Sealed Lips — page 238: what you’re looking at

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

230 SHALED LIPS. to call his wife he had an attack of suffocation. The servant was accustomed to these attacks, and went for the mother, as he knew his master’s wishes. “Ah! this time itis the end!” groaned the in- valid, gasping for breath. “Say nothing to my wife. I donot wish that she should see my suffer- ing. Letmetry. Ihave a few moments yet. l must write.” In truth it wasthe end. Whenthe attack was eased the last threads were broken. But, like a bird whose cage door is left open, and who hesi- tates, surprised before trying his wings, so this soul delayed its departure. Godefroid himself thought that a respite had been accorded him. But he saw he was near the dark journey. ‘Twelve o’clock sounded. Five hours yet before Patrice could return. He reflected a few mornents, and then motioned his mother-in-law to approach: “Tell them to leave us alone,” said he; “I wish to say a few things that nobody must hear. Bring me a pen and paper.” The conversation was not long. At the end of about ten minutes Jenny was sent for to come to the room. If it was Godefroid’s great desire to de- ceive his wife as to his condition, she, on her part, took every care to make him believe that she was deceived, Although she always knew the slightest cvetails as regarded his illness she always avoided GOmichboo KS (E(0)