* * * * * * * * *
And I too walked rapidly, outside in the street.... Rapidly, yes;
though I staggered at every step from sheer exhaustion....
The street was ... no ... it was not quite deserted.... There, on the
sidewalk across from me stood ... a man? a woman? Someone! Someone who
was standing motionless in front of the house, and looking at the door
that was heavily draped in mourning....
A man? A woman? A woman! A good-looking woman ... well dressed ... a
single piece dress of a light color.... She was carrying a muff, a big
fluffy muff that completely swallowed her small hands ... a muff of
ermine....
I knew the woman. Of course! It was she ... Madeleine.... I knew her
very well. But, you understand ... I was dead, was I not? Besides, I
was very, very old.... Surprised more than moved.... In fact, not at
all aroused ... my emotions! Just surprised! But very much surprised!
Anyhow ... I would just walk by her ... curiosity merely....
Yes, she, beyond a doubt.... Her eyes were glued to the door of
mourning. And I could see ... that was strange!... why, she was
weeping, weeping ... great silent burning tears!
Weeping? That was strange! I hadn’t expected to find her weeping! Oh,
for that matter ... a woman’s tears!
All the same, I felt I ought to do something....
With a moment’s hesitation I stepped up to her:
“Mad....”
She started from her grieving reverie, saw that I was there, swept her
great muff across her tear-stained cheeks.... Then she felt around
inside the muff with her fingers, tossed me a handful of coins ... and
fled....