Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/257

Rh for repentance. It is a great mercy, which she herself fully appreciates now. The Abbé Dubignon is much pleased with her; it is not necessary to pity her so much, Max!"

"I don't know that it is necessary to pity those who die young," he replied a little gruffly. "For myself, I should like to die young; what most affects me is to see her suffer so."

"Physical suffering is often of benefit to the soul."

Max, without replying, went and placed himself at the other end of the room in an obscure corner, partially hidden by thick curtains. Madame de Piennes worked, or pretended to work, upon a piece of tapestry which she had in her hands; but it seemed to her that she felt the regard of Max like a heavy weight upon her. That regard which she shunned, she imagined she felt wandering over her hands, her shoulders, and across her brow. It seemed to her to rest upon her foot, and she hastened to hide it beneath her robe. There is perhaps some truth in that which is called magnetic fluid, madam. "Do you know Admiral de Rigny?" Max suddenly demanded.

"Yes, slightly."

"I shall perhaps have a favour to ask of you concerning him—a letter of recommendation."