Page:A history of Hungarian literature.djvu/188

 174 HUNGARIAN LITERATORE A new pang 1s added to Gustave' s sorrow. A society woman, out of revenge, spreads calumnies caneerning him, and the world believes them although he is inno­ cent. Disappointed and despairing, Gustave seeks con­ solation first in solitary studies, and afterwards in a disso­ lute life. Whilst walking with his frivolaus companions, Gustave sees a poor but remarkably bea utifui and virtuaus girl called Betty. One pf his companions remarks that although the girl is very poor, no one can Iure her from the paths of virtue. Gustave makes a bet of twenty thousand francs that he will make her his mistress. He becames aequainted with her, pretending to be a poor student, and wins her love. Gustave might now be very happy, but when Betty hears of the horrible wager she sees her happiness destroyed and fiies in despair. This stirs Gustave to the depths, he regards bimself as Betty's murderer, and then begins that process of develop­ ment which transforros th e seifish man into an unselfish one. He learns that his father, whom he thought so heartless, is still fond of bim. He receíves news telling bim that J ulia is very unhappy, and that his friend Armand, having abmdoned his life of frivolity, has gained peace of mind, and is living as a simple farmer. He sees Betty, who is dying. She tells bim that she was happy with bim, and is happy now sh e beholds him once again. Gustave sees that while he was seifish he could not but be unhappy, and that he has first fo und happiness in making others happy. f l Do not abandon hope," he says at last, fl and if the day should come when your heart is bruised by many painful experiences, and your strength seems exhausted as you tread the path th e end of which appears to recede in spite of ali your efforts, think of me,