Page 1587 - les-miserables

on as I was living, and I have come. Have you read what I
placed there on the bench? Do you recognize me at all? Have
no fear of me. It is a long time, you remember the day, since
you looked at me at the Luxembourg, near the Gladiator.
And the day when you passed before me? It was on the 16th
of June and the 2d of July. It is nearly a year ago. I have not
seen you for a long time. I inquired of the woman who let the
chairs, and she told me that she no longer saw you. You lived
in the Rue de l’Ouest, on the third floor, in the front apart-
ments of a new house,—you see that I know! I followed you.
What else was there for me to do? And then you disappeared.
I thought I saw you pass once, while I was reading the news-
papers under the arcade of the Odeon. I ran after you. But no.
It was a person who had a bonnet like yours. At night I came
hither. Do not be afraid, no one sees me. I come to gaze upon
your windows near at hand. I walk very softly, so that you
may not hear, for you might be alarmed. The other evening I
was behind you, you turned round, I fled. Once, I heard you
singing. I was happy. Did it affect you because I heard you
singing through the shutters? That could not hurt you. No, it
is not so? You see, you are my angel! Let me come sometimes;
I think that I am going to die. If you only knew! I adore you.
Forgive me, I speak to you, but I do not know what I am say-
ing; I may have displeased you; have I displeased you?’
‘Oh! my mother!’ said she.
And she sank down as though on the point of death.
He grasped her, she fell, he took her in his arms, he pressed
her close, without knowing what he was doing. He support-
ed her, though he was tottering himself. It was as though

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