Farewell! Page #2

"Farewell!" is a poignant short story by Guy de Maupassant that explores themes of love, longing, and societal expectations. The narrative centers around a bittersweet farewell between two lovers who are forced to part due to societal pressures and personal circumstances. Maupassant's masterful prose captures the depth of their emotions and the inevitability of their separation, highlighting the tension between passion and duty. Through vivid imagery and a melancholic tone, the story reflects on the fleeting nature of happiness and the ache of yearning that lingers long after goodbyes are spoken.

								

surprised me as much as their mother. They were part of her; they
were big girls, and already had a place in life. Whereas she no longer
counted, she, that marvel of dainty and charming gracefulness. It seemed
to me that I had seen her but yesterday, and this is how I found her
again! Was it possible? A poignant grief seized my heart; and also a
revolt against nature herself, an unreasoning indignation against this
brutal, nefarious act of destruction.

“I looked at her, bewildered. Then I took her hand in mine, and tears
came to my eyes. I wept for her lost youth. For I did not know this fat
lady.

“She was also excited, and stammered:

“'I am greatly changed, am I not? What can you expect--everything has
its time! You see, I have become a mother, nothing but a good mother.
Farewell to the rest, that is over. Oh! I never expected you to
recognize me if we met. You, too, have changed. It took me quite a while
to be sure that I was not mistaken. Your hair is all white. Just think!
Twelve years ago! Twelve years! My oldest girl is already ten.'

“I looked at the child. And I recognized in her something of her
mother's old charm, but something as yet unformed, something which
promised for the future. And life seemed to me as swift as a passing
train.

“We had reached. Maisons-Laffitte. I kissed my old friend's hand. I had
found nothing but the most commonplace remarks. I was too much upset to
talk.

“At night, alone, at home, I stood in front of the mirror for a long
time, a very long time. And I finally remembered what I had been,
finally saw in my mind's eye my brown mustache, my black hair and the
youthful expression of my face. Now I was old. Farewell!”
								Rate this book:0.0 / 0 votes