Page 443 - madame-bovary

all over.
Old Rouault on his way back began quietly smoking a
pipe, which Homais in his innermost conscience thought
not quite the thing. He also noticed that Monsieur Binet
had not been present, and that Tuvache had ‘made off’ after
mass, and that Theodore, the notary’s servant wore a blue
coat, ‘as if one could not have got a black coat, since that is
the custom, by Jove!’ And to share his observations with
others he went from group to group. They were deploring
Emma’s death, especially Lheureux, who had not failed to
come to the funeral.
‘Poor little woman! What a trouble for her husband!’
The druggist continued, ‘Do you know that but for me he
would have committed some fatal attempt upon himself?’
‘Such a good woman! To think that I saw her only last
Saturday in my shop.’
‘I haven’t had leisure,’ said Homais, ‘to prepare a few
words that I would have cast upon her tomb.’
Charles on getting home undressed, and old Rouault put
on his blue blouse. It was a new one, and as he had often
during the journey wiped his eyes on the sleeves, the dye
had stained his face, and the traces of tears made lines in
the layer of dust that covered it.
Madame Bovary senior was with them. All three were
silent. At last the old fellow sighed—
‘Do you remember, my friend, that I went to Tostes once
when you had just lost your first deceased? I consoled you
at that time. I thought of something to say then, but now—‘
Then, with a loud groan that shook his whole chest, ‘Ah! this

Madame Bovary