Madame Bovary - Penn State University

Flaubertjoke, “that it isn’t the money I should trouble about. Why, I Emma had her dinner served in her bedroom on a tray bycould give you some, if need be.”the fireside; she was a long time over it; everything was wellShe made a gesture of surprise.with her.“Ah!” said he quickly and in a low voice, “I shouldn’t have “How good I was!” she said to herself, thinking of theto go far to find you some, rely on that.”scarves.And he began asking after Pere Tellier, the proprietor of the She heard some steps on the stairs. It was Leon. She got up“Cafe Francais,” whom Monsieur Bovary was then attending. and took from the chest of drawers the first pile of dusters to“What’s the matter with Pere Tellier? He coughs so that he be hemmed. When he came in she seemed very busy.shakes his whole house, and I’m afraid he’ll soon want a deal The conversation languished; Madame Bovary gave it upcovering rather than a flannel vest. He was such a rake as a every few minutes, whilst he himself seemed quite embarrassed.Seated on a low chair near the fire, he turned round inyoung man! Those sort of people, madame, have not the leastregularity; he’s burnt up with brandy. Still it’s sad, all the same, his fingers the ivory thimble-case. She stitched on, or fromto see an acquaintance go off.”time to time turned down the hem of the cloth with her nail.And while he fastened up his box he discoursed about the She did not speak; he was silent, captivated by her silence, asdoctor’s patients.he would have been by her speech.“It’s the weather, no doubt,” he said, looking frowningly at “Poor fellow!” she thought.the floor, “that causes these illnesses. I, too, don’t feel the thing. “How have I displeased her?” he asked himself.One of these days I shall even have to consult the doctor for a At last, however, Leon said that he should have, one of thesepain I have in my back. Well, good-bye, Madame Bovary. At days, to go to Rouen on some office business.your service; your very humble servant.” And he closed the “Your music subscription is out; am I to renew it?”door gently.“No,” she replied.91