"I am some years older than you and ask you not to try to see me again.
It would be vain for you to try to forget the weakness of a moment; but
what has passed between us can neither be repeated nor forgotten.
"I do not take leave of you without sorrow; I expect to be absent some
time; if, when I return, I find that you have gone away, I will
appreciate your action as the final evidence of your friendship and
esteem.
"BRIGITTE PIERSON."
CHAPTER VII
THE fever confined me to my bed a week. When I was able to write I
assured Madame Pierson that she would be obeyed, and that I would go
away. I wrote in good faith, without any intention to deceive, but I was
very far from keeping my promise. Before I had gone ten leagues I ordered
the driver to stop, and I stepped out of the carriage. I began to walk
along the road. I could not resist the temptation to look back at the
village which was still visible in the distance. Finally, after a period
of frightful irresolution, I felt that it was impossible for me to
continue on my route, and rather than get into the carriage again, I
would have died on the spot. I told the driver to turn around, and,
instead of going to Paris as I had intended, I made straight for N-----,
whither Madame Pierson had gone.
I arrived at ten in the night. As soon as I reached the inn I had a boy
direct me to the house of her relatives, and, without reflecting what I
was doing, at once made my way to the spot.
Pages:
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153