Simeon
Stylites on top of his pillar.
So I walked along the streets on the track of the wisdom which
Judith had revealed to me, and I seemed to be on the point of
reaching it when I arrived at my own door.
"But what the deuce shall I do with it when I get it?" I said, as
I let myself in with my latch-key.
I had just put my stick in the stand and was taking off my
overcoat, when the door of the room next the diningroom opened,
and Antoinette rushed out upon me.
"Oh, Monsieur, Monsieur!" she cried, wringing her hands. "Oh,
Monsieur! How shall I tell you?"
The good soul broke into sobbing and weeping.
"What is the matter, Antoinette?" Z asked.
"Monsieur must not be angry. Monsieur is good like the Bon Dieu.
But it will give pain to Monsieur."
"But what is it?" I cried, mystified. "Have you spoiled the
dinner?"
I was a million miles from any anticipation of her answer.
_"Monsieur-she has come back!"_
I grew faint for a moment as from a blow over the heart.
Antoinette raised her great tear-stained face.
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