I had
always some little thing or other to do for you. These kept me up: I
forgot in my selfishness that you had none of these supports, and that
I was driving you to despair. I am a foolish, disingenuous woman: I have
been very culpable. Forgive me!"
"Forgive you, angel of purity and goodness? I alone am to blame.
What right had I to doubt your heart? I knew the whole story of your
marriage; I saw your sweet pale face; but I was not pure enough to
comprehend angelic virtue and unselfishness. Well, I am brought to
my senses. There is but one thing for me to do--you bade me leave you
to-morrow."
"I was very cruel."
"No! not cruel, wise. But I will be wiser. I shall go to-night."
"To-night, Camille?" said Josephine, turning pale.
"Ay! for to-night I am strong; to-morrow I may be weak. To-night
everything thrusts me on the right path. To-morrow everything will draw
me from it. Do not cry, beloved one; you and I have a hard fight. We
must be true allies; whenever one is weak, then is the time for the
other to be strong. I have been weaker than you, to my shame be it said;
but this is my hour of strength.
Pages:
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281