Maurice Leblanc

“ Suzanne strolled round the room, looking out of the window, leant to see if Philippe's was open, then sat down opposite Marthe and examined her long and carefully. She noted the eye-lids, which were a little rumpled; the uneven colouring; the tiny wrinkles on the temples; a few white hairs mingling with the dark tresses; all that proclaims time's little victories over waning youth. And, raising her eyes, she saw herself in a glass.
Marthe surprised her glance and cried, with an admiration free from all envy:
"You are splendid, Suzanne! You look like a triumphant goddess. ”

“ A long silence divided the two women; and Marthe said:
"You're in one of your wicked moods to-day, Suzanne, aren't you?"
"I am too happy to be wicked," chuckled the girl. "Only it's such a strange happiness! I am afraid it won't last."
"Your marriage ..."
"I won't get married!" declared Suzanne, excitedly. "I won't get married at any price! I hate that man.... He's not the only man in the world, is he? There are others ... others who will love me.... I too am worthy of being loved ... worthy of being lived for! ”

“ Morestal called her back:
"You're forgetting your stick, child."
The old lady had taken the long, iron-shod walking-stick from the umbrella-stand. But, suddenly, she began to rummage among the canes and sunshades, muttering:
"Well, that's funny...."
"What's the matter?" asked Marthe.
"I can't find Morestal's stick. And yet it's always here."
"He must have put it down somewhere else."
"Impossible! If so, it would be the first time in his life. I know him so well! ... What can it mean? ... Victor!" ”