Theastonished servants did not understand, but
obeyed. The excellent Duquerrel was alarmed by this joy, whichhe took to be the
first signs of delirium. The sound of Armances name revolutionised Octaves
situation. As hespoke, Octave was perhaps happier than he had ever been in his
life.
She recognised the spot, smiled,and leaned against
the tub of the orange tree, shutting her eyes.
It would be superfluous to speak of Madame de
Mali-verts despair; thepoor Marquis was dumbfounded. It is only forthe last few
days, Octave went on, that I have known that I loveyou.
In a day, Octave had been formed by the lessons of
that terriblemaster. He would not be parted from her for another month, perhaps. You
have made me very unhappy, but I had forgiven you before theconfession you have just
made me. I have still acondition to make, Armance went on. Armance drew herself up
quickly andblushed a deep red. This new fashion threatened even to invade the Court.
I have still acondition to make, Armance went on.
As though the lower orders werecapable of
distinguishing good from evil!
This action cast an air of solemnity over the room
for someminutes and amused Madame dAumale. The sound of Armances name revolutionised
Octaves situation. The womanencouraged her to take the young peasant in the carriage
with her.
It is only forthe last few days, Octave went on,
that I have known that I loveyou.
Octave felt keenly aware of thechange in their
relations. As though the lower orders werecapable of distinguishing good from evil!
There might bedetected in him an element of deeply rooted treachery towards everyone
in the world. Choked by her sobs, she read Octaves letterover and over
again.
A new personage was to join the expedition,namely,
M. In any case, I give it to you, my dearcousin.
Forgive my harsh words, which were necessary at the
time.
That young man is extremelyfortunate, the Duchesse
went on to say. Failing that reinforcement, it would have passed
unnoticed.
It only means one fop the less, said Octave
calmly.
He is getting to know thewhole of Paris, and it
will make him more impertinent than ever. Butit seems to me to be more than
finished, said M. Octave felt keenly aware of thechange in their relations. This
most rational young person had lostall her self-control. Are you aware, my dear
Armance, that we have twobones in the part of the arm next to the hand?