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“Cadoudal scowled; his face became stern. ‘Madame,’ he said, ‘your proposal is more serious than it first appears. I am going to tell you something strange. I was first called to become a churchman, and I willingly took all the vows one normally takes when entering orders, nor did I ever break any of them. Now, I have no doubt that you would be a charming aide-de-camp, brave in the face of all. And I believe that women are as good as men. For centuries—from the time of Epicharis, who, while being tortured at Nero’s orders, bit off her tongue so she would not be able to betray her accomplices, up until the time of Charlotte Corday, who rid the earth of a monster before whom men trembled—we have seen constant proof of women’s courage. But in our regions where religion is important, especially in our old Brittany, there are prejudices that can harm a military reputation just as they can force a military leader to operate contrary to his beliefs. Still, in their camps, some of my colleagues have welcomed sisters and daughters of Royalists who had been killed. Did we not owe them the help and protection they requested?’
“‘And who says, monsieur,’ cried Diana, ‘that I myself am not the daughter or sister of a murdered Royalist, perhaps both, and that I do not have the same claim to the protection you speak of?’
“‘In that case,’ said the supposed d’Argentan with a smile, ‘how is it that you are carrying a passport signed by Barras and made out to the postmistress of Vitré?’
“‘Would you be so kind as to show me your own passport?’ Diana riposted.
“‘Ah! What a good answer,’ said Cadoudal, intrigued by Diana’s strong will and cool demeanor.
“‘And then you will explain how, since you are General Cadoudal’s friend, almost his right arm, you have the right to circulate, as the tax officer in Dinan, throughout the territory of the Republic?’
“‘Go ahead, speak,’ said Cadoudal. ‘Explain to the lady how you are a tax officer in Dinan.’
“‘And then she can explain how she is postmistress in Vitré?’ d’Argentan responded.
“‘Oh, that is a secret that I would never dare reveal to our modest friend Cadoudal. However, if you push me, I can tell you, at the risk of making him blush, that in Paris, hidden on Rue des Colonnes near the Feydeau Theatre, there is a young woman named Aurélie de Saint-Amour to whom Citizen Barras can refuse nothing. Nor can she refuse anything to me.’
“‘Well, then,’ said Cadoudal, ‘the name d’Argentan on my friend’s passport hides a name he uses as a pass among all those bands of Chouans, Vendeans, and Royalists wearing the white cockade in France and abroad. Your traveling companion, mademoiselle, who no longer has anything to hide now that he has nothing more to fear, is not a tax collector for the Republican government in Dinan, but rather the intermediary between General Tête-Ronde and the Companions of Jehu.’ Diana winced almost imperceptibly when she heard that word.
“‘And I must say,’ offered the counterfeit d’Argentan, ‘that I was witness to a horrible execution when I was last among the Companions. The Vicomte de Fargas, who had betrayed the association, was stabbed in my presence.’
“Diana could feel her blood draining from her face. If she had told them her real name, or if she now revealed it, she would not be able to meet the objectives of her journey. To the sister of the Vicomte de Fargas, who had been judged and sentenced by the Companions of Jehu, never would Cadoudal or d’Argentan reveal the executioners’ names or their whereabouts. So she said nothing, as if she were waiting for d’Argentan to finish his thought.
“Cadoudal continued: ‘His name is not d’Argentan, but rather Coster Saint-Victor, and even he had given no other guarantee of his loyalty to our holy cause than the wound he has just suffered.’
“‘Unless it’s a wound merely to prove his devotion,’ said Diana coldly. ‘That would be easy.’
“‘What do you mean?’
“‘Watch!’
“Diana pulled from her belt the sharp dagger that had killed her brother and struck her arm at the same place where Coster had been wounded. She struck with such force that the blade went into one side of her arm and out the other. Then, holding her wounded arm, with the dagger still in it, out toward Cadoudal, she said, ‘Would you like to see if I am of noble birth? Look! My blood is no less blue, I trust, than Monsieur Coster Saint-Victor’s. Would you like to know how I can claim your trust? This dagger proves that I am affiliated with the Companions of Jehu. Would you like to know my name? I am the goddaughter of that Roman woman who, to give her husband courage, pierced her own arm with a knife. My name is Portia!’
“Coster Saint-Victor gave a start, and while Cadoudal was looking admiringly at the avenging heroine, he said, ‘I can attest that the blade with which this girl has just struck herself is indeed a dagger belonging to the Companions of Jehu. The proof is that I have here one just like it that the company’s leader gave to me on the day of my initiation.’ And he pulled from his cloak a dagger in every way identical to the one in her arm.
“Cadoudal extended his hand to Diana. ‘From this moment on, mademoiselle,’ he said, ‘if you no longer have a father, I am your father. If you no longer have a brother, you are now my sister. Since we are living at a time when everyone is forced to hide his true name under another, your name, like the worthy Roman you are, shall be Portia. From now on, you are part of our army, mademoiselle, and as your first action has earned you a rank of leader, once our surgeon has bandaged your wound, you will attend the council I shall be holding.’
“‘Thank you, General,’ said Diana. ‘As for the surgeon, he’s not needed for me any more than he’s needed for Monsieur Coster Saint-Victor. My wound is no more serious than his.’ Pulling the dagger from the wound in which it had until then remained, she rolled up her sleeve and displayed her lovely arm. Then, turning to Coster Saint-Victor, she said, ‘Comrade,’ she said, ‘please be so good as to lend me your tie.’
“For two years Diana remained with the army of Brittany without anyone ever learning her real name. For two years she participated in every battle Cadoudal waged and shared with the general all the dangers and his fatigue, her devotion to him apparently complete. For two years she swallowed her hatred for the Companions of Jehu and vaunted their exploits, glorified their names: Morgan, d’Assas, Adler, and Montbar. For two years, the handsome Coster de Saint-Victor, who had never met a woman insensible to his charms, besieged the woman named Portia with his love, but in vain. Finally, after two years, her long perseverance was rewarded.
“The 18th Brumaire burst on the scene in France. Immediately the new dictator’s thoughts turned to the Vendée and Brittany. Cadoudal realized that serious war was about to break out in France. He realized, too, that to wage war he needed money. And that only the Companions of Jehu would be able to furnish it.
“Coster Saint-Victor had just taken a bullet in the thigh, so this time he could not be expected to assume his tax collector’s role. Cadoudal thought of Portia. Again and again she had proved her devotion and courage, and with Coster Saint-Victor unavailable, Cadoudal could think of no one better to complete the delicate mission: Dressed like a woman, she could travel anywhere in France undisturbed, and if she traveled by carriage, she could carry considerable sums of money. He consulted the wounded man, who agreed with him completely. Diana was summoned to the general’s bedside, where he laid out his plan. He wanted her to establish contact, by using letters from Cadoudal and Coster Saint-Victor, with the Companions of Jehu, then return to him with the money that was now more necessary than ever, what with hostilities about to break out even more fiercely than before.
“Diana’s heart leaped with joy as he spoke, but not a flicker of emotion on her face betrayed what was happening in her heart. ‘Although the task will be difficult,’ she said, ‘I ask for nothing more than the opportunity to complete it. In addition to letters from the general and Monsieur Coster Saint-Victor, however, I shall need all the topographical information, as well as all the watchwords and passwords, necessary for reaching the secret site of their meetings.’
“Coster Saint-Victor gave her everything she needed. She left with a smile on her face and vengeance in her heart.”
XVII The Ceyzériat Caves (#ulink_5ed7c16a-e670-5f7d-a7b4-e94ea24f39e7)
“BARRAS NOW BEING totally powerless, Diana did not even think of going to him when she arrived in Paris. Instead, she asked for an audience with First Consul Bonaparte.
“It was two or three days after Roland had returned from his mission to Cadoudal. We know how little attention Roland paid to women, and he walked right past Diana without even wondering who she was.
“She said in her request for an audience that she had a means to catch the Companions of Jehu and that she would share it once certain conditions, which she wanted to discuss with the First Consul himself, were met.
“Bonaparte hated women who were involved in politics. Fearing that he was dealing with some adventuress, he sent her letter to Fouché and asked him to see what Mademoiselle de Fargas was like.”
Hector paused for a moment to ask, “Do you know Fouché, mademoiselle?”
“No, monsieur,” Claire answered.
“He represents supreme ugliness. Porcelain eyes that cross, thin yellow hair, ashen skin, a snub nose, a crooked mouth filled with ugly teeth, a receding chin, and a beard of the reddish sort that makes his face look dirty—that’s Fouché for you.
“Beauty has a natural abhorrence for ugliness. So, when Fouché came to see Mademoiselle de Fargas—his air both servile and insolent, beneath which one could spot the former seminarian’s false humility—the lovely Diana’s every moral and physical sense revolted.
“The Minister of the Police had been announced, and that title, which opens all doors, also opened Diana’s, until she saw the hideous creature. She pulled back on her sofa and did not even ask Fouché to sit down.
“He chose an armchair nonetheless, and with Diana staring at him, making no attempt to hide her revulsion, he said, ‘Well, my little woman, we have revelations to make to the police and a deal to propose?’
“Diana looked around with such great surprise that the skillful magistrate assumed immediately that he was right. ‘What are you looking for?’ he asked.
“‘I’m trying to determine to whom you might be speaking, monsieur.’
“‘To you, mademoiselle,’ said Fouché insolently.
“‘Then you are quite mistaken, monsieur,’ she said. ‘I am not a little woman. I am an important woman, daughter of the Comte de Fargas, murdered in Avignon, and the sister of the Vicomte de Fargas, murdered in Bourg. I did not come to make a revelation to the police or to arrange any kind of deal with them. I leave that to those who have the misfortune of being its employees or at its head. I have come to demand justice, and as I doubt,’ she said, getting to her feet, ‘that you have any relationship with that chaste goddess, I would be much obliged to you if you would kindly realize that you came to the wrong door when you came here.’
“When Fouché failed to move from his armchair, either out of stupefaction or insolence, she left him sitting there and returned to her bedroom. She locked the door.
“Two hours later, Roland de Montrevel, sent by the First Consul, arrived and escorted her to Bonaparte’s quarters. Having led her to the meeting room with every consideration due a woman, as his distinguished education, supervised by his mother, had taught him, he withdrew to tell Bonaparte she had arrived.
“A few minutes later Bonaparte entered. ‘Well,’ he said, as he responded to Diana’s bow with a benevolent nod, ‘apparently that oaf Fouché thinks he is still dealing with his typical low-class women. That he treated you quite inappropriately, please forgive him. What else can you expect from someone who was a homework supervisor for Oratorians?’
“‘From him, Citizen First Consul, I could not have expected anything better, but I would have expected a different messenger from you.’
“‘You are quite right,’ said Bonaparte. ‘And you have taught us two good lessons in the process. But now here I am. Apparently you have something interesting to tell me. Speak.’
“‘As you are apparently unable to listen without pacing about, and since I do need you to listen to me, shall we walk together?’
“‘As you please,’ said Bonaparte. ‘One thing I dislike when I give audience to women is that they never walk.’
“‘Perhaps. But when a woman serves as Cadoudal’s aide-de-camp for two years, she gets used to walking.’
“‘You have been Cadoudal’s aide-de-camp for two years?’
“‘Yes.’
“‘How is it possible, then, that Roland, my own aide-de-camp, knows you neither by sight or by name?’
“‘For the reason that in Brittany I was known only by the name of Portia; and because when he was with Cadoudal, I was always careful to keep my distance.’
“‘Ah, you’re the one who stabbed herself in the arm to gain acceptance among the ranks of the Chouans?’
“‘Here’s the scar,’ said Diana, pulling up her sleeve.
“Glancing at her lovely arm, Bonaparte seemed to notice only the scar. ‘A strange wound,’ he said.
“‘The dagger that caused it is stranger still,’ said Diana. ‘As you see.’ And she showed the First Consul the dagger, made entirely of metal, that was borne by the Companions of Jehu.
“Bonaparte carefully examined the unique design as he considered the damage, surely dreadful, its blade might inflict. ‘And how did you come by this dagger?’ he asked.
“‘I pulled it from my brother’s chest. It had been planted in his heart.’
“‘Tell me about it, but quickly, because my time is precious.’
“‘No more precious than the time of a woman who’s been waiting two years for her vengeance.’
“‘Are you Corsican?’
“‘No, but I am speaking to a Corsican, and he will surely understand me.’
“‘What do you want?”
“‘I seek the lives of those who took my brother’s life.’
“‘Who are they?’
“‘I told you in my letter. The Companions of Jehu.’
“‘And you even added that you knew a way to capture them.’
“‘I have their passwords and two letters, one from Cadoudal and one from Coster Saint-Victor, for Morgan, the Companions’ leader.’
“‘You are sure you can arrange their capture?’
“‘I am sure, provided that I can work with a brave, intelligent man such as Monsieur Roland de Montrevel and that we have a sufficient number of soldiers.’
“‘And you said that you would set some conditions. What are they?’
“‘First of all, that they not be granted pardon.’
“‘I never pardon thieves and assassins.’
“‘And also, that I be allowed to complete the mission entrusted to me.’
“‘What mission?’
“‘I am on my way to collect the money for Cadoudal. It’s a mission for which he had to reveal his secrets to me.’
“‘You are asking for the freedom to do with the money as you wish?’
“‘Ah, Citizen First Consul,’ Mademoiselle de Fargas said, ‘such words could ruin forever the good impression that I would otherwise have of our conversation.’
“‘Then what in the devil do you want to do with the money?’
“‘I want to be sure it reaches its destination.’
“‘You are asking me to allow you to deliver money to the very men who are making war on me? Never!’
“‘Well, then, General, please allow me to leave. There is nothing to keep us any longer.’
“‘Oh, what a hard head!’ said Bonaparte.
“‘You should say “what a hard heart,” General.’
“‘What does that mean?’
“‘That it is not the head that refuses shameful proposals, but rather the heart.’
“‘But I cannot furnish weapons to my enemies.’
“‘Do you have complete confidence in Monsieur Roland de Montrevel?’
“‘Yes.’
“‘Do you know that he will do nothing contrary to your honor and to the interests of France?’
“‘I am sure.’
“‘Well, then. Entrust this undertaking to him. I shall arrange with him the means to ensure its success and the conditions on which I shall lend a hand.’
“‘So be it,’ said Bonaparte.
“Then, as rapid as usual when making decisions, he immediately called to Roland, who had remained just outside the door. ‘Roland,’ he said as soon as the aide-de-camp had entered, ‘I’m giving you full authority. You will work together with Mademoiselle de Fargas, and whatever the cost, you will get rid of these highway gentlemen who, all the while that they are stopping and robbing stagecoaches, put on such grand aristocratic airs.’
“Then, with a slight bow to Diana de Fargas, he said, ‘Don’t forget. If you succeed, it will be a great pleasure to see you again.’
“‘And if I fail?’
“‘I never recognize those who fail.’ With those words he strode out and left Diana alone with Roland.
“Despite Roland’s distaste for any operation involving a woman, he found Diana de Fargas to be so far from the typical that he treated her as a good, loyal companion. She was as pleased by his familiarity as she had been put off by Fouché’s insolence. Everything was fixed in less than an hour, and they agreed to set out that very evening, on separate roads, for Bourg-en-Bresse, their headquarters.
“You can be sure, with all the information she had, including the watchwords and passwords, along with letters from Cadoudal and Coster Saint-Victor, Diana de Fargas easily gained entry to the Seillon monastery, where the four leaders were meeting. She was dressed once again like a Chouan and was using the name Portia.
“Nobody had the slightest suspicion, not that the messenger was a woman, because even the clothes of a man could not conceal that Diana was a woman, but that she was Mademoiselle de Fargas, the sister of the man they had killed in punishment for his betrayal.
