University of Virginia Library

6. VI.
THE WIFE.

She is tired of loving and she marries.

Her mother thinks it, on the whole, the best thing.
As the day approaches, she is found frequently in
tears. Her mother will not permit the affianced one
to see her, and he makes several attempts to commit
suicide.

But something happens. Perhaps it is winter, and
the water is cold. Perhaps there are not enough
people present to witness his heroism.

In this way her future husband is spared to her.

She will offer philosophy. She will tell her she was
married herself.

But what is this new and ravishing light that breaks
upon her? The toilette and wedding clothes! She
is in a new sphere.

She makes out her list in her own charming writing.
Here it is. Let every mother heed it.[1]

She is married. On the day after, she meets her
old lover, Hippolyte. He is again transported.