As though overcome by their feelings they sat face to face, although
their lips did not touch. They looked at each other tenderly and
solemnly. When the clock struck one, the woman heaved a sigh and said:
"Octave, are you sure of yourself?"
"Yes, my friend, I am resolved. I will suffer much, a long time, perhaps
forever; but we will cure ourselves, you with time, I with God."
"Octave, Octave," repeated the woman, "are you sure you are not deceiving
yourself?"
"I do not believe we can forget each other; but I believe that we can
forgive and that is what I desire even at the price of separation."
"Why could we not meet again? Why not some day--you are so young!"
Then she added with a smile: "We could see each other without danger."
"No, my friend, for you must know that I could never see you again
without loving you. May he to whom I bequeath you be worthy of you! Smith
is brave, good and honest, but however much you may love him, you see
very well that you still love me, for if I should decide to remain, or to
take you away with me, you would consent."
"It is true," replied the woman.
"True! true!" repeated the young man, looking into her eyes with all his
soul. "Is it true that if I wished it you would go with me?"
Then he continued softly: "That is the reason I must never see you again.
There are certain loves in life that overturn the head, the senses, the
mind, the heart; there is among them all but one that does not disturb,
that penetrates, and that dies only with the being in which it has taken
root.
Pages:
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297