Here was
a pleasant revelation! I was so confused with delight at the information,
that I could think of nothing more sensible to say than that the
unexpected always happens. By this time we were within Mrs. Falchion's
sitting-room. And to my remark, Justine replied "Yes, it is so. One has
to reckon most with the accidents of life. The expected is either
pleasant or unpleasant; there is no middle place."
"You are growing philosophic," said I playfully. "Monsieur," she said
gravely, "I hope as I live and travel, I grow a little wiser." Still she
lingered, her hand upon the door.
"I had thought that you were always wise."
"Oh no, no! How can you say so? I have been very foolish sometimes." . . .
She came back towards me. "If I am wiser I am also happier," she added.
In that moment we understood each other; that is, I read how unselfish
this girl could be, and she knew thoroughly the source of my anxiety, and
was glad that she could remove it.
"I would not speak to any one save you," she said, "but do you not also
think that it is good we go?"
"I have been thinking so, but I hesitated to say so," was my reply.
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