The following morning, I sent Louis word of what had taken place. He hastened to see us that afternoon. When he saw our dear Victor, he was exceedingly affected. My husband had changed every way within a fortnight, without my being conscious of it, having been constantly with him.
“Oh! how glad I am to see you!” said he to Louis. “Well, well, we shall not meet many times more, ... here below, I mean, but we shall meet again in heaven never more to separate.”
Louis burst into tears.
“You great child!” continued he. “If it were not for my sweet Agnes there, I would beg you to congratulate me: I am going home to God! But the idea of leaving that dear soul, who has made me so happy, hangs like a cloud between me and heaven. Oh! you will, you will watch over her as I would myself, will you not?”
“Yes; as your very self, I solemnly promise you,” cried Louis. Then, falling on his knees beside the bed, he said: “My friend, assure me once more that you forgive me. It is I who have killed you!”
Victor drew him towards him, and embraced him. Louis then begged my forgiveness also. I could not answer him, but I held out my hand, which he respectfully kissed.
“One favor more,” said Louis: “I hope you will not leave us so soon as you suppose, but it is better to make the request now, as I can do it to-day without troubling you: give me your blessing!”
Victor excused himself, but Louis insisted so long that he yielded. Victor then extended his hand over his friend’s head: “O my God!” said he, “I am only a sinner, with no right to bless in thy name; but I have given my heart to thee, and I also love this soul to whom thou has permitted me to do some good. Watch over him!... Make him happy here below, or, if it is thy will he should suffer, grant him the necessary courage to find joy in sorrow itself.”
This scene was deeply affecting. For some time we remained silent. Victor, unwilling to leave us so painfully impressed, began to smile and say the liveliest things he could imagine. Addressing Louis, he said:
“How are your love affairs? You cannot imagine how I long for your union with a woman so calculated to make you happy. The more I think of it, the more I am convinced that Mlle. Smithson is the very person.”