Arlette and his shadow E-Book

Max du Veuzit

• Herausgeber: Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Seitenzahl: 362

Beschreibung

To avoid her father-in-law's assiduity, Arlette Dalimours left her province to live alone in Paris. Faced with the inheritance of a very rich aunt on her wedding day - this is a clause in her original parent's will - Arlette enters into a "white" union with a man much older than her, in return for a pension she will pay him. Arlette thus became Mrs. Lussan, but her husband suddenly died a year later "for fun" without the spouses having been able to see each other again. When, later, Arlette meets a young man, Pierre, who loves her and whom she loves, she won't dare admit to him the deceit of her marriage with Mr. Lussan. And this Pierre - she will soon learn - is none other than her first husband's nephew..... Will he be her second husband? But there are tricks that cost their authors dearly....

Leseprobe

Arlette and his shadow

Pages de titreIIIIIIIVVVIVIIVIIIIXXCopyright

Max the Veuzit

Arlette and his shadow

I

Francine Montel had risen to warning bell shot to go and receive the visitor was announced.

In the darkness of the hallway, a female form appeared that the house mistress identified immediately:

- Oh ! Arlette! What a surprise! ... Hello, darling!

- Hello, my great! replied softly newcomer. I'm not bothering you ?

- Do you ... Come on quickly!.

The young woman had seized the shoulders Dalimours Arlette, his childhood friend, and she looked with affectionate amazement.

- Ah! for example ! If I expected to see you! ...

Again, they embraced warmly, happy to be together after so many months of separation.

Their completed effusions Francine led the newcomer to the dining room and lounge - they say living room today - where she worked with her two children. And from the threshold, she happily began the presentations:

- My two babies ... A long time ago that you have seen them ... My little Philippe you know well and my little Claudine who grew up ...?

- Yes, she grew up ... They are beautiful, both!

The visitor had brought against her motherly both babys and lovingly examined.

A cloud passed over his pale forehead.

- A mother should be happy to have such beautiful babies ...

She stopped, sighed, then resumed as in a dream:

- True happiness for a woman living in his little ... Oh! I envy you, Francine! She added with more vivacity. You do not doubt you how much you are rich to own ...

- With a good husband especially!

- Yes ... With their father, of course! This brave Andre! ... How are you, by the way?

- But well, said the other, laughing.

- Why are you laughing ? Arlette marveled.

A little red, she added:

- I said something extraordinary?

- On the contrary ... It is your "about" about André makes me laugh ... As if you had been able to forget my husband.

- No ! Of course I will not forget! But maybe I thought involuntarily that a man is not absolutely necessary to the happiness of a woman.

Francine looked at his companion with astonishment.

What took him to this little Arlette, to state such reflections?

The newcomer had seen his surprise and guessed what she was thinking. She laughed:

- Do not pay attention, my great! I'm a little bewildered to find myself in this home ... Paris so stirring, so hectic ... the head is lost and the ideas come in crowds that we have no time to deepen ... especially when, like me, one does not usually see so many people and so much ...

The other did not answer. The tone of her friend rang false. And why was she talking so much ... so feverishly?

The young mother was placed in front of Arlette and above the heads of his two children, she lovingly examined the girl.

His tongue and lips reflected in As the findings of the inspection:

-? A little pale ... the pulled mine ... And what does that look ... Sadness ... So what! That is wrong with you? ... No, I'm rambling! Since you are here for a walk in the capital is that all is well. And if in these eyes then a semblance of melancholy, it is because, in recent days, miss Arlette abuse in Paris of his time and of his youth ... Too much fun! of course! You're tired, that's all!

The girl was a somewhat sad smile.

- Alas! she asked softly. Actually distractions ... Funny pleasures rather!

His dejected worried his companion. She was suddenly aware that something serious event justified the visit of Arlette.

- Let's see! What's wrong? ... she asked with authority. But first, commend Philip on his feet and sit down ... Tell me now.

Arlette had executed the order in silence. Then, embarrassed to start, searching for words, she said awkwardly:

- I'll surprise you, my great ... I am in Paris for twelve days ...

- Twelve days! For example ! And it is only today that you come to me?

Francine seemed outraged; but gently, Arlette grabbed his hand.

- Do not be angry ... I was unable to come earlier ... I had terrible trouble, you see ...

- Worries ? But why? ... How?

As another shrug dejectedly, Francine pressed issues.

- Let us see ... Let's see ... I do not understand! Explain yourself. You intrigue me! ... But first, let's clarify! ... Your mother?

- My mother is naturally Battenville.

- And Mr. Lebredel?

- My father always takes care of his pharmacy ... It creates more and more new products for the relief of sick and prosperity of his house ... I am here ...

She stopped and before the somewhat harsh look of her friend, she protested gently:

- Do not give me those eyes, sweetheart ... I'm in Paris to work ... You see how simple and natural.

- Too simple, too natural for me to understand the first time!

- How to say best? I found a job ... I will win my life ... I must now only count on me ... on myself.

- What are you telling me there ... Do I understand it: you're not with your parents? You are alone in Paris?

- Yes ! It seems to you extraordinary?

- Absolutely stunning!

And probably to give more weight to his assertion, Francine drew a seat and turn it sank, facing her friend.

Entering by the enormity of the fact that Arlette had revealed to him, the young mother let out again, like a lament:

- You left your mother ... You have left ...!

- Yes ... confirmed another wearily. And it's not without pain, believe me!

Francine, a little stunned, looked at her friend as if she saw it for the first time. After a short silence where all assumptions trotted in his brain, the woman asked:

- Come on, explain ... All this is a crisis, a bad move?

- No, I left my mother forever.

The severity of tone, syllables uttered slowly as spare, left no doubt about the finality of the decision. This time the silence was heavy, painful ... If heavy and painful it was needed in extending ...

In the presence of these two women, one, twenty-two, escaped currently in the destiny imposed upon him, the other, size a little larger and more featureless, was with maturity of its twenty-eight that of his twin pregnancy, it could not have failed to notice the contrast of their personalities. The latter was the expression Quiete rested and the face of a happy mom, while, on the face of the girl, a gravity mask was printed, revealing deep concerns.

Scared of the unexpected news, Francine was trying to explain herself:

- I know that Ms. Lebredel was not a very affectionate mother ... At least not as much as your loving nature would have wished ...

But Arlette slowly shook his head:

- It's not because of my mother I left Battenville ...

- So I do not understand.

And suddenly is taking:

- Explain yourself, come on ... You're there to me as an enigma, while I make all the assumptions, if not informed enough! You leave me on tenterhooks while I dread all about you!

As another sketched a gesture of protest, the young mother specified:

- Oh ! I have full confidence in you, that's understood! But enlighten me soon, please!

Reluctantly, hesitating and lowering his voice, the other painfully confessed his secret cruel:

- It's because of my father ...

- Huh ... Of your father ...?

- Yes !

- Maurice Lebredel made you die hard ... A boy so quiet, so gentle in appearance ...?!

- Too quiet seemingly ... Too sweet as!

And timidly:

- Should I remind you that he never considered me his daughter ... When he married my mother, I was twelve years old? I was already a big girl while he was still only thirty years ... With all that this age has for a man! ...

- He knew your existence ... Your mother said it would be for you a real father.

Arlette gestured vaguely denial.

- My mother ? She was happy to remarry with a young man she loved ... Just think: a husband of eight years younger than her! She could not really think of anything else ... This was so unexpected that she was amazed ...

- A simple prolonged coquetry from her.

- I do not think so, Arlette was with a sigh of regret. I rather envisages a kind of revenge ... a compensation that was offered to her, because we must think of what could have been his life from my poor dad. A man of science!

- He was a good man.

- Ah! certainly ! And it was not exactly his fault that my mother did not bloomed with him ... When man is taken by an ideal ... brain work ... he forgets just those around ... relatives appear not only to him as a little insignificant accidents ...

- Mr. Dalimours was the cream of men! Francine warmly protested.

A faint smile played about the lips of the girl.

- I loved my father and I am happy that you keep him this excellent memory ... But my father was also a scientist ... and a scientist, you know, Francine, it never makes a very happy woman ! It is responsible for research, science ... it puts his nose in large books ... But for the rest!

The other seemed entry.

- My God ... Perhaps, indeed! I had never thought of that ...

- Yes, alas! sighed the newcomer ... My father, without realizing it, ended up forgetting my mother ... He even notice more at home the presence of a young woman, pretty, because my mother was pretty .. . not at all like me! ... If he cared only facts menus that were her life? ...

Francine remarked thoughtfully:

- I see it ... Man is often the author of his misfortune ... more than he thinks, I'm sure!

- That's very true! But to return to my poor mother remarried, I think that deep down, my dear great, as I called it ... my great dear did not find to my father all the happiness she was entitled. So when Maurice entered its life, how could she resist his pleasantries? He concentrated on it all his attentions. It was a discreet courtyard, combining respect for love as well ... Adding the charm and distinction of lesser quality amenities, but no less sensitive.

- Of course ... It pharmacist so alive, so gay in pleasant conversation, was somehow the talk of all the people of Battenville ... We understand that your mother was seduced!

- Do you realize ... She could not think of much to me.

- Especially because she was still young ... She was not wearing her age ... She actually seemed to you, rather like an elder sister.

- Exactly, my presence in the same house contributed to mislead it. The fact that I appeared to be the younger sister helped him to forget the eight years she had more than Maurice ... Unfortunately, at the same time, she had not thought I would grow up to be a girl my turn...

She stopped and, hesitantly, added:

- Note that I do not blame my mother for not having loved me, far from it! But with her young husband whom she adores, imagine how the presence of a girl of marriageable age appears embarrassing!

- Indeed ! Francine noticed, astonished at not having itself already made this point, I remember the arrival of your little brother was to her a triumph.

- Yes, when Marcel was born, it was a great happiness at home. This small mom be placed among the young mothers! She has forgotten me, I and my fourteen years! ... Actually, before that, I did not expect much ... Since then I have not counted at all!

She uttered these words with a slightly sad smile, and Francine approve:

- Obviously, the older sister found herself confined in the nanny's degree.

- Well ... I was accomplishing good heart all the small jobs, basic tasks ... sundry family chores ... It does not displease me. My mother and Marcel were everything to me ... I do not think I ever ...

She paused, and then, after some thought, which enabled him to probe the memory of her heart, she explained:

- I loved my brother, I loved my dear great ... I may sometimes wept in my maiden bed, like any private child tenderness, kisses and all those sweet expansions are needed! early in life ... But the crisis there remained in me no thought. And, well, Francine, this expression of my dear great, spontaneously came to my lips to describe my mother, she proves you not that I saw in her big sister adored rather than a mother? Do not you yourself noticed that I was the first to spare him chores to help make her beautiful ... Because I naively admired, honestly, almost with devotion! ... Ah! you see, all that remains for me the right past!

- This is why I explain badly that you could leave.

- Ah! Yes. Here...

There was silence again.

Tears glistened in the eyes of Arlette under some overwhelming memories. And, to quietly explain the dominant cause of his voluntary exile, she sought her words slowly, a little embarrassed:

- I was sixteen ... Then eighteen ... The score came ... The brother continued to create around my mother a symbol of the young mother ... But I, the eldest ? The big girl? Inevitably, I played an opposite role; I threatened to destroy the atmosphere. My presence alone is enough not she remind mom of the actual age? ... And I believe that this must be excruciating for a woman so young ... for a big child like my little mom always ... was for this expensive doll, charming, adorable, and that is all grace, all smiles!

- I see it, in fact; but I realized the evil in my mind was that Francine was thinking. It is true that my condition is so different from yours that any assessment on my part is thereby distorted by advance.

But Arlette some regret that you could feel in this situation, I do not see this as sufficient grounds to reach the break that worries me so much.

- Patience, I am coming! repeated the girl, who felt perhaps some discomfort to go into details. But already understand the situation ... If my mother had been only to realize that I was growing up and that I had become a young good girl to marry ... that men were already looking ... Hey! I remember at this moment, the attempt she made last year, for me to marry an old friend of my father.

- Mr. Dupernois?

- Yes, him ... He was forty-eight years old and he was older than my mother. I would not have lived Battenville ... with her ... You understand?

Francine gasped:

- It was for that?

- Alas ... Involuntarily ... Without realizing it ... because my mommy loves me too, you know!

- Naturally, a mother!

- Yes, well ... Although it is not always a reason ... I thought that maybe I had been wrong to neglect the opportunity that presented itself to me! I would not have refused the party. From a distance, I see how this marriage help matters! First, I left the house on the arm of an easy husband, which was an advantage for me; Then my mother came into possession of the cash left by Euphrasia aunt ... Finally, I would have avoided more serious disadvantages which the threat was soon to appear ... I wrote at that time; you remember you?

- Okay ... But I was indignant that such a marriage thought for you can come to Mrs. Lebredel. My husband, himself, had rebelled. You can not imagine all the thoughts he was doing against your mother! He did not admit this contradiction: she, who had married a young husband dared offer you, for you younger, a fifties! A mature man!

- This man married me ... everything is there! I married and this one had ...

- But why ?

- Do not forget the terms of the will of my aunt.

- Ah! I do not know! ... What are they, exactly, those famous clauses?

- They appear strange at first sight ... who, above all, does not know the light character of my merry. Now, I'm sure Euphrasia aunt did not seek the happiness of all ... She was afraid that my mother should wish one day I entered the convent: a big girl, it is aging; religious, we do not know, it is forgotten. So to avoid me this perspective it considered irreparable misfortune - an idea for it, is not it? - it considered that the role of women is primarily to be a mother, wife ... so she left me all his fortune - ten thousand francs a year - under two conditions ...

- For example ?

- First, I must get hold of the capital as the day I get married ... And secondly, my mother will receive income for life ... You understand, the interest of my mother I got married ... even if the grandchildren should turn it into grandmother ...

- Your aunt has been sighted.

- Obviously ...

She sighed deeply.

- Yes ... though ... One thing is certain, she continued a sorry air, is that I did not like what Mr. Dupernois and I could not imagine my life riveted to that of man who was old enough to be my father.

- By Jove!

- However, I realize now it was a solution ... It was a nice situation that my mother had said to me all the benefits ... I should not have despised these considerations!.

Francine laughed:

- It seems that this marriage did not fall, fortunately, in the context of your destiny.

The girl gave a slight nod. Then, ignoring a painful insight, she sighed:

- And though, admittedly, it was not brilliant, my destiny ... The days that have passed since I refused this old husband were not among the happiest of my! existence...

- What situation ... The classic conflict of passionate love and maternal love!. This gives me vertigo, all these complications to me whose life is so simple and so right. As you had to suffer, my little child! ...

In an affectionate impulse, Francine attracted to her head and her friend held her few moments on his shoulder, and then she gave him a kiss.

Then she invited him to continue his story:

- What about you again, said Arlette sadly. Discontent my mother? ... Its inevitable sulks that were ongoing blame? ... You can guess! ... Eventually, all would probably eventually settle if the smallest facts sometimes brought unpredictable consequences ... Someone was pretty satisfied with my refusal, contrary to what one might think: Maurice Lebredel by tweaking its products, discovered new horizons ... and he quickly tried to explore them!

A stupor passed in the eyes of the young woman.

- No ... Is it possible ... Maurice Lebredel!?!

-! Yep ... It was enough that a man it investigated marry me ... He suddenly tied to my feet ... One day, he had some words ...

She stopped, extremely embarrassed to continue:

- So what ? Francine insisted, whose great loyal eyes were filled with indignation.

- So, you see, 'said Arlette courageously. I was so confident ... and stupid! I did not understand! ... I did not try to understand more. I was wrong again, probably ...

- What did you do ? worried the young mother.

- Foolishly, confessed Arlette, I started to laugh ... as if it was a witticism or a madrigal ... I thought it was a simple compliment ... One! compliment man who was not my father but in the end, happened to be the husband of my mother, my second father!

Francine had frowned, trying to reconstruct the scene.

- Of course, he could believe that you laughed coquettishly ... It takes so little to frighten a man!

- What do you want, my friend! Arlette recognized. He never came to me the idea that this husband loved to distraction by my dear great, could only be touched by a bad thought to apply to me ... to my child!

- And ... you're safe ... You're strikes perhaps, still ... The imagination embroiders so fast on words ... Especially since you admit not having understood instantly? .

But Arlette nodded slowly in serious denial.

- No ... There are things ... If you knew ... At the end, I was like crazy, you see ...!

- What misery !

- So much so that I wondered, thinking of mom who could learn everything, if my disappearance was not better ... No ... Do not look at me with those eyes! I swear to you, I thought to die ... And I was twenty. And when health is robust, thoughts of death to escape the sorrows of life do not last long; the instinct of preservation remains intact. The big departure? It's good when no longer has hope ... I loved my mother, I loved my little brother and, without doubt, I also loved life! All this that I calmed down and I was able to reason ... I ended up hope that things would work out for themselves ... I thought my father had to undergo some minutes aberration ... Judging by what we hear tell everywhere Men are funny creatures at the bottom! They are ribald nature, he seems ... short! You see the reasoning that had me indulgence.

- It was better than thinking about suicide ...

- Oh ! it was little more wise, because I ended up deceiving me ...

- It was not over?

- Alas ... It was the continual struggle ... Every day ... I kept silent to save the trouble to mom ...

- Who, naturally, was aware of nothing? Francine was indignant.

Arlette shook his head.

- Fortunately! She said ... But mom snapped at me for all sorts of reasons ... She accused me of being flirtatious. Too much ... wearing too careful with my little white collar that I washed and was passing every day ... And to try to meet, I was pulling my hair, I tackle on the skull; I avoided any research coquetry in my clothes; I agreed to wear the hat which suited me the least; I finally became a real Cinderella, charmless and without smiling ...

- Poor kid!

- And yet, Arlette continued despondently, my mother, I loved ... what evil critics and unjust reprimands were they able to get me! Yet I stand it, thinking that his happiness and tranquility were well worth the few mortifications wiped ... Why does it take? ... Ah!

She stopped, hiding his face suddenly flushed in his hands, the terrible evocation of a scene she had refused to undergo a second time.

In silence, Francine was examining.

With that instinctive modesty of women, she had an intuition of what must have happened. His loving hand came to rest on the shoulder of the girl in a comforting gesture.

- My little, she murmured sympathetically.

- Ah! my little Francine! What memories! One day, the cup overflowed! ... My stepfather was odious ... He put me out of me ... I do not recognize myself! It seems as if, at that time, any weapon had fallen into my hands, I should not hesitate a moment to use it. Just think ... Yeah, I get angry at the memory. But understand, Francine, why I wanted to go ... My decision was the one that was logical and necessary ... The only possible ... Run away! Flee asap! ... flee very far!

Francine was also touched that her friend was plagued exaltation. As tears moistened his eyes, she dabbed with a bag pulled the belt of her bodice, and she blew her nose length.

- My little Arlette, she said with deep conviction. Woe to you, such a story!

- You explain to you now why I'm here?

- I could not guess, it was inconceivable ... but ... from coming to Paris alone ... without status, without money ... it is no less extraordinary ...!

Arlette shrugged indifferently.

- If I can make a living, everything will work out. I always liked sewing ... Even small, I was constantly filled with the seamstresses who came to the days at home! After the death of my poor dad, before the very tangled financial situation that we left, Mom had apprenticed me to Mrs. Lobligeois ... I was delighted with this good idea, without suspecting that I would need earn a living later ...

Francine approved:

- For once, your mother was right. Actually, sewing is a profession ...

- Yes, but the most difficult, leaving Battenville, was not to make a dress ... this I know ... It's me doing all the mom toilets ... it was leaving! ... Where to go ? And how to live?

- Someone will have helped you to leave the country?

- No ; good offered me to go to Rouen, to an aunt who runs a shop ... I thought it was too close to my family ... mom, my stepfather? ... would it not revived me? ... So I had the idea to write to Mrs. Lobligeois. I asked her to get me a job, because she lives in Paris since she inherited the notions funds formerly held by his sister ... Oh! it was quick! ... I told her stay in the country was a matter of life or death for me ... I have not given any explanation ... There are things we can tell that her friend ... and again!

- How ... and again?

- Lady! Arlette was laughing. Were you pretty suspicious, nasty!

- This is, precisely, I love you well, Arlette, and I want you blameless.

- I understand, will ... Do not apologize ... But I return to Mrs Lobligeois ... The good lady must have understood that something serious forced me to leave;! she had soon found myself working in a Paris studio.

- So, are you placed?

- Yes Fortunately.

- In a good home?

- I think so.

- Why do not you write to me? Is this how it is with those who love you?

- I could not tell you by letter what I just told you. I was afraid you doubt and you scold me, as you seemed to want to do it at the beginning of my explanations. I had to confess everything to you in person ... and again! ... in the absence of your husband.

- Why is that, in the absence of Andrew?

- Because he will be furious against me.

- But not, it will very well understand your situation.

- Alas! He will find it especially irregular!

- You're wrong ; it will be revolted by learning how Mr. Lebredel behaved towards you and I'm not sure he decides to energetic intervention with this ugly man, this ...

But Arlette, with an expressive gesture with his hand, stopped him:

- He is a man, my friend ... Similar to many other ... I do not have no illusions, despite my inexperience ... In small towns, the scandalous Gazette peddles, mouth, gossip and gossip. It knows a lot! It is not a man about whom it runs a little story ... scabrous real or created on the reality of appearances!

- We invent so many things!

- But there are real!

- Maybe ... Anyway, you are here in Paris!

- Yes, my great, and for a long time ... You see, my first moment of freedom is for you.

From a spontaneous movement, she leaned toward the young mother and kissed him:

- My good friend! I have more than you ... with your husband, you will be my only family ... a family favorite, wisdom and habits ...

- From heart especially replied Francine returning her caresses. Friendship is often better than legal or ties than blood!

- That's right ... You and me, we grew up together!.

- What are you talking about ? I have six years older than you!

- Big deal ... Despite his twenty years older than me, my mother was indeed the younger ... It was certainly my oldest!

- The horror !

Tears came to the eyes of the girl.

- No ... It was happiness! I loved my dear great and nothing was sweeter to me that the cuddle ... to devote myself to it.

She stopped, a sob rose in her throat as her childhood came back to his mind.

- And now she was in a desperate cry, I'm all alone ... all alone and I shall never see more!

His heart contracted long finally left pierce her sentence and she gasped, unable to stop this too long restraint of tears.

- Forgive me ... It's so stupid to come crying to you ... But it had to die ... I was choking with grief for having stirred it all!

- My little Arlette ... My darling child ... Stop talking ... Forget.

Maternally Francine drew the frail head against his chest and in the comforting sensitivity of women, she mingled her tears with those of the afflicted ...

Very serious, worried about these effusions they did not understand, the two babies had stopped their games and stretched their necks toward the small group of two friends, crying in the arms of one another.

It was Arlette who first, saw their adorable pouts in the tension of angelic faces.

- Oh ! Francine! Are we fools! Here Philippe and Claudine who also have tears in his eyes ... Dear little angels! ... Oh! my darlings, that they cry!

Already, the two women had entered the toddlers and covered them with kisses, laughing in spite of themselves that little interlude.

They argued loudly even wiping their wet cheeks:

- Laugh quickly, my darlings ... We have fun, you see ... Do not cry! It was a joke! ... Oh! The loves ! Ah! good. Now they are laughing now!

This incident came thankfully interrupt the long narrative that Arlette had courageously undertaken to make her friend.

It took the opportunity to drive the girl to his room.

- Come on, my little; Water goes up on the face, then rest. For now, you have stirred enough all those bad memories. While you will lengthen you a little on that couch, I'll eat my two kids and sleep, because the hour to prepare the evening meal ...

- Oh ! then, I'll leave you.

- Not at all ! You'll dine with us.

- I'd rather not ... Your husband makes me a little scared, you know.

- What an idea !

- It would be better, certainly, you speak to him in advance ... so I'm afraid it is shocked by my departure Battenville.

- For example ! What you design you doing with my brave Andrew? ... He can understand, go! ... Besides, I tell you to get some rest ... I'll talk to him first. But I also want, not less strongly, that you do not leave tonight ... After confidences as poignant, you need to find you a family, with us ... So, stay here, I want!

- My good Francine ... as you get affectionate watches for the exiled ... Come! I must kiss you again.

Spontaneously, she jumped to his neck.

- Calm down ! Do soften up us more ... I'll give you, me, tears! ... Rest, I told you!

And, laughing, the young woman vanished, closing it carefully behind the bedroom door.

Francine had kept his promise. She had put Andrew, her husband, aware of the details of the life of Arlette.

The man, positive, right, loyal in all circumstances, had experienced this holy anger raised human ugliness in elite souls. And it took the brunt of the commitment made by his wife with the girl, so he regained sufficient control, able to prevent it from proclaiming his indignation and disgust for Lebredel. Certainly, it would contain, Francine since it was committed, but it cost him a lot.

When Arlette came to sit at the table, Montel, body straight and clear look, greeted the two outstretched hands, with these simple words:

- I am happy, Arlette, to offer you an honest family in this great Paris where you have to feel a little lost. You are at home here ...

The girl could not resist a gentle emotion, humidity veiled her beautiful eyes as he rose on Andrew.

She felt that these words came from the heart, as well as the reason for the one who uttered them, in agreement with his wife.

The attitude of André meant: "Loyalty welcomes you because you are loyal ..." and the tone of his words completed: "A family admits you among its members, because you're honest ..."

So it is with deep gratitude that she shook hands who tended to her.

And each of the three people gathered at that minute, brought all his sincerity, in this sort of signing a pact between moral good people.

After these early effusions, they sat down to table. To start the conversation landed thousand subjects; then, like, basically, everyone was thinking the same thing, it was soon to begin that which concerned Arlette.

Andrew, who was watching it for a few minutes, remarked suddenly:

- You do not look well currently have, little girl. Since when are you in Paris?

- Exactly for twelve days.

- And you work?

- Well, I stayed only three days before taking a job ... Time to find a cottage, to see my former boss, to get to know the new and deal with it.

- All this, alone and without support? He insisted.

- Yes, all alone, if she apologized. It was necessary that I manage.

- You could have come to us earlier.

Arlette blushed at this reproach.

- No, Andrew ... I wanted to do coming here when this was over ... I wanted to put you in the presence of the accomplished fact, because it is responsibility that we must take alone, without subjecting sharing to his friends...

He felt the rightness of his decision, but his tone remained brotherly scolding.

- You were most afraid, enfant terrible, I do before trying to fix things with your mother.

- Yes, the girl confessed shyly. You certainly would not have allowed me to distance myself that way.

- Surely ! Starting well, you have given all the blame.

- But the tranquility of my mother ... her happiness rather has been saved.

- Yes, although ...

He shrugged and, somewhat ironically:

- I do not understand it remained so young, your mom, he continued ... She forgets that she too has a big girl to whom she has duties ... Finally, let ... where are you located, Arlette?

- In a workshop ... rue du Louvre. I make a pretty good day.

- Really ... And how, if I'm not indiscreet?

- Twenty-two francs a day.

Andre let out a low whistle.

- Pfft ... Fairly good days!

His mocking tone had Arlette smile.

- Lady ... Compared to what you get in Battenville is well paid.

- Yes, but compared to what is spent in Paris ... It is clear that you do not know the difficulties of life in the big cities!

- Oh ! I do not spend ... One Woman will always pulls ... This is heavy to bear, it's rent, I think. I rented a furnished room.

- Or this ?

- Road of little Champs ... attic ... Not far from the place of my work ... It lacks a bit of space and comfort ...

Francine smiled.

- Do not talk about the absent, she said cheerfully. The main thing is that you know where go to bed at night.

- This is still my home! From my window, I enjoy a splendid view over the houses of Paris.

- You have more air than lower floors anyway! Andre noticed that so far seemed to approve the measures taken by the girl.

- But as soon as I can, I will praise an empty room and I will arrange for my taste; it will be better than a furnished!

- You are right, for you will then truly at home, yet watched Francine. It's that focuses on what is in itself!

- And most importantly, it moved to his fancy.

Andrew quipped:

- Miss already has tastes of the owner.

- Oh ! not at all ! protested the girl. I ask that a quiet corner ... that is not the common hotel accommodation ...

- Well ! we will try to help you achieve it, that familiar little corner ... Francine is wonderful on this issue. Count on it! ... But before you make plans for tomorrow, so we talked a bit yesterday, he added, with the authority of a straight man who does not like to squeeze.

Arlette looked at him, a question in his eyes of a child.

- Yesterday?

- Yes, little girl. Certainly, I am happy to see you here; but if I had the choice of circumstances that you have led it, I would have avoided all this grief where you had to go.

- I have no doubt ... Francine and you, Andre, you are so good to me.

- Wait that we have proved our kindness than words, before our praise ... For now, tell me about your departure ... How did you achieve it?

- Very simply, André. I gathered my belongings: clothes small and modest jewelry. This was to ensure transportation. I crafted me one of those big bags "tote" vast and practices; then, to avoid offending my underwear, exposing it to damage, I took - reluctantly, you suspect it! - a suitcase belonging to Mom.

- And you left like that, without a word? Francine worried that stirred in his chair at the thought of this clandestine departure.

- Do you ... ... I wrote a long letter full of excuses and tenderness ... To my mother ... Only for her, of course!.

Tears once again welled in her eyes, because she could evoke the memory of this beloved mother not to cry.

- Mom, she added, did suspected nothing when I kissed her so hard ... when she went for a walk, like every day, with my brother ... It is his return, only that it will understand ...

Arlette stopped again because the emotion was cutting his voice and prevented him from continuing. After a silence that nobody disturbed, she continued:

- She said, "You messed me ... look, you need me to give me the powder ... What do you insufferable brat! What's with you today, kissing me so hard? ... "She had never looked so adorably child myself ... She had not realized it was a farewell ... I gave him a last memory that I wanted to take ... my dear great! ... His last kiss! ...

This time, forgetting those around him, the girl started to cry.

André looked, moved. He knew how much his mother loved Arlette; but it was only at that minute he realized how far the child could have raised his adoration subsidiary.

- Poor little girl ! he said, deeply pity ... These eternally young mothers do not know understand their complete selfishness.

But the girl, with a pleading gesture, stopped:

- No, Andrew, do not say anything. Do not overwhelm me ... I know that my little pretty mom was terribly young!; but it was my mother ... my whole childhood ... all my love ... What do you want, I was raised in isolation, always alone with her ... All my love was exclusively concentrated on her ...

- And they say that the feeling calls the feeling! watched the man ironically, trying to cut short the emotion that gripped everyone.

- Why not ... I have always thought myself.

She was leaning on the table, his face hidden in his hands.

Francine came to surround his arms.

- My little Arlette, do not cry ... You do not do it for now ... What good stir those memories, too ...

Above the web, André reached for the afflicted to comfort a grip friendly.

At that time, the girl raised her head, eyes closed under the weight of painful thoughts ...

His forehead across the folded area light by the shade of the electric lamp. A halo of light shone down her pale face an infinite despair chiselled.

It was fast, but he seemed to André as sweet head was haloed sun ... like the saints in the churches ... heavenly vision that suggested the angels or martyrs.

He gulped and, under the influence of the disorder that gripped a kind of sob came to die on his lips.

This proof of weakness, he left drill despite himself, soon recalled him to his energetic will. He stiffened and his voice was even more abrupt to challenge the young desperate.

- Come on! He protested gruffly. Will you not weep! What threw me a wimp like you! ... And it wants to live alone in Paris! Earn a living ! Having an apartment in itself ... Ah misery! It is a pool it would take to collect your tears!

By far, Francine was big eyes to her husband; but the friendly tone grumpy man had revived the energy of despair that the last words of André did laugh and wiped his eyes.

- You're right, Andrew, what are the tears arrange things ... Moreover, the hardest was not leaving my mother ... When we took such a determination was the Courage and stiffened to go through ... and I was determined, you see!

- Yes, still taunted the man. I see it! Determined to cry a lot and leave everything without explanation! The beautiful result!

- It was the best, Arlette repeated.

- You are strong, you men! Francine intervened, irritated against what it took for the misunderstanding at Andre. But there are a hundred times more energy to us women when we solve - instead of breaking everything like you would, you people - to sacrifice ourselves, in silence, the happiness of those we love. She did very well, this small! She did not want to disturb the happiness of her mother and she is given all the blame by filial love ... I approve of myself.

Again, Arlette smiled because she did not want to create a controversy between his two friends.

- You are right also, dear Andrew. Since I left, and that this decision came only from me, I should show myself strong and not cry ... Only at times it comforts, shed tears ... But I left the house with Courage ... bravely, dry eyes. Only once installed on the train, scowling in my little corner, I sobbed my fill! ... Well! it made me relieved. I was pretty strong when I landed at the Saint-Lazare station.

- Where no one expected, surely?

- Naturally, I was alone ... It was eleven o'clock at night ... I confess I found myself a little embarrassed at that hour, having to look for a room!. I went to the Channel hotel where my mother twice already, was staying with me ... The first night went well ... I was tired, I cried a lot, I slept right away ...

She stopped, blew his nose, wiped her last tears; then, calmer, she explained:

- These are the first nights in the furnished room that has been my hardest ... These four walls unknown, hostile, gave me the impression of a coffin where I myself would lock me coming.

- Hey there! Hey there! Andre protested, feigning cheerfulness. We could transcribe it in lament and would rate this title: The Battenvilloise in Paris.

He tried to joke to change the mood of the two women who were unable to shake their sadness.

- In fact Battenville, said Arlette with a weak smile, I wrote to my mother ... I gave him my general delivery address ... The largest office is precisely the Louvre street, near the studio where I work.

- Ms. Lebredel answered you?

- Not yet. Since my arrival, I will inform me every day ... whether it failed a letter to my name. There is nothing ... Still nothing! ... It's the disappointment I offer myself every morning!

- Bah! She is angry against you and it is a little coaxing, made Andre philosophically.

- Yes, Francine approved. It will eventually decide one day.

- That's what I tell myself, because at the time when we, a young twenty-two years of girl who leaves her family to work is not a rare case, is not it?

- Obviously, did Andrew. It's well thought out, girl! You are reasonable and agree with you ... but you must look before you now ... to the future! It should also make the effort of courage and not cry ... What good is mired in sadness? ... You can not find personal happiness, is not it? So forward to an independent life, dignified, calm, organized by ... work and good behavior ... without looking back and to achieve a goal.

- That's a nice program, accepted Arlette took courage and whose lips were smiling more readily. Thank you, Andrew, - and you too, my dear Francine - to cheer me with such faith in my ability ... Oh! believe me, I like you, both of you, and I will not disappoint you.

- You're my little sister, I've told you! cried the young mother.

- And our home is yours as much as you want, Arlette.

- Ah! my dear friends, as you are good!

And the brave boy, who was impulsive and affectionate nature, sent a double kiss to his right and to his left, in a gesture of surrender charge which was noticed by his former girlfriend.

- Look how pretty she is, when she comes alive and she smiled.

- By Jove! She is adorable and I like to see always happy.

- It will come ! the girl nodded.

Andre had filled the glasses. He raised his.

- I drink to your success, girlfriend ... Success and a good husband ...!

He stopped the pending arms.

- The good business ! he went on with enthusiasm and playfulness. He must marry Arlette!

It became all red.

- Oh ! She protested. I do not think.

- I'll think for you.

- On second thought, why not? Francine watched. This is a stupendous idea!

- A rich idea, since my wife approves, replied Andrew. I will take over this industry! A husband, a good husband ... Which is better as a husband ... the first choice of super choice ...

- Not a Dupernois course!

- No ! Someone a bit younger ... much younger ... A brave boy loving, loyal, since I announce a great husband!

Arlette amused before the patter that Andrew was amused to take the tone of a hawker touting his wares.