Милый друг
Attainment
Shelookedlikeabeautifuldoll,crownedwithawreathoforangeblossoms.Sheadvancedwithbowedhead.Theladiessmiledandmurmuredasshepassedthem.Themenwhispered:
"Exquisite,adorable!"
M.Walterwalkedbyhersidewithexaggerateddignity.Behindthemcamefourmaidsofhonordressedinpinkandformingacharmingcourtforsodaintyaqueen.
Mme.WalterfollowedonthearmofCountdeLatour-Ivelin’sagedfather.Shedidnotwalk;shedraggedherselfalong,readytofaintateverystep.Shehadagedandgrownthinner.
NextcameGeorgesduRoywithanoldlady,astranger.Heheldhisheadproudlyerectandworeuponhiscoat,likeadropofblood,theredribbonoftheLegionofHonor.
Hewasfollowedbytherelatives:Rose,whohadbeenmarriedsixweeks,withasenator;CountdeLatour-IvelinwithViscountessdePercemur.FollowingthemwasamotleyprocessionofassociatesandfriendsofDuRoy,countrycousinsofMme.Walter’s,andguestsinvitedbyherhusband.
Thetonesoftheorganfilledthechurch;thelargedoorsattheentrancewereclosed,andGeorgeskneeledbesidehisbrideinthechoir.ThenewbishopofTangiers,crossinhand,miteronhead,enteredfromthesacristy,tounitetheminthenameoftheAlmighty.Heaskedtheusualquestions,ringswereexchanged,wordspronouncedwhichboundthemforever,andthenhedeliveredanaddresstothenewlymarriedcouple.
