Page:Novels of Honoré de Balzac Volume 23.djvu/362

 permit us to live together without secret bitterness. Perhaps I might not show him that forbearance that wives owe their husbands, so he would soon find me burdensome. Do not think any more of an alliance of which I am unworthy and which I can refuse without causing you the least pain as, with such advantages, you will not fail in finding young girls more beautiful than I, of a superior rank, and richer.”

“Will you promise me, little one,” said Zélie, “that you will prevent these two young men from taking their journey and from fighting?”

“I foresee that it will be the greatest sacrifice Monsieur de Portenduère can make for me; but my marriage wreath must not be put on by blood-stained hands.”

“Well, thank you, cousin, and I hope you may be happy.”

“And I, madame,” said Ursule, “hope that you may realize your son’s grand future.”

This answer struck the heart of the deputy’s mother, who recalled the prophecies in Ursule’s last dream; she stood up, her little eyes fixed upon Ursule’s face, so white, so pure and so beautiful in her dress of half-mourning, for Ursule had risen as a hint to her so-called cousin to go.

“Then you believe in dreams?” she said.

“I have suffered too much from them not to believe in them.”

“But then—” said Zélie.

“Good-bye, madame,” said Ursule, bowing to Madame Minoret upon hearing the curb’s footsteps.