Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 28, 2025
In the midst of the chatter, Mere-Grand, who presided at table with the serene dignity of a queen-mother, leant towards Guillaume, who sat next to her, and spoke to him in an undertone. Pierre understood that she was referring to his marriage, which was to have taken place in April, but must now necessarily be deferred.
"If he is with you, monsieur," she answered, "he is evidently as comfortable as he can be, and sheltered from all risks. We were surprised, however, by his letter last night, as it did not explain why he was detained, and we should have ended by feeling frightened. But now everything is satisfactory." Mere-Grand and the three sons, following Marie's example, asked no explanations.
And amidst Mere-Grand's stubborn silence death once more flitted through the room: there came a cold gust such as they had already felt brushing past them during dejeuner. At last four o'clock began to strike, and Mere-Grand raised her white hands with a gesture of supreme entreaty. It was then that she at last spoke: "Father is going to die. Nothing but the duty of living can save him."
"Guillaume only gave me one other commission," resumed Pierre, "that of handing a little key to Madame Leroi." "Very good," Marie answered, "Mere-Grand is here; and, besides, the children must see you. I will take you to them." Once more quite tranquil, she examined Pierre without managing to conceal her curiosity, which seemed of rather a kindly nature blended with an element of vague pity.
Allusions to her coming marriage were seldom made; however, she invariably greeted them with an air of happy affection. "Another six weeks!" she simply said. Thereupon Mere-Grand, who had been looking at them, turned her eyes towards Pierre. He, however, like the others was listening with a smile. "That's true," said the old lady, "you are to be married in six weeks' time.
Meantime Mere-Grand, still seated near the window of the workroom, had impassively continued sewing. Now and again, pending the arrival of four o'clock, she had looked up at the timepiece hanging on the wall on her left hand, or else had glanced out of the window towards the unfinished pile of the basilica, which a gigantic framework of scaffoldings encompassed.
He shuddered and stammered in momentary expectation of a catastrophe which would hurl the work-shop to the heavens. "Mere-Grand, Mere-Grand," he stammered. "The apparatus, the tap . . . it is all over, all over!" The old woman had raised her head without as yet understanding him. "Eh, what?" said she; "what is the matter with you?"
Then, as Guillaume made a further attempt to state his views and win her over to them, she rose trembling, in such a passion that she could scarcely stammer: "No, no, you are all too cruel, you only want to grieve me. I prefer to go up into my own room." At this Mere-Grand vainly sought to restrain her.
It was surely impossible for them to piece together all the unforeseen circumstances which had brought about their father's meeting with the workman, and then the crime. Mere-Grand, no doubt, was in certain respects better informed than the others. But they, the sons and Marie, neither knew nor sought to know anything.
This was Guillaume's dream, and he grew quite enthusiastic, so strong was his conviction that he would presently bring it to pass. "Everything is settled," said he; "if I am about to die and disappear, it is in order that my idea may triumph.... You have lately seen me spend whole afternoons alone with Mere-Grand.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking