o the marketing an hour earlier than you're used
to. You have to learn to sew because a new dress and the joy of
pleasing him are a wish of love, but also represent a sum of money.

At the time I did not know it, but it was an immense triumph that he was
comfortable and happy when he returned home. There was the delight his
surprise gave me when, with great pride, I produced some jolly-looking
fruit for dessert. And see--there was the modest glory of having been
able to buy the lovely flowers for his room with my own coppers.

As a girl I walked towards love anticipating fiery words, forceful
looks, and two solemn presences.... I used to say to myself: Love!...

And behold, by way of humble events and simple tasks I have found the
affirmation of love.

III

We were sleeping side by side, our breathing intermingled; and nothing
was sweeter than this nearness of our slumber.

He put out the lamp and stretched himself beside me, and we remained
like that, silent, drowned in sweetness and the night. It was a living
impression of repose.

Beside his close warmth a torpidity brooded, for the days were
exhausting, and while he raised himself slowly on his elbow to lull me
to sleep with his eyes, I broke away in spite of myself from the
beneficent clasp and fell asleep like a child.

But last night, although nearly midnight, sleep was slow in coming. He
kissed my lips. Suddenly a strange will broke in me.... What instinct
was I obeying?... Then a violent repulsion. I knitted my brows. Ah, I
detested him....

* * * * *

That night it was I who wide-eyed and curious watched him fall asleep.

IV

There was one second above all....

If I had had the time to think, I should have thought that this second
was worth the whole of life, the whole of death, and even more than
life.

V

The nights are links in a chain. Previously life consisted of day and
night; white, black; black, white. Since then life goes on unbrokenly.

VI

This morning when I caught a reflection of myself in the shop windows, I
noticed I had a strange air of authority, a self-assurance quite new and
indefinable, a manner crisper, more clear-cut. When I purchased my
provisions I had the courage to haggle, and the market-women treated me
as an equal.

My firmness and decisiveness have made Marie reveal the pale ocean of
her eyes. A distance seems to have been set between us.

VII

They point to us, j