XXIII
A FAMILY INTERIOR
As Ernestine had announced to Louise, Madame de Noirmont returned home on the day that she was expected. Her arrival was a festal occasion for Ernestine, who flew to meet her mother the instant that she caught sight of her, and threw herself into her arms. Madame de Noirmont responded lovingly to her daughter’s caresses; it was easy to see that she was touched by them, and that she was genuinely happy to be at home once more.
Monsieur de Noirmont did not rush to meet his wife; such tokens of affection were not in accordance with his nature; he feared that, by indulging in them, he should compromise his dignity. However, when he learned that she had returned, he went to her room and greeted her pleasantly, but did not kiss her.
“Did you have a pleasant journey, madame?”
“Yes, thanks, monsieur.”
“And how is your aunt, Madame Dufrénil?”
“She is much better, monsieur; her health is entirely restored. But it was time for me to return, or I should have been really ill with ennui, from being away from my daughter so long. I was very sorry that you did not allow me to take her with me, monsieur.”
“The result of that, madame, is that you have the greater pleasure in seeing her again, and I trust that it will make you love her dearly.”
With that, Monsieur de Noirmont saluted his wife and returned to his study.
When her husband had gone, Madame de Noirmont drew her daughter to her and pressed her to her heart again and again: