Two days previously they had re-installed themselves in the little
pavilion on the verge of the woods near Janville which they rented from
the Seguins. So impatient, indeed, were they to find themselves once more
among the fields that in spite of the doctor's advice Marianne had made
the journey but fifteen days after giving birth to her little boy.
However, a precocious springtide brought with it that March such balmy
warmth and sunshine that the only ill-effect she experienced was a little
fatigue. And so, on the day after their arrival--Sunday--Mathieu, glad at
being able to remain with her, insisted that she should rest in bed, and
only rise about noon, in time for dejeuner.
"Why," he repeated, "I can very well attend to the child while you rest.
You have him in your arms from morning till night. And, besides, if you
only knew how pleased I am to be here again with you and the dear little
fellow."
He approached her to kiss her gently, and with a fresh laugh she returned
his kiss. It was quite true: they were both delighted to be back at
Chantebled, which recalled to them such loving memories. That room,
looking towards the far expanse of sky and all the countryside,
renascent, quivering with sap, was gilded with gayety by the early
springtide.
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