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The Ink-Stain, v2 by Rene Bazin
Book, page 51 / 76



      "This, my friend, is the true account of what happened in the Rue
      Hautefeuille. I learned the details from Madame Plumet in person,
      who could not contain herself for joy as she described the success
      of her conspiracy, and how her little hand had guided old Dame
      Fortune's. For, as you will doubtless have guessed, the meeting
      between Jeanne and her lover, so dreaded by the framemaker, had been
      arranged by Madame Plumet unknown to all, and the damning
      inscription was also in her handwriting.

      "I need not add that Mademoiselle Charnot, upset by the scene, had a
      momentary attack of faintness. However, she soon regained her usual
      firm and dignified demeanor, which seems to show that she is a woman
      of energy.

      "But the interest of the story does not cease here. I think the
      betrothal is definitely at an end. A betrothal is always a
      difficult thing to renew, and after the publicity which attended the
      rupture of this one, I do not see how they can make it up again.
      One thing I feel sure of is, that Mademoiselle Jeanne Charnot will
      never change her name to Madame Dufilleul.

      "Do not, however, exaggerate your own chances. They will be less
      than you think for some time yet. I do not believe that a young
      girl who has thus been wounded and deceived can forget all at once.
      There is even the possibility of her never forgetting--of living
      with her sorrow, preferring certain peace of mind, and the simple
      joys of filial devotion, to all those dreams of married life by
      which so many simple-hearted girls have been cruelly taken in.

      "In any case do not think of returning yet, for I know you are
      capable of any imprudence. Stay where you are, examine your
      documents, and wait.

      "My mother and I are passing through a bitter trial. She is ill, I
      may say seriously ill. I would sooner bear the illness than my
      present anxiety.
                          "Your friend,
                                         "SYLVESTRE LAMPRON.


 
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