marie-第73章
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soon quite forgotten; especially as those concerned in it for one reason
and another did not talk overmuch of its details。 Nor did I talk of it;
since no vengeance could mend my broken heart。
They brought me a letter that had been found on Marie's breast; stained
with her blood。
Here it is:
〃MY HUSBAND;
〃Thrice have you saved my life; and now it is my turn to save yours; for
there is no other path。 It may be that they will kill you afterwards;
but if so; I shall be glad to have died first in order that I may be
ready to greet you in the land beyond。
〃I drugged you; Allan; then I cut off my hair and dressed myself in your
clothes。 The Vrouw Prinsloo; Hans and I set my garments upon you。 They
led you out as though you were fainting; and the guards; seeing me; whom
they thought was you; standing in the doorway; let them pass without
question。
〃What may happen I do not know; for I write this after you are gone。 I
hope; however; that you will escape and lead some full and happy life;
though I fear that its best moments will always be shadowed by memories
of me。 For I know you love me; Allan; and will always love me; as I
shall always love you。
〃The light is burning outlike mineso farewell; farewell; farewell!
All earthly stories come to an end at last; but at that end we shall
meet again。 Till then; adieu。 Would that I could have done more for
you; since to die for one who is loved with body; heart and soul is but
a little thing。 Still I have been your wife; Allan; and your wife I
shall remain when the world is old。 Heaven does not grow old; Allan;
and there I shall greet you。
〃The light is dead; butoh!in my heart another light arises!
〃Your MARIE。〃
This was her letter。
I do not think there is anything more to be said。
Such is the history of my first love。 Those who read it; if any ever
do; will understand why I have never spoken of her before; and do not
wish it to be known until I; too; am dead and have gone to join the
great soul of Marie Marais。
ALLAN QUATERMAIN。
End