Like the good parent he is,
he does not wait for the prodigal's return. He comes after him."
"Monsieur le Marquis was taken ill last night, so I understand."
"Ah! perhaps the prodigal scorned the fatted calf!"
"Yon are very bitter."
"I have been married four years; my freedom is become so large that I
know not what to do with it. Married four years, and every night upon
retiring I have locked the door of my bedchamber. And what is the
widow's portion? The menace of the block or imprisonment. I was a
lure to his political schemes, and I never knew it till too late.
Could I but find that paper! Writing is a dangerous and compromising
habit. I shall never use a pen again; not I. One signs a marriage
certificate or a death-warrant."
Anne crossed the room and put her arms round her companion, who
accepted the caress with moist eyes.
"You will have me weeping in a moment, Gabrielle," said Anne.
"Let us weep together, then; only I shall weep from pure rage."
"There is peace in the convent," murmured Anne.
"Peace is as the heart is; and mine shall never know peace. I have
been disillusioned too soon.
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