In His Sweetheart's Livery Page #2

"In His Sweetheart's Livery" is a short story by French author Guy de Maupassant that explores themes of love, jealousy, and deception. The narrative follows a young man who becomes infatuated with a beautiful woman, only to discover the complex social dynamics and emotional turmoil that accompany their romantic entanglement. Maupassant's keen observations of human nature and his ability to weave intricate character interactions create a poignant commentary on the bittersweet nature of love and the masks people wear in relationships. Through rich prose and vivid imagery, the story captures the essence of longing and the often-unexpected consequences of desire.

• Short story

								

his contempt and hatred for her only increased, when he saw the
extravagance and the princely luxury with which she was surrounded. But
what was the use of his indignation? He was wearing her livery, he was
obliged to wait upon her and to obey her, for she had the corporal's
cane at her command, and it really seemed as if he incurred the
vengeance of the offended woman; as if the General's insolent mistress
wished to make him feel her whole power; as if he were not to be spared
the deepest humiliation.

The General and two of Frau von Kubinyi's friends, who were servants of
the Muses like she was, for one was a ballet dancer, and the two others
were actresses, had come to tea, and he was to wait on them.

While it was getting ready, he heard them laughing in the next room, and
the blood flew to his head, and when the butler opened the door Frau von
Kubinyi appeared on the General's arm; she did not, however, look at her
new footman, her former lover, triumphantly or contemptuously, but she
gave him a glance of the deepest commiseration.

Could he after all have wronged her?

Hatred and love, contempt and jealousy were struggling in his breast,
and when he had to fill the glasses, the bottle shook in his hand.

"Is this the man?" the General said, looking at him closely.

Frau von Kubinyi nodded.

"He was evidently not born for a footman," the General added.

"And still less for a soldier," the actress observed.

These words fell heavily on the unfortunate poet's heart, but she was
evidently taking his part, and trying to rescue him from his terrible
position.

Suspicion, however, once more gained the day.

"She is tired of all pleasures, and satisfied with enjoyment," he said
to himself; "she requires excitement and it amuses her to see the man
whom she formerly loved, and who, as she knows, still loves her, tremble
before her. And when she pleases she can see me tremble; not for my
life, but for fear of the disgrace which she can inflict upon me at the
moment if it should give her any pleasure."

But suddenly the actress gave him a look which was so sad and so
imploring, that he looked down in confusion.

From that time he remained in her house without performing any duties,
and without receiving any orders from her; in fact he never saw her, and
did not venture to ask after her, and two months had passed in this way,
when the General unexpectedly sent for him. He waited, with many others,
in the ante-room, and when the General came back from parade, he saw him
and beckoned him to follow, and as soon as they were alone, he said:

"You are free, as you have been allowed to purchase your discharge."

"Good heavens!" the poet stammered, "how am I to ..."

"That is already done," the General replied. "You are free."

"How is it possible? How can I thank your Excellency!"

"You owe me no thanks," he replied; "Frau von Kubinyi bought you out."

The poor poet's heart seemed to stop; he could not speak, nor even
stammer a word; but with a low bow, he rushed out and tore wildly
through the streets, until he reached the mansion of the woman whom he
had so misunderstood, quite out of breath; he must see her again, and
throw himself at her feet.

"Where are you going to?" the porter asked him.

"To Frau von Kubinyi's."

"She is not here."

"Not here?"

"She has gone away."

"Gone away? Where to?"

"She started for Paris two hours ago."
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