pearl bracelets had not yet been removed. I remained long in mute
contemplation, and the more I gazed, the less could I persuade myself
that life had really abandoned that beautiful body for ever. I do not
know whether it was an illusion or a reflection of the lamplight, but it
seemed to me that the blood was again commencing to circulate under that
lifeless pallor, although she remained all motionless. I laid my hand
lightly on her arm; it was cold, but not colder than her hand on the
day when it touched mine at the portals of the church. I resumed my
position, bending my face above her, and bathing her cheek with the warm
dew of my tears. Ah, what bitter feelings of despair and helplessness,
what agonies unutterable did I endure in that long watch! Vainly did I
wish that I could have gathered all my life into one mass that I might
give it all to her, and breathe into her chill remains the flame which
devoured me. The night advanced, and feeling the moment of eternal
separation approach, I could not deny myself the last sad sweet pleasure
of imprinting a kiss upon the dead lips of her who had been my only
love.... Oh, miracle! A faint breath mingled itself with my breath, and
the mouth of Clarimonde responded to the passionate pressure of mine.
Her eyes unclosed, and lighted up with something of their former
brilliancy; she uttered a long sigh, and uncrossing her arms, passed
them around my neck with a look of ineffable delight. 'Ah, it is thou,
Romuald!' she murmured in a voice languishingly sweet as the last
vibrations of a harp. 'What ailed thee, dearest? I waited so long for
thee that I am dead; but we are now betrothed: I can see thee and visit
thee. Adieu, Romuald, adieu! I love thee. That is all I wished to
tell thee, and I give thee back the life which thy kiss for a moment
recalled. We shall soon meet again.'

Her head fell back, but her arms yet encircled me, as though to retain
me still. A furious whirlwind suddenly burst in the window, and entered
the chamber. The last remaining leaf of the white rose for a moment
palpitated at the extremity of the stalk like a butterfly's wing, then
it detached itself and flew forth through the open casement, bearing
with it the soul of Clarimonde. The lamp was extinguished, and I fell
insensible upon the bosom of the beautiful dead.

When I came to myself again I was lying on the bed in my little room at
the presbytery, and the old dog of the former cure was licking my
h