Like certain devotees, who fancy they will deceive the Almighty, and secure pardon by praying with their… — Emile Zola
Like certain devotees, who fancy they will deceive the Almighty, and secure pardon by praying with their lips, and assuming the humble attitude of penitence, Thérèse displayed humility, striking her chest, finding words of repentance, without having anything at the bottom of her heart save fear and cowardice.
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In reality, one single thought tormented them: they were irritated at their crime, and in despair at having for ever troubled their lives.
Sometimes, forcing themselves to hope, they sought to resume the burning dreams of other days, and were quite astonished to find they had no imagination.
It was like a lightning flash of passion, swift and blinding in a leaden sky.
