Peeking Under the Covers

 Chapter 4 continued... Madame Arnay looked at her poor sister, not daring to question her, a little embarrassed at the silence and the anguish-filled expression on her face. “Well, Jeanne?” she asked at last, unable to wait any longer. Madame Douvry looked up, torn from her sorrowful reverie. “Maybe you're right, Charlotte. Maybe I should resign myself to being separated from my Suzy. However, only if she agrees to it.” “Question her right away, for time is pressing! Any day now, Lady Graham could meet the travel companion she wants, and then...” Without answering, Madame Douvry rose and, ringing the bell, sent for Suzy. Before long, a light step resounded in the next room, and Suzy opened the door and came to offer her fresh face to her aunt to receive a welcoming kiss. “Mother, did you ring for me?” “Yes, Suzy. Your aunt has a proposal for you.” Madame Douvry's voice shook and that struck the young girl. “A proposal? For me?” she asked with a sort of anxious curiosity. “Yes,...

 Chapter 4 continued... “But, my dear, I have never been more serious. I even wonder how I didn't think of Suzy right away. To Lady Graham, she would be like a friend, and, moreover, would see her presence sufficiently rewarded. The salary that Lady Graham spoke to me about is one of a princely generosity.” “Charlotte,” Madame Douvry said, her voice trembling. “It’s painful for me to hear you speak in this way!” Madame Arnay looked at her bewildered. No doubt she was an accomplished woman of the world, but the practice of heartfelt tact sometimes failed her. “How strange you are, Jeanne. What do you find ‘painful’ — to use your word — with my proposal? I recognize that Suzy will be away from you, but in the end, five or six months goes by very quickly.” “Charlotte, if I proposed to you to send Germaine away, would you accept?” A gesture of impatience escaped Madame Arnay. What an idea her sister had in shifting the question in this direction. Why compare Suzy and Germaine, whose po...

 Chapter 4 continued... “‘Dear friend,’” wrote the old lady to Madame Douvry. “‘A young woman whose family I know very well, Madame de Vricourt, is at this moment looking for a music teacher for her two little daughters. I immediately thought of your Suzy. Madame de Vricourt is, for a few days, in the country, but at the beginning of next week, have Suzy go to her house on my behalf. I would be very happy if this interview could result in a favorable arrangement for your dear daughter. All my wishes, my dearest friend, for the success of this endeavor. I desire, as much as you do, to see this succeed.’” Suzy gave a shriek of joy when she read these few lines. All her obsessive fears vanished, and hope, very lively in her, was reawakened, so fervent and so infectious, that poor Madame Douvry even came under its influence. Her anxiety was somewhat lightened. On the very day that the blessed note arrived, Madame Arnay, who was passing through Paris, came while in between errands to se...

  Chapter 4 The announcement of the Douvry’s new, unfortunate situation was carried to Le Castel by M. Arnay upon his return from Paris. He briefly entered his wife’s rooms, where she was finishing dressing for dinner. “What interesting news do you have today, Maurice?" She asked, examining in the mirror the effect of the flowers that the maid had placed in her hair. “Nothing, absolutely nothing,” he said, then stopped. “However, yes, I did learn some troublesome news this afternoon. Robert Douvry came to my office to tell me that the financial corporation was abolishing his position as inspector.” “Oh, that is bothersome! The poor Douvrys have such unheard-of misfortune. So, no doubt, you will have to look for a position for him. Further to the right, with this rose, Julie,” she said, addressing the maid. “Shape it into a tiara. Yes, it’s better that way.” She turned her attention back to her husband. “You were saying, Maurice…”  “I was saying, my dear, that Douvry is a despe...

By the end of Chapter 3, we find Suzy's family in some dire circumstances. Her father (M. Douvry) has been let go of (I guess downsized for the time period) from his position as inspector at the financial corporation where he worked. His brother-in-law (M. Arnay) had secured the position for him, so a little friction is bound to arise. Bitterness and sadness permeate Chapter 3, especially between husband and wife. There is a sweetness there, though, that shines through. Mme. Douvry has been through so much with her husband concerning his career and, even though this will be yet another disappointment and hardship, she is willing to see it through with M. Douvry. As for Suzy, she's beginning to grow up. This story not only has a thread of romance in it, but it's also a coming-of-age story for a young girl finally understanding life can be a struggle. And sometimes, we have to pitch in to help make things work out! Chapter 4: Cast of Characters Suzanne (Suzy)   -- eldest daug...