Viewing page 106 of 143

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

LOUISE LEAVES HOME.

But Louise had her pathetic side. She never fully realised her deformity and thought her family was impeding her movements and preventing a more normal form of life. When I spoke with enthusiasm of leaving my mother on attaining the age of eighteen, she too, became fired with the same ambition. She had grievances. Was she not forbidden to take breakfast in bed? These early risings were becoming intolerable. Had not her father, also, recently snatched from her hands "Les Demi-Vierges", a recently published novel which she had found on his table? 

"Non!" Life was impossible. She would go away and stay in the flat of an old friend -- "une accoucheuse". There she could read "Les Demi-Vierges" and remain in bed the whole day long if she pleased. The opportunity to leave finally came. One day M. and Mme. Bidout, with Toto, went out for the afternoon, and as was their habit, they locked Louise and myself safely in the villa. 

Louise then decided to prepare for her departure. First she called from the window to a passing cab, then fetching a large sheet and laying it on the floor she began, with great excitement, to throw her belongings into it. All the bric-à-brac in her room, including the clock, were piled up indescriminately with her trousseau of pink and yellow linen. Finally, after tying together the four ends of the sheet, she dragged the cumbersome bundle down stairs and, unlocking the front door with a private key of her own, she gave it to the cabman. He found difficulty in stuffing the unusual luggage into his cab. 

"Le piano m'appartient aussi; je le laisse avec regret". Uttering these last words, Louise, arrayed in her silk cape and flowered hat, departed. 

It was less difficult seeing Louise off then awaiting her parents' return. Soon, however, I heard them unlock the front door