Inspired by Edouard Manet (1832-1883) –  The railway (1872-1873) – Oil on canvas – 14,96 x 18,11 inch

Modeste has a date this morning. She took her little niece Victoire to the Saint Lazare station. The puppy of the little girl is here too. He fell asleep on the young woman’s lap.

To hold on, Modeste took a little reading but she gets tired quickly and prefers to indulge in her favorite hobby, daydreaming. Victoire seems to be passionate about trains. The smoke that spreads particularly impresses her. She can’t take her eyes out of it. She also wants to share her enthusiasm with her favorite aunt. But the latter seems rather absorbed by something else. Victoire wonders why the young woman seems so far away lately. Each time she speaks with her, the little girl has the strange feeling that she is not heard or sometimes that the answer given doesn’t match the question. She is worried. Has she done something wrong? Why so much indifference suddenly? She keeps her doubts to herself. She doesn’t want her aunt to get in troubles. She’s heard a lively conversation between her parents about this aunt, still single, at her age! Her father blamed her wife’s parents for the permissive education received by the two sisters. And of course the anger growing, the furious husband leaves the house, slamming the door. In this difficult circumstances, Victoire chooses to keep her mouth shut.

It’s been a while now that Modeste is waiting. No Prince Charming within sight. Yet, in several letters, Alphonse used strong words, which lets her hope inflamed statements. A brand new crazy love, coming from nowhere. A Cupid’s spear targeting two innocent lovebirds, well almost. It’s because Alphonse is no longer quite young, or almost old. As for Modeste, can she still have children? She feels like a prisoner of her condition, her hopes, her letters, all crumpled after many readings, slipped into this book with pages a thousand times traveled. She is also well aware of her distant behavior with her little niece. But what can she do about it ? She can’t share her secret, Victoire is far too young to be involved in any love affair.

But who’s over there ? Could it be …