On my way through the town I had seen my lady with
her children, and one or two fashionably-dressed women, friends who
lived in B. My lady was completing her purchases. I implored
Melissa immediately to come out with me. She was astonished and
hesitated, but my impetuosity was so urgent that she feared to
refuse, and without any explanation I almost dragged her into the
street. On the opposite side I descried my lady and her party. I
crossed over, took Melissa's arm in mine, came close to them face to
face, bowed, and then passed on. We then recrossed the road and
turned into Melissa's house. I looked back and saw that they were
standing still, stricken with astonishment. We went into the little
parlour: nobody was there. Melissa threw her arms round my neck,
and happier tears were never shed. In all the long years which have
now gone by since that memorable day I have never had to endure from
that divine creature a word or a hint which even the suspicion of
wounded self-respect could interpret as a reproach.
We were married at B.
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