Book #1: Suzy's Dream (Chapter 5 - Part 1)

Chapter 5

For the first time in her life, Suzy was stepping out alone. At the threshold of the front door, she paused for a second, looking around her. A slight shudder of vague pleasure, mixed with a little anxiety, gave her cheeks a bright rosy glow.

But then the idea that, in a few moments, she would enter a strange house for the first time to ask about giving lessons, quietly wounded her pride as a young girl who had, until now, been independent. She was also afraid of encountering one of Germaine's friends who could be found at Madame Arnay's on Thursdays, and who would be surprised to see her walking alone. As she was, at heart, a very determined individual, her hesitation was short. Becoming brave once more, Suzy abandoned the protective shelter of the entryway and entered the Rue de Prony, where a few passers-by were bustling about in a light fog. After all, it was she who had insisted that her mother, who was still ill, not expose herself to the dampness of such a penetrating mist.

Sustained by tender worry, Suzy had courageously begun the struggle to obtain permission to go alone to Madame de Vricourt's. In reality, though, she was a little frightened at the thought of possessing such outright liberty. Taken together, the route was not very long from the Rue de Prony to the Avenue du Bois.

Subtly, with a serious and composed tone that her mother had not heard from her before, Suzy had insisted. She constantly returned to the idea that if, during the winter, she had to give lessons, she had to get used to stepping out without being accompanied. Little by little, Madame Douvry had begun to think that Suzy was perhaps right in her candid wisdom.

“If you're going to have the serious life of a woman, you must get used to behaving like a woman,” her mother said at last, her eyes fixed with an infinite softness on Suzy's face. “You can go, my child.”

Then Suzy had gone, made courageous by a kiss from Madame Douvry, a kiss which resembled a blessing.

It was a whole new sensation she felt when left to herself. It seemed strange to her that she had no familiar faces by her side, that she could not discuss her thoughts and feelings with anyone, that she was forced to walk silently like this. She solemnly departed the house, intimidated by the reality surrounding her. Without looking at the passers-by, she obstinately fixed her eyes on the sidewalk or the length of the street, harassed by the idea that everyone must notice her secret embarrassment.

As she passed in front of a mirror, she took a moment and cast a furtive glance at it, desiring to see how she appeared. She saw a young woman—who was herself—slender in her dark wool serge dress, advancing with a serious countenance, and her face radiantly fresh under the tulle of the veil.

If Maman saw me, she'd be happy with me! I look very respectable! she thought, continuing her journey with the same calm air, her supple step gliding on the pavement.

A discreet little smile ran quickly over her lips. I am really a nice young lady! I didn't think I could do so well! she continued to secretly think.

This discovery amused her and made her a little braver as she followed the almost deserted Rue de Prony. Although not entirely deserted, Suzy soon discovered, for a young man approached from the opposite direction. He had a very elegant appearance, with his face lighted up by a blond beard.

He was soon only a few steps away from Suzy.

Le rêve de Suzy is in the public domain. All original additions, including translations, illustrations and chapter summaries, are copyright © 2025 by Marriah K. Nissen and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. All rights reserved.