But then
she acquiesced, quietly enough if not readily, in what other people
did and said; and so the marriage was fixed for the day week after
Adolphe's return.
The whole of that week passed much in the same way. The servants
about the place spoke among themselves of Marie's perverseness,
obstinacy, and ingratitude, because she would not look pleased, or
answer Madame Bauche's courtesies with gratitude; but La Mere herself
showed no signs of anger. Marie had yielded to her, and she required
no more. And she remembered also the harsh words she had used to
gain her purpose; and she reflected on all that Marie had lost. On
these accounts she was forbearing and exacted nothing--nothing but
that one sacrifice which was to be made in accordance to her wishes.
And it was made. They were married in the great salon, the dining-
room, immediately after breakfast. Madame Bauche was dressed in a
new puce silk dress, and looked very magnificent on the occasion.
She simpered and smiled, and looked gay even in spite of her
spectacles; and as the ceremony was being performed, she held fast
clutched in her hand the gold watch and chain which were intended for
Marie as soon as ever the marriage should be completed.
Pages:
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65