CHAPTER TWENTY

Anonymous Letters

"We cannot see each other tonight," Julien said to Mrs de Rênal. "Your husband might know something about us. I think the letter he was reading was an anonymous one."

The next morning the cook gave Julien a letter. The letter had many tears on the paper.

You didn't want to see me? Don't you love me? If you never loved me you can tell everyone. I don't care who knows. I've only begun to live since I've loved you.

Was there really an anonymous letter? I wanted to discuss that, you beast! Tomorrow I'll tell my husband I've received an anonymous letter, too. We will not see each other for a month, maybe. You must write this letter exactly:

ANONYMOUS LETTER

Dear Madam,

I know what you've been doing, and so does your husband. You must stay away from the peasant.

When you finish writing the letter, give it to me. Then go for a walk. If you see a white flag in my window, the plan is good.

If you love me, show me before you leave. If we are separated forever, I won't truly live any more. It is a small price to pay for the happiness I've felt in your arms.

(end of section)