Serge Panine -- Volume 02

d by tall trees, the lanterns throwing, as they passed, their quivering light on the thickets. The rumbling carriages too

and serenity. Her two daughters were married; her last task was accomplished. She ought to have nothing to do but enjoy life after her own fashioning, and be calm and satisfied. Instead of that, here were fear and dissimulation taking possession of he

aking possession of it, and making his despotic and hateful authority prevail! And what could she do against this new master? Nothing. He was marvellously protecte

ther. And Madame Desvarennes would be alone in her corner, abandoned like a poor dog, and would die of despair and anger. What other course then? She must dissemble, mask her face with indifference, if possible with tenderness, and undertake the difficult task of separating Micheline from the

demon of play, he would neglect his wife, and the mother might regain a portion of the ground she had lost. Micheline's fortune once broken into, she would

on, grateful to her for having saved her. And then, she thought, a baby will come, and if Micheline is really my daught

siness matters were concerned, but now that her daughter's happiness was at stake! A smile came to her lips. A firm resolution

d the tent under which the heavy bounds of the dancers reechoed. Every now and then large shadows appeared on the can

ce! Set to partners!" Then the stamping of heavy shoes on the badly planed floor, and, above

arge red mark under each barrel showed that the hands of the drinkers wire no longer steady. A cake- seller had taken up his place at the other side, and was kneading a last batch

age urchins all day, appealed for custom by the aid of a barrel- organ on which

ust be there. She came from under the shadow of the avenue into the full light. On recognizing her, all the workpeople, who were seated, rose. She was really mistress and lady of the place. And

ottle of wine at his feet, from which they refreshed themselves during the intervals. An impalpable dust, raised by the feet of the dancers, filled the air charged wit

elf. An air of joyful gravity lit up the municipal officer's face. He was enjoying the honor which the Princess had done him. His pretty young daughter, dressed, in her confirmation dress, which had been lengthened with a muslin flo

door-post, followed with her eyes her daughter, whose light footsteps contrasted strangely with the heavy tread of the women aroun

e la Princesse will do me the honor to gi

ne raised her eyes, and following her husband's look, perceived her mother. Then it was a double joy. With a mischievous wink, Serge called

she thanked her mother in the distance for having prepared this fete in honor of her marriage. The clarionet, violin, and cornet sounded a last modulation, then the final cadence put an end to the

surrounded; cheers resounded, th

use these good people will think n

n-law and his wife, he left t

l after coming out of that furnace. The cheering had ceased, and the

emed to be listening within themselves. When they reached the house, they went up the s

ine looked round. The remembrance of this happy evening, which had been the crowning of her hap

happy," and threw

looking a little pale, he stretched out to Madame Desvare

nk y

to her that Jeanne had deceived her, or had deceived herself, and that Serge had not loved her. A feeling of relief took possession of her. But distrust had unfortun

hall

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ay myself

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poor when he

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s laughter more than

human law; the

ed power whic

dream of a day fo

an who rema