| 432 | 433 | 434 | 435 | 436 |
| 1 | 236 | 472 | 708 | 944 |
|
Twenty-four and sixteen! So it happened that Ursus, who did not lose
sight of the ill turn he intended to do them, said,--
"
"
"
"
One of these days you must choose a religion."
Wherefore?" inquired Gwynplaine.
That you may marry."
That is already done," said Dea.
Dea did not understand that they could be more man and wife than they
were already.
At bottom, this chimerical and virginal content, this innocent union of
souls, this celibacy taken for marriage, was not displeasing to Ursus.
Besides, were they not already married? If the indissoluble existed
anywhere, was it not in their union? Gwynplaine and Dea! They were
creatures worthy of the love they mutually felt, flung by misfortune
into each other's arms. And as if they were not enough in this first
link, love had survened on misfortune, and had attached them, united
and bound them together. What power could ever break that iron chain,
bound with knots of flowers? They were indeed bound together.
Dea had beauty, Gwynplaine had sight. Each brought a dowry. They were
more than coupled--they were paired: separated solely by the sacred
434
Page
Quick Jump
|