From the publisher
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909 edition. Excerpt: ...had but one means of driving you away from my bed. I lied before God, I lied with my hand over my children's heads, for I have never been false to you." He seized her arm in the darkness, and pressing it as he had done on the terrible day of their drive in the Bois, he faltered: "Is that true?" "It is true." But he, beside himself with suffering, groaned: " Ah I I shall be tortured now by new doubts, which will never be solved. When did you lie, to-day or long ago? How can I believe you now? How believe a woman after such a performance? I shall never know what to think. I should have preferred to have you say: ' It is Jacques, ' or: ' It is Jeanne.'" The carriage drove into the courtyard. When it stopped in front of the porch the count alighted first, and, as always, offered his wife his arm to ascend the steps. When they reached the first floor, he said: "May 1 speak with you a few moments more? " "Certainly," she replied. They entered a small salon, where a footman, somewhat surprised, lighted candles. When they were alone, the count continued: " How am I to find out the truth! I have implored you a thousand times to speak, but you have persisted in remaining mute, immovable, impenetrable, inexorable; and now to-day you tell me that you lied. Is it possible that you have allowed me to believe such a thing for six years? No, it must be to-day that you lie. Why, I have no idea--from compassion for me perhaps." She replied with a sincere and impressive manner: "Why, if I had not done it, I should have had four more children in the past six years." "And it is a mother who talks thus!" he cried. "Ah! " said she, "I am not in the least degree conscious of being the mother of unborn children; it is enough for me to be the mother of those whom I have, ...
