He was partly reassured, but some points had still to be cleared up.
"But still," said he, "you are lamenting his loss." A melancholy smile flitted for an instant over Reine's pure, rosy lips.
"Are you jealous of my tears ?" said she, softly.
"Oh, yes!" he exclaimed, with sudden exultation, "I love you so entirely that I can not help envying Claudet his share in your affections! If his death causes you such poignant regret, he must have been nearer and dearer to you than those that survive." "You might reasonably suppose otherwise," replied she, almost in a whisper, "since I refused to marry him." He shook his head, seemingly unable to accept that positive statement.
Then Reine began to reflect that a man of his distrustful and despondent temperament would, unless the whole truth were revealed to him, be forevermore tormented by morbid and injurious misgivings.

She knew he loved her, and she wished him to love her in entire faith and security.
She recalled the last injunctions she had received from the Abbe Pernot, and, leaning toward Julien, with tearful eyes and cheeks burning with shame, she whispered in his ear the secret of her close relationship to Claudet.
This painful and agitating confidence was made in so low a voice as to be scarcely distinguished from the soft humming of the insects, or the gentle twittering of the birds.
The sun was shining everywhere; the woods were as full of verdure and blossoms as on the day when the young man had manifested his passion with such savage violence.

Hardly had the last words of her avowal expired on Reine's lips, when Julien de Buxieres threw his arms around her and fondly kissed away the tears from her eyes.
This time he was not repelled.
ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: Accustomed to hide what I think Amusements they offered were either wearisome or repugnant Consoled himself with one of the pious commonplaces Dreaded the monotonous regularity of conjugal life Fawning duplicity Had not been spoiled by Fortune's gifts How small a space man occupies on the earth Hypocritical grievances I am not in the habit of consulting the law I measure others by myself It does not mend matters to give way like that Like all timid persons, he took refuge in a moody silence More disposed to discover evil than good Nature's cold indifference to our sufferings Never is perfect happiness our lot Opposing his orders with steady, irritating inertia Others found delight in the most ordinary amusements Plead the lie to get at the truth Sensitiveness and disposition to self-blame The ease with which he is forgotten There are some men who never have had any childhood Those who have outlived their illusions Timidity of a night-bird that is made to fly in the day To make a will is to put one foot into the grave Toast and white wine (for breakfast) Vague hope came over him that all would come right Vexed, act in direct contradiction to their own wishes Women: they are more bitter than death Yield to their customs, and not pooh-pooh their amusements You have considerable patience for a lover You must be pleased with yourself--that is more essential.