Page:The Bohemians of the Latin Quarter.djvu/311

to forgetfulness. Alas! whatever one may wish and whatever one may do the eternal and just law of change wills it so.

Even as the flowers, sprung perhaps from Francine, had sprouted on her tomb the sap of youth stirred in the heart of Jacques, in which the remembrance of the old love awoke vague aspirations for new ones. Besides Jacques belonged to that race of artists and poets who make passion an instrument of art and poetry, and whose mind only shows activity in proportion as it is set in motion by the motive powers of the heart. With Jacques invention was really the daughter of sentiment, and he put something of himself into the smallest things he did. He perceived that souvenirs no longer sufficed him, and that, like the millstone which wears itself away when corn runs short, his heart was wearing away for want of emotion. Work had no longer any charm for him, his power of invention, of yore feverish and spontaneous, now only awoke after much patient effort. Jacques was discontented, and almost envied the life of his old friends, the Water-drinkers.

He sought to divert himself, held out his hand to pleasure, and made fresh acquaintances. He associated with the poet, Rodolphe, whom he had met at a café, and each felt a warm sympathy towards the other. Jacques explained his worries, and Rodolphe was not long in understanding their cause.

“My friend,” said he; “I know what it is,” and tapping him on the chest just over the heart he added, “Quick, you must rekindle the fire there, start a little love affair at once, and ideas will recur to you.”

“Ah!” said Jacques, “I loved Francine too dearly.”

“It will not hinder you from still always loving her. You will embrace her on another’s lips.”