I am very much amused at hearing her relate my own story without imagining she is talking to the heroine of that singular romance.
Where could she have learned about my sad situation, the minute details that I supposed no one knew?
"A young orphan girl of noble birth, at the age of twenty compelled by misfortune to change her name and work for her livelihood, is suddenly restored to affluence by an accident that carried off all her relatives, an immensely rich uncle, his wife and son."
She also said my uncle detested me, which proved that she was well informed—only she adds that the young heiress is horribly ugly, which I hope is not true!
I will go to Mme. Taverneau and again become the interesting widow of Monsieur Albert Guérin, of the Navy.
Perilous widowhood which invited from my dear Mme. Taverneau confidences prematurely enlightening, and which Mlle. Irene de Chateaudun had some difficulty in forgetting.
Ah! misery is a cruel emancipation! Angelic ignorance, spotless innocence of mind is a luxury that poor young girls, even the most circumspect, cannot enjoy.
What presence of mind I had to exercise for three long years in order to sustain my part!
How often have I felt myself blush, when Mme. Taverneau would say: "Poor Albert! he must have adored you."
How often have I had to restrain my laughter, when, in enumerating the perfections of her own husband, she would add, with a look of pity: "It must distress you to see Charles and me together, our love must recall your sad loss."