Sealed Lips — page 221: what you’re looking at

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

SEALED LIPS, 213 patience. It was better that I should be warned. Henceforth I shall not be suspicious or unjust. Now, I believe that there are faithful friends and generous hearts, and it is so good to believe it! Now, my dear Patrice, you will not have to seek a pretext for coming to Pomeyras!” Just then a bell announced dinner. Jenny had her head on her husband’s shoulder, trying to con- ceal her tears. He kissed her forehead, saying: “How grateful I am to you for pardoning me! The bell has called us; we must not forget that we have a guest to-day. Ah! that bell! It seems as if I heard it for the first time only yesterday in the oak walk. Do you remember? It rang for me then, the happiest hour of my life. Now it is a fare- well that it rings. Between these two tinklings the happiest hours of my life have passed. Let us go! no more weakness! Give me your arm, my child, and we will appear like two people who have been reconciled after a scene. Be tranquil; I shall do nothing more hereafter.” She walked softly, guided like a blind person by her husband, for she kept her hands over her eyes to prevent the tears from gushing forth. “Walk a little faster,” said he, softly. “The din- ner must not get cold. Kemeneff must be hungry.” He pretended to speak in an elated tone, but as they approached the house, he asked: “Promise me one thing, the same as if you were promising a—some one who was very near his end. Gomicbooks: