CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

The Tiger

For the first time ever, Mathilde felt what it is to love.

She discovered she was pregnant. "Will you still have doubts?" she said. "Isn't this a promise? I'm your wife forever."

This astonished Julien. He almost forgot his plan. How can I be so cold to this woman who is ruining herself for me? He thought.

"I want to write to my father," Mathilde said. "He's also my friend, and I don't want us to lie to him."

"My God! What are you going to do?" he cried.

"My duty," Mathilde replied, her eyes filled with joy.

"But he'll throw me out!"

"He has that right. If he throws you out, I'll go with you."

The astonished Julien begged her to wait a week. She refused, so he said, "All right, then! I order you to wait. Your honor is safe with me. Just imagine your father's sorrow."

"Do you mean," she said, "imagine his desire for revenge?"

"I am upset about hurting your father, but I do not and will not fear anyone."

The next week Marquis de la Mole read the letter.

Dear Papa,

All social ties are finished. Now we only have ties of family. I have a husband now. If you can give us some money, I will move far away. No one will know my husband's name, Mr Sorel.

I was the first to love. I seduced him. There is no finer man, and I will go with him.

A servant came to get Julien. "The marquis wants to see you now."

(end of section)