About fifteen days after, the General called on Madame de Tecle one morning, and demanded for M. de Camors her daughter’s hand. It would be painful to dwell on the joy which Madame de Tecle felt; and her only surprise was that Camors had not come in person to press his suit. But Camors had not the heart to do so. He had been at Reuilly since that morning, and called on Madame de Tecle, where he learned his overture was accepted. Once having resolved on this monstrous action, he was determined to carry it through in the most correct manner, and we know he was master of all social arts.
In the evening Madame de Tecle and her daughter, left alone, walked together a long time on their dear terrace, by the soft light of the stars--the daughter blessing her mother, and the mother thanking God--both mingling their hearts, their dreams, their kisses, and their tears--happier, poor women, than is permitted long to human beings. The marriage took place the ensuing month.
After passing the few weeks of the honeymoon at Reuilly, the Comte and Comtesse de Camors returned to Paris and established themselves at their hotel in the Rue de l’Imperatrice. From this moment, and during the months that followed, the young wife kept up an active correspondence with her mother; and we here transcribe some of the letters, which will make us more intimately acquainted with the character of the young woman.
Madame de Camors to Madame de Tecle. “October.
“Am I happy? No, my dearest mother! No--not happy! I have only wings and soar to heaven like a bird! I feel the sunshine in my head, in my eyes, in my heart.
“It blinds me, it enchants me, it causes me to shed delicious tears! Happy? No, my tender mother; that is not possible, when I think that I am his wife! The wife--understand me--of him who has reigned in my poor thoughts since I was able to think--of him whom I should have chosen out of the whole universe! When I remember that I am his wife, that we are united forever, how I love life! how I love you! how I love God!
“The Bois and the lake are within a few steps of us, as you know. We ride thither nearly every morning, my husband and I!--I repeat, I and my husband! We go there, my husband and I--I and my husband!