He tried to carry the thing off as well as he could, but he felt that
the movements he would have wished to appear alert were only convulsive,
and that the smiles with which he attempted to relax his features were
but distorted grimaces. However, the church was not the place for
further inquiries; and whilst Natalie gently pressed his hand in token
of sympathy, they advanced to the altar, and the ceremony was
performed; after which they stepped into the carriages waiting at the
door, and drove to the apartments of Madame de Bellefonds, where an
elegant _dejeuner_ was prepared.
"What ails you, my dear husband?" inquired Natalie, as soon as they
were alone.
"Nothing, love," he replied; "nothing, I assure you, but a restless
night and a little overwork, in order that I might have to-day free
to enjoy my happiness."
"Are you quite sure? Is there nothing else?"
"Nothing, indeed, and pray don't take notice of it; it only makes me
worse."
Natalie was not deceived, but she saw that what he said was
true,--notice made him worse; so she contented herself with observing
him quietly and saying nothing; but as he felt she was observing him,
she might almost better have spoken; words are often less embarrassing
things than too curious eyes.
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