I obviated, at least for the moment, the necessity of reading all of these hundred and fifty-six letters.
I told him only to stop at those marked with a cross, and to carefully read the passages indicated with a red pencil." "It was an abridgment of his penance," remarked old Tabaret.
"He was seated," continued Noel, "before a little table, too fragile even to lean upon.

I was standing with my back to the fireplace in which a fire was burning.

I followed his slightest movements; and I scanned his features closely.

Never in my life have I seen so sad a spectacle, nor shall I forget it, if I live for a thousand years.

In less than five minutes his face changed to such an extent that his own valet would not have recognized him.