First Part Chapter 47

RENEE TO LOUISE
1829.

My darling,--When you hold this letter in your hands, I shall be
already near, for I am starting a few minutes after it. We shall be
alone together. Louis is obliged to remain in Provence because of the
approaching elections. He wants to be elected again, and the Liberals
are already plotting against his return.

I don't come to comfort you; I only bring you my heart to beat in
sympathy with yours, and help you to bear with life. I come to bid you
weep, for only with tears can you purchase the joy of meeting him
again. Remember, he is traveling towards Heaven, and every step
forward which you take brings you nearer to him. Every duty done
breaks a link in the chain that keeps you apart.

Louise, in my arms you will once more raise your head and go on your
way to him, pure, noble, washed of all those errors, which had no root
in your heart, and bearing with you the harvest of good deeds which,
in his name, you will accomplish here.

I scribble these hasty lines in all the bustle of preparation, and
interrupted by the babies and by Armand, who keeps saying, "Godmother,
godmother! I want to see her," till I am almost jealous. He might be
your child!