What shall I be if she becomes my wife? Ah! my wife! my wife!
I really believe, M. Renaud, that her refusal would drive me mad; so,
I hesitate. Hope is the refuge of the sick; and I am very sick--sick
at heart."
Maurice felt strangely drawn to this man, so simple, and so frank, and
so innately refined in thought.
"From to-day I am your ally, and I hope soon to be able to call you
'dear cousin.' As to her artistic career, Esperance will have to
sacrifice that for you. We will all try to lead her to this decision,
but you must not make her unhappy about it."
"I am already disposed to all concessions except those which touch my
honour, and I assure you that my mother and I are both ready to scorn
all idle talk."
The girls came up with Jean Perliez. The Count said, "Your portrait is
a perfect likeness and is, moreover, a beautiful picture. But," he
exclaimed, "you are all ready for riding!"
"Yes, we are going to Port-Herlin. Won't you come with us? Mama,
little Mademoiselle and Genevieve, are going in the carriage to carry
some provisions to poor old Mother Borderie."
"Your invitation is very tempting, and I am going to surprise you
perhaps by declining. The farmer arranged to have the Commandant's
horse here for this morning, but he comes accompanied by many warnings
and I want to try him out when you are not here; if M. Perliez will be
my guide to Port-Herlin to-day I shall be glad. To-morrow I hope you
will offer me the same chance again.
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