They then rested in the cemetery, Martha and I, orphaned, abandoned, we were on the farm deserted, awaiting the time when we would drive. For my part I knew the way she had to go, I knew that the future did not offer me a different perspective than my hard earn bread to serve others. Do not hesitate and did not argue with my fate: I had enough energy, enough pride to live alone even abroad. But Martha was shaking, which, more than ever, I could live without comfort or affection.

On her wedding day still seemed far away. Mark could not wait much longer do it without exposing himself to her one day die exhausted by grief, like a lamp that has no oil.

I was not mistaken in my calculations. He was unable to attend funerals, but every time he had sent a word of comfort to Martha to help her pass the time more painful. Occasionally dropped some crumbs of his letters to me, which I seized it eagerly, as one who feels starved.

One day he showed up.

– This time I come to get you! Shouted Martha.

She laid down on Robert’s chest and cried. How happy I was! But I retired to the shade arbor over the garden and, abandoning myself to my reflections, I wondered if my heart would also have a home someday they could take refuge in the hours so happy as in times of distress. Well I felt that those were idle dreams, since the only place in the world … In short, I was born in me a pride and bitterness such that my whole being was filled with gall, and I let go with grim harshness of the arms of mine to lock myself alone in my pain.

They wanted to take with them, make me happy to share what little remained to them: I would create an interior in the house of my brother, but I declined his offer with fierce obstinacy.