The Abbe Chaperon called him a Christian
ignorant of his Christianity. Dressed always in blue cloth, his rather
rigid demeanor and his clothes bespoke the old habits of military
discipline. His sweet and harmonious voice stirred the soul. His
beautiful hands and the general cut of his figure, recalling that of
the Comte d'Artois, showed how charming he must have been in his
youth, and made the mystery of his life still more mysterious. An
observer asked involuntarily what misfortune had blighted such beauty,
courage, grace, accomplishment, and all the precious qualities of the
heart once united in his person. Monsieur de Jordy shuddered if
Robespierre's name were uttered before him. He took much snuff, but,
strange to say, he gave up the habit to please little Ursula, who at
first showed a dislike to him on that account. As soon as he saw the
little girl the captain fastened his eyes upon her with a look that
was almost passionate. He loved her play so extravagantly and took
such interest in all she did that the tie between himself and the
doctor grew closer every day, though the latter never dared to say to
him, "You, too, have you lost children?" There are beings, kind and
patient as old Jordy, who pass through life with a bitter thought in
their heart and a tender but sorrowful smile on their lips, carrying
with them to the grave the secret of their lives; letting no one guess
it,--through pride, through disdain, possibly through revenge;
confiding in none but God, without other consolation than his.
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