Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/253

Rh fear that we may have tired you a little. We will come back to see you presently."

She arose and Max arose like her shadow. Arsène bade him farewell without scarcely regarding him.

"I am pleased with you, Max," said Madame de Piennes, whom he had accompanied to her door, "and still more with her. That poor girl is filled with resignation. She sets you a good example."

"To suffer and be silent, madam, is it very difficult to learn?"

"The most important thing to learn is to school one's mind against evil thoughts."

Max saluted her and hurried away.

When Madame de Piennes went to see Arsène the following day she found her contemplating a bouquet of rare flowers which had been placed upon the table beside her bed. "M. de Salligny sent them to me," she said. "He sent some one to inquire for me, but he has not been here."

"The flowers are very beautiful," said Madame de Piennes a little drily.

"I used to be very fond of flowers," said the invalid, sighing as she said it; "and he spoiled me. M. de Salligny spoiled me by giving me all the most beautiful ones that he could find. But