
Mr.
Wilmot
then
,
turning
towards
Ellen
,
he
said
,
"
Will
you
visit
me
at
my
house
?
"
"
With
much
pleasure
,
"
was
her
immediate
answer
.
"
Where
is
it
situated
?
"
"
In
Park
Lane
.
"
"
Come
in
with
me
.
What
do
you
see
?
"
"
A
splendid
hall
,
with
a
marble
table
between
two
pillars
on
one
side
,
and
a
wide
flight
of
stairs
,
also
of
marble
,
on
the
other
.
"
"
Come
with
me
into
the
dining
room
of
my
house
.
Now
what
do
you
see
?
"
"
Seven
large
pictures
.
"
"
Where
are
the
windows
?
"
"
There
are
three
at
the
bottom
of
the
room
.
"
"
What
colour
are
the
curtains
?
"
"
A
rich
red
.
"
"
What
is
the
subject
of
the
large
picture
facing
the
fire-place
?
"
"
The
battle
of
Trafalgar
.
"
"
How
do
you
know
it
is
that
battle
?
"
"
Because
I
can
read
on
the
flag
of
one
of
the
ships
the
words
,
'
England
expects
that
every
man
will
do
his
duty
.
'
"
"
I
shall
not
ask
her
any
more
questions
,
"
said
Mr.
Wilmot
,
evidently
quite
amazed
by
these
answers
.
"
Every
one
of
her
replies
is
true
to
the
very
letter
.
And
I
think
,
"
he
added
,
turning
towards
the
other
guests
,
"
that
you
all
know
me
well
enough
to
believe
me
,
when
I
declare
most
solemnly
that
this
young
person
has
never
,
to
my
knowledge
,
been
in
my
house
in
her
life
.
"
A
murmur
of
satisfaction
arose
amongst
the
guests
,
who
were
all
perfectly
astounded
at
the
phenomena
now
illustrated
—
although
they
had
come
,
as
before
said
,
with
a
predisposition
in
favour
of
Mesmerism
.
"
We
will
have
another
proof
yet
,
"
said
the
Professor
.
"
Perhaps
Mr.
Parke
will
have
the
kindness
to
question
the
patient
.
"
Mr.
Parke
stepped
forward
,
and
said
,
"
Will
you
do
me
the
favour
to
walk
with
me
to
my
house
.
"
"
Thank
you
,
I
will
,
"
answered
Ellen
,
still
apparently
remaining
in
a
profound
mesmeric
sleep
.
"
Where
is
my
house
?
"
"
In
Mortimer
Street
,
Cavendish
Square
.
"
"
How
many
windows
has
it
in
front
?
"
"
Thirteen
.
"
"
Where
are
the
two
statues
of
Napoleon
?
"
"
In
the
library
.
"
"
What
else
do
you
see
in
that
room
?
"
"
Immense
quantities
of
books
on
shelves
in
glass
cases
.
"
"
Are
there
any
pictures
?
"
"
Yes
—
seven
.
"
"
What
is
the
subject
of
the
one
over
the
mantelpiece
?
"
"
A
beautiful
view
of
London
,
by
moonlight
,
from
one
of
the
bridges
.
"
"
Wonderful
!
"
ejaculated
Mr.
Parke
.
"
All
she
has
said
is
perfectly
correct
.
It
is
not
necessary
to
ask
her
any
more
questions
on
this
subject
.
"
"
Gentlemen
,
"
said
the
Professor
,
casting
a
triumphant
glance
around
him
,
"
I
am
delighted
to
perceive
that
you
are
satisfied
with
this
mode
of
illustrating
the
phenomena
of
clairvoyance
.
I
will
now
prove
to
you
that
the
patient
can
read
a
book
held
open
behind
her
head
.
"
He
then
performed
some
more
manipulations
to
plunge
his
patient
into
as
deep
a
mesmeric
sleep
as
possible
,
although
she
had
given
no
symptom
of
an
inclination
to
awake
throughout
the
preceding
examination
.
Having
thus
confirmed
,
as
he
said
,
her
perfect
state
of
coma
,
the
Professor
took
up
a
book
—
apparently
pitched
upon
at
random
amongst
a
heap
of
volumes
upon
the
table
;
and
,
holding
it
open
behind
the
head
of
the
patient
,
he
said
,
"
What
is
this
?
"
"
A
book
,
"
was
the
immediate
reply
.
"
What
book
?
"
"
Milton
's
Paradise
Lost
.
"
"
At
what
page
have
I
opened
it
?
"
"
I
can
read
pages
110
and
111.
"
"
Read
a
few
lines
.
"
Ellen
accordingly
repeated
the
following
passage
in
a
slow
and
beautifully
mellifluous
tone
:
—
"
Now
morn
,
her
rosy
steps
in
th
'
eastern
clime
Advancing
,
sowed
the
earth
with
orient
pearl
,
When
Adam
waked
,
so
'
customed
,
for
his
sleep
Was
airy
light
,
from
pure
digestion
bred
,
And
temperate
vapours
bland
,
which
th
'
only
sound
Of
leaves
and
fuming
rills
,
Aurora
's
fan
,
Lightly
dispersed
,
and
the
shrill
matin
song
Of
birds
on
every
bough
.
"
"
That
is
sufficient
,
"
cried
several
voices
.
"
Do
not
fatigue
her
.
We
are
perfectly
satisfied
.
It
is
really
marvellous
.
Who
will
now
dare
to
doubt
the
phenomena
of
clairvoyance
?
"
"
Let
us
take
a
picture
,
"
said
the
Professor
;
"
and
she
will
delineate
all
the
leading
points
in
it
.
"
The
mesmerist
took
an
engraving
from
a
portfolio
,
and
held
it
behind
Ellen
's
head
.
"
What
is
this
?
"
he
demanded
.
"
A
picture
.
"
"
What
is
the
subject
?
"
"
I
do
not
know
the
subject
;
but
I
can
see
two
figures
in
the
fore-ground
,
with
a
camel
.
The
back-ground
has
elevated
buildings
.
Oh
!
now
I
can
see
it
plainer
:
it
is
a
scene
in
Egypt
;
and
those
buildings
are
the
pyramids
.
"
"
Extraordinary
!
"
cried
Mr.
Wilmot
.
"
And
that
little
hesitation
was
a
proof
of
the
fact
that
she
could
really
see
the
picture
,
"
added
Mr.
Parke
.
"
Wonderful
!
extraordinary
!
"
exclaimed
numerous
voices
.
At
this
moment
a
servant
entered
the
room
and
delivered
a
letter
to
his
master
,
the
Professor
,
stating
that
it
had
just
been
left
by
a
friend
from
Paris
.
The
mesmerist
was
about
to
open
it
,
when
a
sudden
idea
seemed
to
strike
him
.
"
Gentlemen
,
"
he
exclaimed
,
throwing
the
letter
upon
the
table
,
"
the
arrival
of
this
missive
affords
me
an
opportunity
of
proving
another
phenomenon
belonging
to
clairvoyance
.
The
patient
shall
read
this
letter
through
the
envelope
.
"
"
But
if
its
contents
be
private
?
"
said
a
guest
.
"
Then
I
am
surrounded
by
gentlemen
of
honour
,
who
will
not
publish
those
contents
,
"
returned
the
professor
with
a
smile
.
A
murmur
of
approbation
welcomed
this
happy
compliment
of
the
Frenchman
.
The
mesmerist
held
the
letter
at
a
short
distance
from
Ellen
's
countenance
,
and
said
,
"
What
is
this
?
"
"
A
letter
,
"
she
replied
.
"
It
is
written
in
French
.
"
"
Read
it
,
"
cried
the
mesmerist
.
"
The
writing
is
obscure
,
and
the
lines
seem
to
cross
each
other
.
"
"
That
is
because
the
letter
is
in
an
envelope
and
folded
,
"
said
the
Professor
.
"
But
try
and
read
it
.
"
Ellen
then
distinctly
repeated
the
contents
of
the
letter
,
of
which
the
following
is
a
translation
:
—
"
Paris
.
"
Honoured
Sir
,
—
I
have
to
acquaint
you
with
the
alarming
illness
of
my
beloved
mistress
,
your
aunt
Madame
Delabarre
.
She
was
taken
suddenly
ill
four
days
ago
.
Two
eminent
physicians
are
in
constant
attendance
upon
her
.
It
is
believed
that
if
she
does
not
get
better
in
a
few
days
,
the
medical
attendants
will
perform
an
operation
upon
her
.
Should
your
leisure
and
occupation
permit
,
you
would
do
well
to
hasten
to
France
to
comfort
your
venerable
relative
.
"
Your
humble
servant
,
"
FELICIE
SOLIVEAU
.
"
"
Ah
!
my
poor
aunt
!
my
poor
aunt
!
"
cried
the
Professor
:
"
she
is
no
more
!
It
was
her
death
that
the
patient
foretold
ere
now
!
Yes
—
the
two
physicians
—
the
painful
operation
—
Oh
!
my
poor
aunt
!
"
The
mesmerist
tore
open
the
letter
,
hastily
glanced
over
it
,
and
handed
it
to
the
gentleman
who
stood
nearest
to
him
.
This
individual
perused
it
attentively
,
and
,
turning
towards
the
other
guests
,
said
,
"
It
is
word
for
word
as
the
patient
read
it
.
"
The
enthusiasm
of
the
disciples
of
mesmerism
present
was
only
damped
by
the
grief
into
which
the
Professor
was
now
plunged
by
the
conviction
of
the
death
of
his
venerable
aunt
.
They
,
therefore
,
briefly
returned
their
best
thanks
for
the
highly
satisfactory
illustrations
of
the
truths
of
mesmeric
phenomena
which
they
had
witnessed
upon
the
occasion
,
and
took
their
leave
,
their
minds
filled
with
the
marvels
that
had
been
developed
to
them
.
The
moment
the
guests
and
the
reporters
had
taken
their
departure
,
the
Professor
hastened
up
to
Ellen
,
took
her
by
the
hand
,
and
exclaimed
in
a
transport
of
joy
,
"
You
may
rise
,
my
good
young
lady
;
it
is
all
over
!
You
acquitted
yourself
admirably
!
Nothing
could
be
better
.
I
am
delighted
with
you
!
My
fortune
is
made
—
my
fortune
is
made
!
These
English
blockheads
bite
at
anything
!
"
Ellen
rose
from
the
chair
in
which
she
had
feigned
her
mesmeric
sleep
,
and
was
by
no
means
displeased
with
the
opportunity
of
stretching
her
limbs
,
which
were
dreadfully
cramped
through
having
remained
an
hour
in
one
unchanged
position
.
The
Professor
compelled
her
to
drink
a
glass
of
wine
to
refresh
her
;
and
in
a
few
minutes
she
was
perfectly
at
her
ease
once
more
.
"
Yes
,
"
repeated
the
mesmerist
;
"
you
conducted
yourself
admirably
.
I
really
could
not
have
anticipated
such
perfection
at
what
I
may
call
a
mere
rehearsal
of
your
part
.
You
remembered
every
thing
I
had
told
you
to
the
very
letter
.
By
cleverly
selecting
to
examine
you
,
those
persons
whose
houses
I
have
visited
myself
,
and
the
leading
features
of
which
I
am
able
to
explain
to
you
beforehand
,
I
shall
make
you
accomplish
such
wonders
in
this
respect
,
that
even
the
most
sceptical
will
be
astounded
.
You
have
an
excellent
memory
;
and
that
is
the
essential
.
Moreover
,
I
shall
never
mislead
you
.
The
book
and
the
print
agreed
upon
between
us
during
the
day
,
shall
always
be
chosen
for
illustration
at
the
lecture
.
By
the
bye
,
your
little
hesitation
about
the
engraving
was
admirable
.
You
may
always
introduce
that
piece
of
acting
into
your
part
:
it
appears
true
.
The
part
then
is
not
over-done
.
I
give
you
great
credit
for
the
idea
.
In
a
few
days
I
shall
tell
all
my
friends
that
I
have
received
a
letter
announcing
my
aunt
's
death
;
and
that
her
demise
took
place
at
the
very
moment
when
you
beheld
her
death-bed
in
your
mesmeric
slumber
.
This
will
astound
them
completely
.
On
the
next
occasion
we
must
introduce
into
our
comedy
the
scene
of
the
patient
describing
what
takes
place
in
another
room
,
with
a
wall
intervening
;
and
as
we
will
settle
before-hand
all
that
I
shall
do
in
another
apartment
,
upon
the
occasion
,
that
portion
of
the
task
will
not
be
difficult
.
"
"
But
suppose
,
sir
,
"
said
Ellen
,
"
that
a
gentleman
,
concerning
whose
house
you
have
given
me
no
previous
description
,
should
wish
to
examine
me
,
—
what
must
I
do
in
such
a
case
?
"
"
Remain
silent
,
"
answered
the
Professor
.
"
And
would
not
this
excite
suspicion
?
"
"
Not
a
bit
of
it
.
I
have
my
answer
ready
:
—
'
There
is
no
magnetic
affinity
,
no
mesmeric
sympathy
,
between
you
and
your
interlocutor
.
'
That
is
the
way
to
stave
off
such
a
difficulty
;
and
it
applies
equally
to
a
stranger
holding
books
or
prints
for
you
to
read
with
the
back
of
your
head
.
"
"
I
really
can
scarcely
avoid
laughing
when
I
think
of
the
nature
of
the
farce
,
"
observed
Ellen
.
"
And
yet
this
is
not
the
only
doctrine
with
which
the
world
is
duped
,
"
said
the
Professor
.
"
But
it
is
growing
late
;
and
you
are
doubtless
anxious
to
return
home
.
I
am
so
well
pleased
with
you
,
that
I
must
beg
you
to
accept
this
five-pound
note
as
an
earnest
of
my
liberal
intentions
.
You
were
very
perfect
with
the
poetry
and
the
letter
—
the
letter
,
by
the
bye
,
from
my
poor
old
aunt
,
whose
existence
is
only
in
my
own
imagination
!
—
Indeed
,
altogether
,
I
am
delighted
with
you
!
"
Ellen
received
the
money
tendered
her
by
the
mesmerist
,
and
took
her
departure
.
Thus
successfully
terminated
her
first
essay
as
a
patient
to
a
Professor
of
Animal
Magnetism
!
CHAPTER
LXXXVIII
.
THE
FIGURANTE
.
THE
wonders
performed
by
the
Professor
of
Mesmerism
produced
an
immense
sensation
.
The
persons
who
had
been
admitted
to
the
"
private
exhibition
,
"
did
not
fail
to
proclaim
far
and
wide
the
particulars
of
all
that
they
had
witnessed
;
and
,
as
a
tale
never
loses
by
repetition
,
the
narrative
of
those
marvels
became
in
a
very
few
days
a
perfect
romance
.
The
reporters
of
the
press
,
who
had
attended
the
exhibition
,
dressed
up
a
magnificent
account
of
the
entire
proceedings
,
for
the
journals
with
which
they
were
connected
;
and
the
fame
of
the
Professor
,
like
that
of
one
of
the
knights
of
the
olden
time
,
was
soon
"
bruited
abroad
through
the
length
and
breadth
of
the
land
.
"
At
length
a
public
lecture
was
given
,
and
attended
with
the
most
complete
success
.
Ellen
had
an
excellent
memory
;
and
her
part
was
enacted
to
admiration
.
She
recollected
the
most
minute
particulars
detailed
to
her
by
the
Mesmerist
,
relative
to
the
interior
of
the
houses
of
his
friends
,
the
contents
of
letters
to
be
read
through
envelopes
,
the
subjects
of
prints
,
and
the
lines
of
poetry
or
passages
of
prose
in
the
books
to
be
read
when
placed
behind
her
.
Never
was
a
deception
better
contrived
:
the
most
wary
were
deluded
by
it
;
and
the
purse
of
the
Professor
was
well
filled
with
the
gold
of
his
dupes
.
But
all
things
have
an
end
:
and
the
deceit
of
the
Mesmerist
was
not
an
exception
to
the
rule
.
One
evening
,
a
gentleman
—
a
friend
of
the
Professor
—
was
examining
Ellen
,
who
of
course
was
in
a
perfect
state
of
coma
,
respecting
the
interior
of
his
library
.
The
patient
had
gone
through
the
process
of
questioning
uncommonly
well
,
until
at
length
the
gentleman
said
to
her
,
"
Whereabouts
does
the
stuffed
owl
stand
in
the
room
you
are
describing
?
"
In
the
abstract
there
was
nothing
ludicrous
in
this
query
:
but
,
when
associated
with
the
absurdity
of
the
part
which
Ellen
was
playing
,
and
entering
as
a
link
into
the
chain
of
curious
ideas
that
occupied
her
mind
at
the
moment
,
it
assumed
a
shape
so
truly
ridiculous
that
her
gravity
was
completely
overcome
.
She
burst
into
an
immoderate
fit
of
laughter
:
her
eyes
opened
wide
—
the
perfect
state
of
coma
vanished
in
a
moment
—
the
clairvoyance
was
forgotten
—
the
catalepsy
disappeared
—
and
the
patient
became
unmesmerised
in
a
moment
,
in
total
defiance
of
all
the
prescribed
rules
and
regulations
of
Animal
Magnetism
!
Laughter
is
catching
.
The
audience
began
to
titter
—
then
to
indulge
in
a
half-suppressed
cachinnation
;
—
and
at
length
a
chorus
of
hilarity
succeeded
the
congenial
symphony
which
emanated
from
the
lips
of
the
patient
.
The
Professor
was
astounded
.
He
was
,
however
,
a
man
of
great
presence
of
mind
:
and
he
instantaneously
pronounced
Ellen
's
conduct
to
be
a
phenomenon
in
Mesmerism
,
which
was
certainly
rarely
illustrated
,
but
for
which
he
was
by
no
means
unprepared
.
But
all
his
eloquence
was
useless
.
The
risible
inclination
which
now
animated
the
great
majority
of
his
audience
,
triumphed
over
the
previous
prejudice
in
favour
of
Mesmerism
;
the
charm
was
dissolved
—
the
spell
was
annihilated
—
"
the
pitcher
had
gone
so
often
to
the
well
that
it
got
broken
at
last
"
—
the
voice
of
the
Professor
had
lost
its
power
.
No
sooner
did
the
hilarity
subside
a
little
,
when
it
was
renewed
again
;
and
even
the
friends
and
most
staunch
adherents
of
the
Professor
looked
at
each
other
with
suspicion
depicted
upon
their
countenances
.
What
reason
could
not
do
,
was
effected
by
ridicule
:
Mesmerism
,
like
the
heathen
mythology
,
ceased
to
be
a
worship
.
The
Professor
grew
distracted
.
Confusion
ensued
;
the
audience
rose
from
their
seats
;
groups
were
formed
;
and
the
proceedings
of
the
evening
were
freely
discussed
by
the
various
different
parties
into
which
the
company
thus
split
.
Ellen
took
advantage
of
the
confusion
to
slip
out
of
the
room
;
and
in
a
few
moments
she
left
the
house
.
Her
occupation
was
now
once
more
gone
;
and
she
resolved
to
pay
another
visit
to
the
old
hag
.
Accordingly
,
in
a
few
days
she
again
sought
the
miserable
court
in
Golden
Lane
.
It
was
about
three
o'clock
in
the
afternoon
,
when
the
young
lady
entered
the
apartment
in
which
the
old
hag
dwelt
.
The
wrinkled
wretch
was
seated
at
the
table
,
working
.
She
had
bought
herself
a
new
gown
with
a
portion
of
the
money
which
she
had
received
from
Ellen
on
the
occasion
of
recommending
the
latter
to
the
Mesmerist
;
and
the
old
woman
's
looks
were
joyful
—
as
joyful
as
so
hideous
an
expression
of
countenance
would
allow
them
to
be
—
for
she
thought
of
being
smart
once
more
,
even
in
her
old
age
.
Vanity
only
ceases
with
the
extinction
of
life
itself
.
"
Well
,
my
child
,
"
said
the
old
woman
,
gaily
;
"
you
have
come
back
to
me
again
.
Surely
you
have
not
already
finished
with
your
Mesmerist
?
"
"
Yes
,
"
replied
Ellen
.
"
The
bubble
has
burst
;
and
I
am
once
more
in
search
of
employment
.
"
"
And
in
such
search
,
miss
,
will
you
ever
be
,
until
you
choose
to
settle
yourself
in
a
manner
suitable
to
your
beauty
,
your
accomplishments
,
and
your
merits
,
"
said
the
old
woman
.
"
In
what
way
could
I
thus
settle
myself
?
"
"
Do
you
ask
me
so
simple
a
question
?
May
you
not
have
a
handsome
house
,
a
carriage
,
servants
,
money
,
rich
garments
,
jewels
,
and
a
box
at
the
Opera
,
for
the
mere
asking
?
"
"
I
do
not
require
so
much
,
"
answered
Ellen
,
with
a
smile
.
"
If
I
can
earn
a
guinea
or
two
a
week
,
I
shall
be
contented
.
"
"
And
do
you
not
feel
anxious
to
set
off
your
charms
to
the
greatest
advantage
?
"
demanded
the
old
woman
.
"
How
well
would
pearls
become
your
soft
and
shining
hair
!
how
dazzling
would
your
polished
arms
appear
when
clasped
by
costly
bracelets
!
how
lovely
would
be
your
little
ears
with
brilliant
pendants
!
how
elegant
would
be
your
figure
when
clad
in
rustling
silk
or
rich
satin
!
how
the
whiteness
of
your
bosom
would
eclipse
that
of
the
finest
lace
!
Ah
!
miss
,
you
are
your
own
enemy
—
you
are
your
own
enemy
!
"
"
You
forget
that
I
have
a
father
,
"
said
Ellen
,
—
"
a
father
who
loves
me
,
and
whom
I
love
,
—
a
father
who
would
die
if
he
knew
of
his
daughter
's
disgrace
.
"
"
Fathers
do
not
die
so
easily
,
"
cried
the
old
hag
.
"
They
habituate
themselves
to
every
thing
,
as
well
as
other
people
.
And
then
—
think
of
the
luxuries
and
comforts
with
which
you
could
surround
the
old
man
.
"
"
We
will
not
talk
any
more
upon
that
subject
,
"
said
Ellen
firmly
.
"
I
well
understand
your
meaning
;
and
I
am
not
prudish
nor
false
enough
to
affect
a
virtue
which
I
do
not
possess
.
But
I
have
my
interests
to
consult
;
and
it
does
not
suit
my
ideas
of
happiness
to
accept
the
proposal
implied
by
your
language
.
In
a
word
,
can
you
find
me
any
more
employment
?
"
"
I
know
no
more
Mesmerists
,
"
answered
the
old
hag
,
in
a
surly
tone
.
"
Then
you
can
do
nothing
for
me
?
"
"
I
did
not
say
that
—
I
did
not
say
that
,
"
cried
the
hag
.
"
It
is
true
I
can
get
you
upon
the
stage
;
but
perhaps
that
pursuit
will
not
please
you
.
"
"
Upon
the
stage
!
"
ejaculated
Ellen
.
"
In
what
capacity
?
"
"
As
a
figurante
,
or
dancer
in
the
ballet
,
at
a
great
theatre
,
"
replied
the
old
woman
.
"
But
I
should
be
known
—
I
should
be
recognised
,
"
said
Ellen
.
"
There
is
no
chance
of
that
,
"
returned
the
hag
.
"
Dressed
like
a
sylph
,
with
rouge
upon
your
cheeks
,
and
surrounded
by
a
blaze
of
light
,
you
would
be
altogether
a
different
being
.
Ah
!
it
seems
that
I
already
behold
you
upon
the
stage
—
the
point
of
admiration
for
a
thousand
looks
—
the
object
of
envy
and
desire
,
and
of
every
passion
which
can
possibly
gratify
female
vanity
.
"
For
some
moments
Ellen
remained
lost
in
thought
.
The
old
woman
's
offer
pleased
her
:
she
was
vain
of
her
beauty
and
she
contemplated
with
delight
the
opportunity
thus
presented
to
her
of
displaying
it
with
brilliant
effect
.
She
already
dreamt
of
success
,
applause
,
and
showers
of
nosegays
;
and
her
countenance
gradually
expended
into
a
smile
of
pleasure
.
"
I
accept
your
proposal
,
"
she
said
;
"
but
—
"
"
Why
do
you
hesitate
?
"
demanded
the
old
woman
.
"
Oh
!
I
was
only
thinking
that
the
introduction
would
be
better
—
—
"
"
If
it
did
not
come
from
me
?
"
added
the
old
woman
,
her
wrinkled
face
becoming
more
wrinkled
still
with
a
sardonic
grin
.
"
Well
,
make
yourself
easy
upon
that
score
.
I
am
only
aware
that
a
celebrated
manager
has
a
vacancy
in
his
establishment
for
a
figurante
,
and
you
may
apply
for
it
.
"
"
But
I
am
ignorant
of
the
modes
of
dancing
practised
upon
the
stage
,
"
said
Ellen
.
"
You
will
soon
learn
,
"
answered
the
old
woman
.
"
Your
beauty
will
prove
your
principal
recommendation
.
"
"
And
what
shall
I
give
you
for
your
suggestion
?
"
asked
Ellen
,
taking
out
her
purse
.
When
a
bailiff
makes
a
seizure
in
a
house
,
he
assures
himself
with
a
glance
around
,
whether
there
be
sufficient
property
to
pay
at
least
his
expenses
;
—
when
a
debtor
calls
upon
his
creditor
to
ask
for
time
,
the
latter
surveys
the
former
for
a
moment
,
to
ascertain
by
his
countenance
if
he
can
be
trusted
;
—
the
wholesale
dealer
always
"
takes
stock
,
"
as
it
were
,
of
the
petty
detailer
who
applies
to
him
for
credit
;
—
and
thus
was
it
that
the
old
woman
scrutinized
with
a
single
look
the
capacity
of
Ellen
's
purse
,
so
that
she
might
thereby
regulate
her
demand
.
And
all
the
while
she
appeared
intent
only
on
her
work
.
"
You
can
give
me
a
couple
of
guineas
now
,
"
the
old
woman
at
length
said
;
"
and
if
your
engagement
proves
a
good
one
,
you
can
bring
or
send
me
three
more
in
the
course
of
the
month
.
"
This
arrangement
was
immediately
complied
with
,
and
Ellen
took
leave
of
the
old
hag
,
with
the
fervent
hope
that
she
should
never
require
her
aid
any
more
.
On
the
following
day
Miss
Monroe
called
upon
the
manager
of
the
great
national
theatre
where
a
figurante
was
required
.
She
was
ushered
into
the
presence
of
the
theatrical
monarch
,
who
received
her
with
much
urbanity
and
kindness
;
and
he
was
evidently
pleased
with
her
address
,
appearance
,
and
manners
,
as
she
explained
to
him
the
nature
of
her
business
.
"
Dancing
in
a
ball-room
,
and
dancing
upon
the
stage
,
are
two
very
different
things
,
"
said
the
manager
.
"
You
will
have
to
undergo
a
course
of
training
,
the
length
of
which
will
depend
upon
your
skill
and
your
application
.
I
have
known
young
ladies
become
proficient
in
a
month
—
others
in
a
year
—
many
never
,
in
spite
of
all
their
exertions
.
Most
of
the
figurantes
have
been
brought
up
to
their
avocation
from
childhood
;
but
I
see
no
reason
why
you
should
not
learn
to
acquit
yourself
well
in
a
very
short
time
.
"
"
I
shall
exert
myself
to
the
utmost
,
at
all
events
,
"
observed
Ellen
.
"
How
are
you
circumstanced
?
"
inquired
the
manager
.
"
Excuse
the
question
;
but
my
object
is
to
ascertain
if
you
can
support
yourself
during
your
apprenticeship
,
as
we
may
term
the
process
of
study
and
initiation
?
"
"
I
have
a
comfortable
home
,
and
am
not
without
resources
for
my
present
wants
,
"
answered
Ellen
.
"
So
far
,
so
good
,
"
said
the
manager
.
"
I
do
not
seek
to
pry
into
your
secrets
.
You
know
best
what
motives
induce
you
to
adopt
the
stage
:
my
business
is
to
secure
the
services
of
young
,
handsome
,
and
elegant
ladies
,
to
form
my
corps
de
ballet
.
It
is
no
compliment
to
you
to
say
that
you
will
answer
my
purpose
,
provided
your
studies
are
successful
.
"
"
With
whom
am
I
to
study
,
sir
?
"
"
My
ballet-master
will
instruct
you
,
"
replied
the
manager
.
"
You
can
attend
his
class
.
If
you
will
come
to
the
theatre
to-morrow
morning
at
ten
o'clock
,
you
can
take
your
first
lesson
.
"
Ellen
assented
to
the
proposal
,
and
took
leave
of
the
manager
.
They
were
mutually
satisfied
with
this
interview
:
the
manager
was
pleased
with
the
idea
of
securing
the
services
of
a
young
lady
of
great
beauty
,
perfect
figure
,
and
exquisite
grace
;
—
and
,
on
her
side
,
Ellen
was
cheered
with
the
prospect
of
embracing
an
avocation
which
,
she
hoped
,
would
render
her
independent
of
the
bounty
of
others
.
And
now
her
training
commenced
.
In
the
first
place
her
feet
were
placed
in
a
groove-box
,
heel
to
heel
,
so
that
they
formed
only
one
straight
line
,
and
with
the
knees
turned
outwards
.
This
process
is
called
"
se
tourner
.
"
At
first
the
pain
was
excruciating
—
it
was
a
perfect
martyrdom
;
but
the
fair
student
supported
it
without
a
murmur
;
and
in
a
very
few
days
her
feet
accustomed
themselves
,
as
it
were
,
to
fall
in
dancing
parallel
to
each
other
.
The
second
lesson
in
the
course
of
training
consisted
of
resting
the
right
foot
on
a
bar
,
which
Ellen
was
compelled
to
hold
in
a
horizontal
line
with
her
left
hand
.
Then
the
left
foot
was
placed
upon
the
bar
,
which
was
in
this
case
held
up
by
the
right
hand
.
By
these
means
the
stiffness
of
the
feet
was
destroyed
,
and
they
were
rendered
as
pliant
and
elastic
as
if
they
had
steel
springs
instead
of
bones
.
This
process
is
denominated
"
se
casser
.
"
Next
,
the
student
had
to
practise
walking
upon
the
extreme
points
of
the
toes
,
so
that
the
foot
and
the
leg
formed
one
straight
line
.
Then
Ellen
had
to
practise
the
flings
,
capers
,
caprioles
,
turns
,
whirls
,
leaps
,
balances
,
borees
,
and
all
the
various
cuts
,
steps
,
positions
,
attitudes
,
and
movements
of
the
dance
.
During
the
caprioles
the
student
had
to
train
herself
to
perform
four
,
six
,
and
even
eight
steps
in
the
air
;
and
the
fatigue
produced
by
these
lessons
was
at
times
of
the
most
oppressive
nature
.
[
78
]
When
Ellen
was
perfected
in
these
portions
of
her
training
,
she
had
to
practise
the
tricks
of
the
stage
.
At
one
time
the
was
suspended
to
lines
of
wires
;
at
another
she
was
seated
on
paste-board
clouds
;
then
she
learned
to
disappear
through
traps
,
or
to
make
her
exit
by
a
window
.
Some
of
these
manœuvres
were
of
a
very
dangerous
nature
;
indeed
,
in
some
,
the
danseuse
actually
risked
her
life
—
and
all
her
limbs
.
The
awkwardness
of
an
underling
in
shifting
a
trap-door
at
the
precise
moment
would
have
led
her
to
dash
her
head
against
a
plank
with
fearful
violence
.
The
art
of
theatrical
dancing
is
divided
into
two
schools
,
called
Ballonné
and
Tacqueté
.
The
former
is
the
branch
in
which
Taglioni
shines
;
the
latter
is
that
in
which
Fanny
Ellsler
excels
.
The
style
of
the
Ballonné
,
takes
its
name
from
the
airiness
of
the
balloon
;
it
combines
lightness
with
grace
,
and
is
principally
characterized
by
a
breezy
and
floating
appearance
of
the
figure
.
The
Tacqueté
is
all
vivacity
and
rapidity
,
distinguished
by
sparkling
steps
and
twinkling
measures
,
executed
with
wonderful
quickness
upon
the
point
of
the
feet
.
In
both
these
schools
was
Ellen
instructed
.
So
intense
was
the
application
of
Miss
Monroe
—
so
unwearied
was
she
in
her
practice
,
so
quick
in
comprehending
the
instructions
of
the
master
—
so
resolute
in
surmounting
all
obstacles
,
that
in
the
short
space
of
two
months
she
was
a
beautiful
dancer
.
The
manager
was
perfectly
astonished
at
her
progress
;
and
he
pronounced
a
most
favourable
opinion
upon
her
chance
of
achieving
a
grand
triumph
.
Her
form
became
all
suppleness
and
lightness
;
her
powers
of
relaxation
and
abandonment
of
limb
were
prodigious
.
When
attired
in
the
delicate
drapery
of
the
ballet
,
nothing
could
be
more
beautiful
—
nothing
more
sylph-like
,
than
the
elastic
airiness
of
her
rich
and
rounded
figure
.
The
grace
of
her
attitudes
—
the
charm
of
her
dance
—
the
arrangement
of
that
drapery
,
which
revealed
or
exhibited
the
exquisite
contours
of
her
form
—
the
classic
loveliness
of
her
countenance
—
the
admirable
symmetry
of
her
limbs
—
and
the
brilliant
whiteness
of
her
skin
,
formed
a
whole
so
attractive
,
so
ravishing
,
that
even
the
envy
of
her
sister-figurantes
was
subdued
by
a
sentiment
of
uncontrollable
admiration
.
In
obedience
to
a
suggestion
from
the
manager
,
Ellen
agreed
to
adopt
a
well-sounding
name
.
She
accordingly
styled
herself
Miss
Selina
Fitzherbert
.
She
then
learned
that
at
least
two-thirds
of
the
gentlemen
and
ladies
constituting
the
theatrical
company
,
had
changed
their
original
patronymics
into
convenient
pseudonyms
.
Thus
Timothy
Jones
had
become
Gerald
Montgomery
;
William
Wilkins
was
announced
as
William
Plantagenet
;
Simon
Snuffles
adopted
the
more
aristocratic
nomenclature
of
Emeric
Gordon
;
Benjamin
Glasscock
was
changed
into
Horatio
Mortimer
;
Betsy
Podkins
was
distinguished
as
Lucinda
Hartington
;
Mary
Smicks
was
displaced
by
Clara
Maberly
;
Jane
Storks
was
commuted
into
Jacintha
Runnymede
;
and
so
on
.
In
her
relations
with
the
gentlemen
and
ladies
of
the
corps
,
Ellen
(
for
we
shall
continue
to
call
her
by
her
real
name
)
found
herself
in
a
new
world
.
Every
thing
with
her
present
associates
might
be
summed
up
in
the
word
—
egotism
.
To
hear
them
talk
,
one
would
have
imagined
that
they
were
so
many
princes
and
princesses
in
disguise
,
who
had
graciously
condescended
to
honour
the
public
by
appearing
upon
the
stage
.
The
gentlemen
were
all
descended
(
according
to
their
own
accounts
)
from
the
best
and
most
ancient
families
in
the
country
;
the
ladies
had
all
brothers
,
or
cousins
,
or
uncles
highly
placed
in
the
army
or
navy
;
—
and
if
any
one
ventured
to
express
surprise
that
so
many
well-connected
individuals
should
be
compelled
to
adopt
the
stage
as
a
profession
,
the
answer
was
invariably
the
same
—
"
I
entered
on
this
career
through
preference
,
and
have
quarrelled
with
all
my
friends
in
consequence
.
Oh
!
if
I
chose
,
"
would
be
added
,
with
a
toss
of
the
head
,
"
I
might
have
any
thing
done
for
me
;
I
might
ride
in
my
carriage
;
but
I
am
determined
to
stick
to
the
stage
.
"
Poor
creatures
!
this
innocent
little
vanity
was
a
species
of
reward
,
a
sort
of
set-off
,
for
long
hours
of
toil
,
the
miseries
of
a
precarious
existence
,
the
moments
of
bitter
anguish
produced
by
the
coldness
of
an
audience
,
and
all
the
thousand
causes
of
sorrow
,
vexation
,
and
distress
which
embitter
the
lives
of
the
actor
and
actress
.
With
all
their
little
faults
,
Ellen
found
the
members
of
the
theatrical
company
good-natured
creatures
,
ever
ready
to
assist
each
other
,
hospitable
and
generous
to
a
fault
.
In
their
gay
moments
,
they
were
sprightly
,
full
of
anecdote
,
and
remarkably
entertaining
.
Many
of
them
were
clever
,
and
exhibited
much
sound
judgment
in
their
remarks
and
critical
observations
upon
new
dramas
and
popular
works
.
At
length
the
evening
arrived
when
Ellen
was
to
make
her
first
appearance
upon
the
stage
in
public
.
The
house
was
well
attended
;
and
the
audience
was
thrown
into
a
remarkably
good
humour
by
the
various
performances
which
preceded
the
ballet
.
Ellen
was
in
excellent
spirits
,
and
full
of
confidence
.
As
she
surveyed
herself
in
the
glass
in
her
little
dressing-room
a
few
moments
before
she
appeared
,
a
smile
of
triumph
played
upon
her
lips
,
and
lent
fire
to
her
eyes
.
She
was
indeed
ravishingly
beautiful
.
Her
success
was
complete
.
The
loveliness
of
her
person
at
once
produced
an
impression
in
her
favour
;
and
when
she
executed
some
of
the
most
difficult
measures
of
the
Ballonné
school
,
the
enthusiasm
of
the
audience
knew
no
bounds
.
The
eyes
of
the
ancient
libertines
,
aided
by
opera-glasses
and
lorgnettes
,
devoured
the
charms
of
that
beautiful
girl
;
—
the
young
men
followed
every
motion
,
every
gesture
,
with
rapturous
attention
;
—
the
triumph
of
the
debutante
was
complete
.
There
was
something
so
graceful
and
yet
so
voluptuous
in
her
style
of
dancing
,
—
something
so
bewitching
in
her
attitudes
and
so
captivating
in
her
manner
,
that
she
could
not
have
failed
to
please
.
And
then
she
had
so
well
studied
all
those
positions
which
set
off
her
symmetrical
form
to
its
best
advantage
,
—
she
had
paid
such
unwearied
attention
to
those
measures
that
were
chiefly
calculated
to
invoke
attention
to
her
well-rounded
,
and
yet
light
and
elastic
limbs
,
—
she
had
so
particularly
practised
those
pauses
which
afforded
her
an
opportunity
of
making
the
most
of
her
fine
person
,
that
her
dancing
excited
pleasure
in
every
sense
—
delighting
the
eye
,
producing
an
effect
as
of
a
musical
and
harmonious
feeling
in
the
mind
,
and
exciting
in
the
breasts
of
the
male
portion
of
the
spectators
passions
of
rapture
and
desire
.
She
literally
wantoned
in
the
gay
and
voluptuous
dance
;
at
one
moment
all
rapidity
,
grace
,
and
airiness
;
at
another
suddenly
falling
into
a
pause
expressive
of
a
soft
and
languishing
fatigue
;
—
then
again
becoming
all
energy
,
activity
,
and
animation
,
—
representing
,
in
all
its
phases
,
the
soul
—
the
spirit
—
the
very
poetry
of
the
dance
!
At
length
the
toils
of
her
first
performance
ended
.
There
was
not
a
dissenting
voice
,
when
she
was
called
for
before
the
curtain
.
And
then
,
as
she
came
forward
,
led
by
the
manager
,
flowers
fell
around
her
—
and
handkerchiefs
were
waved
by
fair
hands
—
and
a
thousand
enthusiastic
voices
proclaimed
her
success
.
Her
hopes
were
gratified
—
her
aspirations
were
fulfilled
:
—
she
had
achieved
a
brilliant
triumph
!
CHAPTER
LXXXIX
.
THE
MYSTERIOUS
LETTER
.
AND
now
commenced
a
gay
and
busy
life
for
Ellen
Monroe
.
To
account
for
her
long
absence
each
day
from
home
,
was
an
easy
matter
;
for
her
father
was
readily
satisfied
,
so
implicit
was
the
confidence
he
placed
in
his
daughter
's
discretion
;
and
Markham
was
always
buried
amongst
his
books
in
his
study
,
save
during
the
intervals
occupied
by
meals
.
Ellen
's
salary
was
considerable
;
and
to
dispose
of
it
in
a
manner
that
was
not
calculated
to
excite
the
suspicion
of
her
parent
and
benefactor
,
required
more
duplicity
.
She
took
home
with
her
a
small
amount
weekly
;
and
the
remainder
she
placed
in
the
hands
of
a
man
of
business
,
recommended
to
her
by
the
manager
.
Numerous
attempts
were
made
by
certain
young
noblemen
and
gentlemen
,
who
frequented
the
theatre
,
to
ascertain
where
she
resided
.
But
this
secret
was
unknown
to
every
one
save
the
manager
,
and
he
kept
it
religiously
.
Nevertheless
,
Ellen
was
persecuted
by
amatory
letters
,
and
by
proposals
of
a
tender
nature
.
A
certain
favoured
few
,
of
the
youthful
fashionables
above
alluded
to
,
were
permitted
to
lounge
behind
the
scenes
during
the
hours
of
performance
;
and
with
them
Ellen
was
an
object
of
powerful
attraction
—
indeed
,
the
object
of
undivided
attention
and
interest
.
They
perceived
that
she
was
as
beautiful
when
surveyed
near
as
she
seemed
when
viewed
from
a
distance
.
But
,
although
she
would
lend
a
willing
ear
to
the
nonsense
and
small
talk
of
her
wooers
,
she
gave
them
no
direct
encouragement
;
and
,
though
somewhat
free
,
her
manners
never
afforded
a
pretence
even
for
the
most
daring
to
overstep
the
bounds
of
decency
towards
her
.
The
most
brilliant
offers
were
conveyed
to
her
in
the
most
delicate
terms
;
but
they
were
invariably
declined
with
firmness
,
when
oral
—
and
left
unanswered
,
when
written
.
A
species
of
mystery
appeared
to
hang
around
the
charming
danseuse
,
and
only
served
to
render
her
the
more
interesting
.
No
one
knew
who
she
was
,
or
whence
she
came
.
Her
residence
was
a
secret
;
and
she
was
seen
only
at
the
theatre
.
Then
she
was
reported
to
be
a
very
paragon
of
virtue
,
and
had
refused
the
offers
of
titled
and
wealthy
men
.
These
circumstances
invested
her
with
those
artificial
attractions
which
please
the
public
,
and
which
,
when
united
with
her
real
qualifications
,
raised
her
to
a
splendid
degree
of
popularity
.
Although
her
time
was
fully
occupied
,
she
now
and
then
found
leisure
to
call
at
the
house
of
Mr.
Wentworth
,
the
surgeon
,
and
pass
half
an
hour
in
the
company
of
her
child
.
The
little
being
throve
apace
;
and
Ellen
felt
for
it
all
a
mother
's
tenderness
—
a
love
which
was
not
impaired
by
that
callousness
towards
virtue
for
virtue
's
sake
,
which
we
have
before
noticed
,
and
which
had
been
produced
in
her
by
the
strange
scenes
through
which
she
had
passed
.
One
evening
,
a
short
time
before
she
was
to
appear
in
the
ballet
,
the
manager
informed
her
that
a
gentleman
desired
to
speak
with
her
alone
in
the
green-room
.
To
that
apartment
did
Ellen
immediately
repair
,
and
,
to
her
surprise
,
the
found
herself
in
the
presence
of
Mr.
Greenwood
.
"
Ah
!
I
am
not
then
mistaken
,
"
exclaimed
that
gentleman
,
with
one
of
his
blandest
smiles
.
"
I
saw
you
last
night
for
the
first
time
;
and
the
moment
you
appeared
upon
