Ernest Pérochon

“ I was to go there again this year, to the fair, and she was to look for me. She loves me a lot, and I know she's worrying herself sick about me now. Madeleine, I want her to know how much I've been thinking of her on my bed of pain."
"But don't you see, I couldn't possibly manage to go to Chantepie, on account of the children at home."
"I've thought of that— I've asked the nurse politely for a sheet of note paper and she gave me one. Here it is."
He hunted under his bolster and handed to Madeleine a pencil and a crumpled envelop. ”

“ Ever since I was a little shaver I've been called by that boastful nickname because I was so big and strong; but now my strength is gone and it'll never come back. I'm not complaining; it's my own fault."
"Not at all! It isn't your fault. What is to be will be—things are written a long time ahead." ”

“ She added, however:
"—as soon as I am able to earn my own living and yours, which will not be long, you may hope and trust."
They finished the letter with this:
"My dear Violette, I don't want you to grieve on my account. To-morrow is the day of the Chantepie Fair: I want you to go out as usual. ”