Madame Bovary - Penn State University

Flaubertous women, I assure you, real saints, who wanted even bread.” “Then, Madame Bovary,” he said at last, “excuse me, but“But those,” replied Emma, and the corners of her mouth duty first, you know; I must look after my good-for-nothings.The first communion will soon be upon us, and I feartwitched as she spoke, “those, Monsieur le Cure, who havebread and have no—”we shall be behind after all. So after Ascension Day I keep“Fire in the winter,” said the priest.them recta* an extra hour every Wednesday. Poor children!“Oh, what does that matter?”One cannot lead them too soon into the path of the Lord, as,“What! What does it matter? It seems to me that when one moreover, he has himself recommended us to do by the mouthhas firing and food—for, after all—”of his Divine Son. Good health to you, madame; my respects“My God! my God!” she sighed.to your husband.”“It is indigestion, no doubt? You must get home, Madame And he went into the church making a genuflexion as soonBovary; drink a little tea, that will strengthen you, or else a as he reached the door.glass of fresh water with a little moist sugar.”Emma saw him disappear between the double row of forms,“Why?” And she looked like one awaking from a dream. walking with a heavy tread, his head a little bent over his“Well, you see, you were putting your hand to your forehead.I thought you felt faint.” Then, bethinking himself, Then she turned on her heel all of one piece, like a statue onshoulder, and with his two hands half-open behind him.“But you were asking me something? What was it? I really a pivot, and went homewards. But the loud voice of the priest,don’t remember.”the clear voices of the boys still reached her ears, and went on“I? Nothing! nothing!” repeated Emma.behind her.And the glance she cast round her slowly fell upon the old “Are you a Christian?”man in the cassock. They looked at one another face to face “Yes, I am a Christian.”without speaking.*On the straight and narrow path.99