But if men and women could see through the walls of houses!
Two doors off sat the wounded colonel alone, recruiting the small remnant of his sore tried strength, that he might struggle on to Beaurepaire, and lose in one moment years of separation, pain, prison, anguish, martyrdom, in one great gush of joy without compare.
The wedding breakfast was ended. The time was drawing near to part. There was a silence. It was broken by Madame Raynal. She asked Raynal very timidly if he had reflected. “On what?” said he.
“About taking me to Egypt.”
“No: I have not given it a thought since I said ‘no.’”
“Yet permit me to say that it is my duty to be by your side, my husband.” And she colored at this word, being the first time she had ever used it. Raynal was silent. She murmured on, “I would not be an encumbrance to you, sir: I should not be useless. Gentlemen, I could add more to his comfort than he gives me credit for.”
Warm assent of the mayor and notary to this hint.
“I give you credit for being an angel,” said Raynal warmly.
He hesitated. Rose was trembling, her fork shaking in her poor little hand.
She cast a piteous glance at him. He saw it.