I think
it is quite natural, my dear Meydieux, that you want to join your
goddaughter! I will telegraph to her at once!"
"No, no," replied Meydieux, very hurriedly. "I would much rather
surprise her. I beg you not to warn her."
"As you will then. I shall not interfere."
PART II. BRUSSELS
CHAPTER VIII
Meantime seated in the Brussels express, Esperance had fixed her
attention on the constantly changing horizon, and was giving herself
up to myriad impressions as they went fleeting by. The great plains
rolling interminably out of sight pleased her; the light mist rising
from the earth seemed to her the breath of the shivering tall grasses,
offering the sun the drops of dew which glinted at the summit of their
slender stems. She too, on this beautiful autumn morning, felt herself
expanding towards the sky. Her fresh lips were offering themselves to
the kisses of life. She was at that moment a vision of the radiance of
youth. Maurice was so struck by her beauty that he drew a little
sketch, and resolved to do her portrait, just as she was at that
moment. No love entered into this admiration; he saw as a painter, he
dreamed as an artist! Jean Perliez looked at the sketch, then at the
model, and was left dazzled and dolorous. Finally magnetized by the
looks fixed upon her, Esperance turned her head away with a little cry
of surprise. Mlle. Frahender, who had been asleep, opened her eyes,
and straightened the angle of her bonnet.
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