The Confession of a Child of the Century - Complete

d. Brigitte was ill, and remained obstinately silent. After an entire day passed in supplication and conjec

d not live, so to speak, except in myself, and exterior objects made no impression on my senses. All my powers were ce

had done, when our dreams seemed about to be realized, what could be the nature of a secret that destroyed our happiness and could not be confided to me? What! to conceal it from me! And yet I could not find it in my heart to suspect her. The appearance of suspici

personal identity or trying to fit a name on him. Suddenly I recognized him: it was he who had brought letters to Brigitte from N---. I arose and started to accost him

al interviews with Madame Pierson in the last few days, and I recalled the fact that she was al

e contents of those letters, and there was no reason why I should hesitate to question him. When the curtain fell, I followed him to the foyer; I do not know that he saw me coming, but he hastened away and entered a b

corridor at the time, and there could be no doubt he did not wish to speak to me. I did not dream of such impertinent treatment from a man whom I had cordially received at my apartments; why should he insult me? He could have no other excuse than a desire to avoid an awkward interview, duri

igitte reading those same fateful letters from N---. I told her that I could not remain longer in suspense, and that I wished to be relieved from it at any cost; that I desired to know the cause of

it their duty to warn her of the consequences; that she was living openly as my mistress, and that, although she was a widow and free to do as she chose, she ought to think of the na

angered me, and at firs

"doubtless has orders to deliver them personally, and does not f

on made me reflect

er. Avenge as you please the last effort my old friends have made to recall me to reason, to the world that I formerly r

me to comply with your wishes, and I assure you I am ready to do it

ed my mind? I am suffering, and can not travel in my present condi

te had received she had never taken them so much to heart. How could I bring myself to believe that Brigitte had been so affected by protests which in less happy moments had had no effect on her? Could it be merely the weakness of a woman

hat young man I had seen at the opera. I do not know whether it was wrath or curiosity that impelled me to this course, nor di

call on him after all the visits he had made us; I had not said a word about my experience at the op

do you

We exchanged a few kind word

trange sensation of uneasiness; I was dazed as though by a sudden flash of light. His first gesture froze my blood. He was i

do you

Even if he had anything to tell me, how did I know he would speak? He had brought letters from N---, and knew those who had written them. But it cost me an effort to question him, and I feared he would suspect what was in my mind. Our first words

honest and industrious poverty. Some books, musical instruments, papers, a table and a few

is favor. On the mantel I observed a picture of an old lady

e him occasionally at N---, but at the time of her last visit there he was away. It was, therefore, only by chance that I had learned

possessed musical talents that would have enabled him to make a fortune, the immediate needs of those dependent on him, an

s in his character which will serve to paint the man he had fallen in love with a beautiful girl in the neighborhood, and, after a year of devotion to her, had secure

ster? Who wi

money in the household expenses and his sister would have no dowry. He broke of

. That simple, unassuming act of devotion seemed

ch had first occurred to me, that he would harm me in Brigitte's eyes, vanished at once. Gradually my thoughts to

n obscure room on the fourth floor and a dingy government office; sending his mother all his savings, that farthing of human joy which the hand of toil clasps so greedily; having no thought except for the happiness of others, an

ded in a moment. He spoke to me of our jour

you go?"

is indisposed, and has been con

s!" he repeate

are you as

, his arms extended, his eyes fi

pressed his hand to his head and burst into tears.

fear I am not well; when I have sufficie