Conscience -- Volume 3

hey went down-stairs. "If you listen to women they will never let you go.

N

ted her brain to a certain point. In any cas

what he said. On reaching the Rue Neuve-des-

said, pressing the hand of his young 'confrere

his babbling gave

ituation in the face, and consider

o believe it, her questions regarding Caffie, and Balzajette's explanations about his hair and beard, destroyed her hesitation and replaced doubt by the horror of certainty. He was the assassin; she knew it, she had seen

not see was in what way she would push him into this giddy whirlpool, that is, to whom she

moment she would be at his rooms, anxiously awaiting his return. He felt a sadness and a revulsion at t

blow, and with what sentiments would it inspire her, with what judgment for the man whom she loved? Poor girl! He grew tender at the thought. As for him, he was lost, and it was his

her time of mourning. During these last few days he had been hard, brutal, irritable, strange, and with her habitual serenity she had overlooked it all. When he pushed her from him with his heavy hand, she had

dinners six months before, and he would give her this same pleasure. He would see

m with breakfast, and ordered two dinne

ck, his door was opened by Phillis, w

el

other is

auville will

you that he

yo

y me-ex

e did not notice the acc

ou forg

ms, and kissing her w

my heart,

ee Madame Dammauville, in spite of yourse

Providence could not interfere

ce; but she imagined that it was only this allu

that I thought," sh

not wish to shadow your joy. On the contrary, I thought to associate

table," she added joyously, "and you light the fire; for we must have a bri

know; tw

covered before the fire, and we will take them anyhow. Perhaps we shal

ul, and charming, she came

ble was ready, and they sat

he said. "To be able to talk an

before seen, with a depth of serious contemplation that overwhel

, dearest!"

nd that also they were often without any expression, as if they looked within. Suddenly she became q

hope; and now all is smooth. No more creditors, no more struggles. The cares that I brought you are nearly at an end. Life opens easy and glorious. The end that you pursued is reached; you have only to

, for the peace of his own heart, this confession would not be b

nd for the happiness that you have given me. If I have been happy in my rough and struggling life, it is through you. What I have had of joy, confidence, hope, memories, I owe to you; and if we had not met I should have the ri

udge

ill come when you will wish to know exactly the man whom y

diant for me

ful to be able to concentrate it, to sum it up by remembrance, in one hour that marks it and giv

ways observed a certain reserve, as if he feared to commit himself, and to let her read his whole nature. Many times he ral

help feeling an uneasy astonishment, and asked herself unde

neasiness. Not wishing to betray himself,

you? I am sure you are aski

I would like to see your happiness equal to mine; to dissipate the dark cloud that veils your glance. Will you never abandon yourself? At this hour, above all, when ev

g, it i

the radiant morning

y ones; mine is not yours. But let us talk no more of that, n

in his arms, made her sit

ade Saniel jump as if he ha

Phillis said. "Do not let any

g, more decided, bro

he said, and he went t

in his

nded him

ville," she said; "

ter. The dream had not lasted long; reality seized him with its pitiless

ngaged, I beg that he

ffair; I will wait for

ing him to-morrow morn

AMMAU

ed to the

le that I shall be there

e he found Phillis before t

ent! But I cannot wish you to stay, sinc

oward the door

e me on

her in such a long an