Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/256

178 she was leaving the bouquet upon the table, but Arsène reminded her of her forgetfulness. She took it consequently, annoyed with herself for having shown, perhaps, some affectation by not accepting that trifle in the first place.

"What harm could there be in that?" she thought. But there was already harm since it made her ask herself that simple question.

Max followed her home unbidden. They seated themselves, and, averting their eyes from each other, they were silent long enough to be embarrassed by it.

"That poor girl," said Madame de Piennes at last, "grieves me profoundly. It appears as though all hope were at an end."

"Did you see the doctor?" demanded Max. "What did he say?"

Madame de Piennes shook her head. "She has but a few more days to live. They administered the last sacraments to her this morning."

"Her face haunts one," said Max, advancing into the embrasure of a window, probably to hide his emotion.

"No doubt, it is cruel to die at her age," resumed Madame de Piennes sadly; "but had she lived longer, who knows but it would have been a misfortune to her? In saving her from a violent death Providence wished to give her time