After the first bitterness of her remorse, Catherine's love for me became calm, dignified, almost serene.
One felt that, having exercised all her might to resist an unconquerable passion, this woman was prepared to endure with courageous resignation the consequences of her weakness.
The four months we spent at the Grove were for me, for her, the ideal of happiness.
But wherefore speak of happiness? This is now but Dead Sea ashes!
What matter, alas! Let me continue the sad task I have imposed upon myself.
When I was able to snatch some moments from the love which engrossed me, I wrote to M. de Sérigny to thank him for his good intentions towards me, which I had learned from the article in the official newspaper, and informed him that I would be absent for some months yet, that I was unable to disclose to him my place of abode, but begged him, in case any one inquired of him for me, to answer in such a way as might lead people to infer that I was in a foreign country.
In the month of September Catherine heard that her husband would return towards the close of the year, and informed me that she intended returning to Paris.
Catherine's intention surprised and grieved me.
We had considerably discussed whether or not I should resume the duties I had taken upon me with M. de Sérigny.
Catherine had persistently urged me to do so.