THE MARQUIS DE VILLEMER
BY
GEORGE SAND
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH
BY
RALPH KEELER
BOSTON:
AMES R. OSGOOD AND COMPANY,
Late Ticknor & Fields, and Fields, Osgood, & Co.
1871
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
XIII
XIV
XV
XVI
XVII
XVIII
XIX
XX
XXI
XXII
XXIII
XXIV
XXV
XXVI
THE MARQUIS DE VILLEMER
I
LETTER TO MADAME CAMILLE HEUDEBERT,
AT D——, VIA BLOIS.
Do not worry, dear sister, for here I am, at Paris, without accident orfatigue. I have slept a few hours, breakfasted on a cup of coffee, mademy toilet, and, in a moment, I am going to take a carriage to Madamed'Arglade's, that she may present me to Madame de Villemer. This eveningI will write you the result of the solemn interview, but I want first tomail you these few words, that you may feel easy about my journey and myhealth.
Take courage with me, my Camille; all will go well. God does not abandonthose who depend upon him, and who do their best to second his tenderprovidence. What has been saddest for me in my resolution are yourtears,—yours and the dear little ones'; it is hard for me to restrainmine when I think of them; but you must see it was absolutelynecessary. I could not sit with folded hands when you have four childrento rear. Since I have courage and health, and no other claim upon me inthis world than that of my tenderness for you and for those poor angels,it was for me to go forth and try to gain our livelihood. I will reachthat end, be sure. Sustain me instead of regretting me and making meweaker; that is all I ask of you. And with this, my much-loved sister, Iembrace you and our dear children with all my heart. Do not make themweep by speaking to them of me; but try, nevertheless, not to let themforget me; that would pain me beyond measure.
CAROLINE DE SAINT-GENEIX.
January 3, 1845.
SECOND LETTER.—TO THE SAME.
Victory, great victory! my good sister. I have just returned from ourgreat lady's, and—success unhoped for, as you shall see. Since I haveone more evening of liberty, and that probably the last, I am going toprofit by it in giving you an a