Belle-Rose — page 171: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

160 THE CONFESSION OF A MAGDALEN. Gaston’s father. Monsieur de La Noue had been humili- ated in his pride as a soldier; the wound was incurable. — My future grew more and more dark; I did not wish to think of it and dream of it constantly ; I had hours of wild eayety and days of mournful despair. Grief consumed my heart. Meanwhile, the Court and Parliament had con-" cluded their alliance, and my father informed me that he had resolved to marry me to a rich lord of the king’s party, and that I must hold myself in readiness. Hetold ~~ me this as he was about to leave. When Il recovered from my surprise, Monsieur de La Noue was galloping a quarter of a leagueaway. Meanwhile, Monsieur d’Assonville in- formed me of his return, and the same night I saw him- again in the little pavilion. On learning that I was going to be a mother, he exhibited a joy so keen that my tender- ness was reawakened. He kissed my hands and wept with intoxication at my knees. . ‘“*Then you still love me?’ he said to me. on ‘* *VYes,’ I answered, and I meant it at the time. ‘**And during this long absence which duty has imposed upon me, has no one come to trouble your heart?’ he added. | ‘**“Whatdo you mean?’ I asked. ‘Have I not always been alone? Fora moment I had with me a friend, a brother; he has always been kind, tender, affectionate; he consoled me, and he is dead.’ ‘““¢Will you pardon me, Genevieve Gaston suddenly said to me. ; ‘TI looked at him, frightened already at the sound of his voice. | ““*This friend—’tis I who killed tien) !’ said he, “T uttered a terrible cry at this avowal, and I jurken ; my hands away from those of Monsieur d’ ‘Assonville; it seemed to me that I saw blood upon them. te ‘**Do not curse me, Genevieve,’ he said to me; ‘I loved - you, I was jealous. ‘When I came back from Italy, atthe first inn at which I stopped in Ecouen, your name was pronounced along with that of Don Pedro. It was said — that you loved each other. I became mad, and the first person whom I met in the park was he. Wewere young - and both of us armed; you know the rest. I left without — seeing you. Alas! I accused you, and you were a mother!’ | ‘He talked a long time, but I did not hear him. A con-— fused noise filled my ears, my heart was-wrenchedandI _ fainted. When Icame to myself, a child was weeny wad 1 doses (elo) mic! 900! ee co mM