But towards the end of September something extraordinary fell upon her

life; she was invited by the Marquis d'Andervilliers to Vaubyessard.

Secretary of State under the Restoration, the Marquis, anxious to

re-enter political life, set about preparing for his candidature to

the Chamber of Deputies long beforehand. In the winter he distributed a

great deal of wood, and in the Conseil General always enthusiastically

demanded new roads for his arrondissement. During the dog-days he had

suffered from an abscess, which Charles had cured as if by miracle by

giving a timely little touch with the lancet. The steward sent to Tostes

to pay for the operation reported in the evening that he had seen some

superb cherries in the doctor's little garden. Now cherry trees did not

thrive at Vaubyessard; the Marquis asked Bovary for some slips; made it

his business to thank his personally; saw Emma; thought she had a pretty

figure, and that she did not bow like a peasant; so that he did not

think he was going beyond the bounds of condescension, nor, on the other

hand, making a mistake, in inviting the young couple.

On Wednesday at three o'clock, Monsieur and Madame Bovary, seated in

their dog-cart, set out for Vaubyessard, with a great trunk strapped

on behind and a bonnet-box in front of the apron. Besides these Charles

held a bandbox between his knees.

They arrived at nightfall, just as the lamps in the park were being lit

to show the way for the carriages.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024