The final entry in the Diary has an interest of its own,which I think justifies the presentation of it in this place.It shows the purifying influence of the maternal instinct in a wicked nature,surviving to the last.Even Madame Fontaine's nature preserved,in this way,a softer side.On the memorable occasion of her meeting with Mr.Keller in the hall,she had acted as imprudently as if she had been the most foolish woman living,in her eagerness to plead Minna's cause with the man on whom Minna's marriage depended.She had shrunk from poisoning harmless Jack,even for her own protection.She would not even seduce Minna into telling a lie,when a lie would have served them both at the most critical moment of their lives.
Are such redeeming features unnatural in an otherwise wicked woman?Think of your own "inconsistencies."Read these last words of a sinner--and thank God that you were not tempted as she was:
".Sent Minna out of my room,and hurt my sensitive girl cruelly.Iam afraid of her!This last crime seems to separate me from that pure creature--all the more,because it has been committed in her dearest interests,and for her sweet sake.Every time she looks at me,I am afraid she may see what I have done for her,in my face.Oh,how I long to take her in my arms,and devour her with kisses!I daren't do it--Idaren't do it."
Lord,have mercy on her--miserable sinner!
IX
The night is getting on;and the lamp I am writing by grows dim.
My mind wanders away from Frankfort,and from all that once happened there.The picture now in my memory presents an English scene.
I am at the house of business in London.Two friends are waiting for me.
One of them is Fritz.The other is the most popular person in the neighborhood;a happy,harmless creature,known to everyone by the undignified nickname of Jack Straw.Thanks to my aunt's influence,and to the change of scene,no return of the relapse at Frankfort has shown itself.We are easy about the future of our little friend.